Oregano Oil

Oregano oil is often marketed as a natural remedy for various health conditions, including:

It’s possible — but more studies in people are needed to fully understand its effects.

Some evidence shows that oregano oil may have antifungal properties. A recent study found that oregano oil was effective against Candida albicans, a type of yeast that can lead to infections in different parts of the body, including the mouth.

Oregano oil might help with different skin issues. Some research showed oregano oil to be effective against Staphylococcus aureus, a bacteria that can cause skin infections. But the concentrations used were very high.

For example, according to one study, antibacterial effects were seen with a concentration of 12.5% to 25%. Because of skin irritation, it wouldn’t be possible to use oregano essential oil at this high of a concentration.

A review of studies suggests that oregano oil’s anti-inflammatory activity might help with acne, skin concerns related to aging, and wound healing.

The evidence is mixed on oregano oil’s effectiveness at decreasing inflammation. Research in the lab has shown that carvacrol in oregano oil may help lower inflammation by stopping the production of inflammatory molecules in the body.

As a result, scientists are studying whether this finding can translate to benefits like:

Anti-cancer benefits

Diabetes prevention

Immune protection

But another review that looked at 17 studies found oregano oil to only be effective against certain inflammation markers.

4. May lower cholesterol and help prevent diabetes

Animal studies have shown that a compound in oregano oil was able to help lower cholesterol in mice. Rats that were fed the oregano oil compound were also found to have lower glucose and higher insulin levels. This led researchers to believe that oregano oil could help protect against diabetes too.

Keep in mind that nobody has done any studies in humans yet. So it’s still too early to say if oregano oil can play a role in cholesterol and diabetes management in people.

Some research shows that oregano oil compounds might be able to help with pain control. Studies have shown that rodents that ingested a compound found in oregano oil had lower rates of cancer pain as well as oral and facial pain.

Again, these studies were performed on animals and have yet to be replicated in humans. So the results don’t mean that oregano oil will necessarily work for your pain management.

There’s optimism that oregano oil may be able to help with obesity and weight loss. Animal studies have shown that mice given an oregano oil compound showed fewer signs of excess weight. Cellular studies also showed that an oregano oil compound can actually block fat cells from building up. These studies are promising and point to oregano oil possibly being used to help with weight loss in the future.

Research on human colon cancer cells showed that oregano oil compound has anti-tumor properties. Researchers found that oregano oil compound helped kill off tumor cells and stop their growth. Studies on prostate cancer cells had similar results.

There’s no evidence that oregano oil can actually help fight cancer in people today. But these studies suggest that it might provide some protection at the cellular level.

A study of several different essential oils — including cinnamon, juniper, and thyme — found that oregano oil had some of the best antifungal properties. When introduced to a sample of yeast cells, oregano oil was found to stop yeast growth. This study was done in petri dishes, so it’s a long way away from human studies. The idea is that scientists may find a way to use oregano oil in the future to help fight yeast infections.

What are the side effects and risks of oregano oil?

The reported side effects are generally mild. When taken by mouth, the most common ones are upset stomach and diarrhea.

But there are certain risks that can affect some people:

Allergies: Applying oregano oil topically can lead to skin irritation or an allergic reaction — especially if you’re sensitive or allergic to related herbs, like mint, basil, and sage.

Certain medications: Taking oregano oil as a supplement may raise the risk of bleeding and lead to low blood sugar levels. So, if you take diabetes medication or blood thinners, avoid oregano oil.

Pregnancy: Oregano oil is also not recommended for people who’re pregnant or nursing.

Always talk with a healthcare professional before starting a new supplement. They can confirm whether it’s safe for you to try. As with any natural remedy, it’s important to know about possible risks and side effects.