Oil of Oregano – Natural Medicine Chest

Oil of Oregano ($\text{Origanum vulgare}$), also known as Wild Oregano, could possibly be the only herb you need in your medicine cabinet. This perennial herb grows in the wild, particularly in the Mediterranean region of the world.

It is important to note that the Essential Oil of Oregano is not the same variety used in cooking ($\text{Origanum marjorana}$ or $\text{Origanum vulgare hirtum}$ is often the culinary type). You must make sure that you purchase the proper oil if you want to reap the significant health benefits.

🌟 Why is Oil of Oregano So Valuable?

Oil of Oregano is highly valued for its broad-spectrum therapeutic properties, which are often attributed to Carvacrol and Thymol [1.2, 3.1]. This wonder herb boasts a profile that includes:

• Natural Antibiotic and Antiseptic [1.2, 1.3]
• Anti-fungal (effective against yeast like Candida) [1.2, 4.1]
• Anti-viral [5.1]
• Anti-parasitic [1.2]
• High Antioxidant properties [1.1]
• Anti-inflammatory and Analgesic (pain-relieving) [1.3]
• Note: It is also being studied for its potential anti-cancer and anti-diabetic effects [1.1].

Some of the medicinal applications for Oil of Oregano:

Skin Conditions (Acne, Eczema, Rashes, Boils) – Repairs skin, kills off bacteria and fungus. Source: [1.2, 3.3]

Mix 2 drops of Oil of Oregano with 2 drops of Jojoba or Olive oil. Dab onto the irritation with a clean cotton-ball. Use twice daily, do not rinse.

Sinus Congestion / Infections – Helps to clear sinuses and kill airborne pathogens. Source: [5.1, 5.3]

Add 2 drops of Oil of Oregano to a vaporizer/diffuser near where you are sleeping. Alternatively, add 2 drops to a bowl of hot water, drape a towel over your head, and inhale the steam. (Avoid being too close to steam to prevent burns).

Mouth Infections (Gingivitis, Bad Breath, Canker Sores) – Kills bacteria, provides antiseptic action. Source: [1.3]

• Mouthwash: Add 3 drops to 8 ounces of water, swish, then spit out.
• Brushing: Add 1-2 drops (diluted) to toothpaste before brushing.
• Sore/Abscess: Dab diluted oil onto the sore for pain relief and healing.

Muscle and Joint Pain (Arthritis, Sore Muscles) – Anti-inflammatory and analgesic (pain-relieving) properties. Source:[1.3] 

• Topical: Mix 50/50 Oil of Oregano and Olive oil, and massage directly onto the sore areas.
• Internal: Take Oil of Oregano in capsule form internally (follow product dosage).

Cold and Flu (Cough, Congestion, Sore Throat) – Antimicrobial for chest/throat, reduces congestion

• Topical: Mix equal parts Oil of Oregano with a carrier oil (Olive, Grapeseed, etc.) and rub onto the chest.
• Gargle: Add 2 drops of Oil of Oregano to 1/2 teaspoon of sea salt in 8 ounces of water, mix, then gargle.

Fungal Infections (Ringworm, Athlete’s Foot, Nail Fungus) – Potent anti-fungal action (Carvacrol and Thymol). Source: [1.3, 4.2]

• For skin/ringworm: Mix 2 drops of Oil of Oregano with 2 drops of Jojoba or Olive oil. Dab onto the irritation with a clean cotton-ball. Use twice daily, do not rinse.
• For foot/nail fungus: Dilute equal parts of Oil of Oregano and a carrier oil (Olive, Coconut, etc.), dab onto affected area. You can also soak feet in a pan of warm water with 4 drops for 10 minutes.

Digestive Issues (Diarrhea, Indigestion, Gas, SIBO) – Supports healthy gut bacteria balance, fights parasites. Source: [1.2, 1.4]

Mix 1-3 drops of Oil of Oregano with 1 tablespoon of a carrier oil (like olive oil) or honey/milk, then stir and drink with 8 ounces of water. Do not exceed 14 days of continuous use without a break.

Allergies (Hay Fever) – May help inhibit inflammatory responses.

Take Oil of Oregano in capsule form during allergy season (follow product dosage).

Urinary/Yeast Infections – Potent antibacterial and antifungal properties.

Mix 2-3 drops of Oil of Oregano with 1 tablespoon of a carrier oil or honey/milk, then stir and drink with 8 ounces of water.

Insect Bites, Bee Stings – Provides antiseptic and soothing relief. Note: A 50/50 mix may cause burning on irritated skin. Source: [3.1]

Mix 1 part Oil of Oregano to 3 parts carrier oil (e.g., Olive or Coconut oil). Gently wipe the mixture onto the bite area for relief.

Fungal Infections (Nail/Athlete’s Foot) – Antifungal action. Continue daily application for several weeks or months until the condition clears, as nail fungus requires long-term treatment.

Dilute equal parts of Oil of Oregano and a carrier oil (Olive, Coconut, etc.). Dab onto affected area and in between toes. You may also soak feet in a pan of warm water with 4 drops for 10 minutes.

Dandruff, Cradle Cap – Antifungal properties help fight yeast/fungus that cause flaking. Crucial Safety Note: Do not get in eyes! Source: [3.2]

Apply 2 drops to a dollop of your regular shampoo, wash hair for 2 minutes, then rinse out as usual.

Ear Aches – Crucial Safety Note: NEVER drop undiluted oil directly into the ear canal or use if the eardrum is ruptured. Source: [1.2]

Take Oil of Oregano twice a day in capsule form OR apply diluted oil (1 drop in 1 tsp carrier oil) to a cotton ball and place gently at the outer opening of the ear canal.

Varicose Veins – May help relieve associated pain and swelling, but cannot cure varicose veins.

Mix 2 drops with grapeseed or olive oil, dab a cotton-ball into the mix and gently wipe around the area.

Poison Ivy – Helps wash away irritants and soothes inflammation.

Add 2-3 drops to liquid soap to help cleanse the area and reduce inflammation, wash the affected areas, then rinse off as usual.

Diaper Rash – Antiseptic and healing properties. Always use a very high dilution (1 drop per teaspoon) for infants and sensitive areas.

Mix 1 drop of Oil of Oregano in 1 teaspoon (5 ml) of Olive oil (or coconut oil). Gently wipe onto the affected area.

Warts – Antiviral and tissue repair properties. Do not apply undiluted oil.

Apply diluted oil (e.g., a 50/50 mix with a carrier oil) directly onto the wart, cover with a bandage. Change twice a day.

Menstruation – Provides anti-inflammatory support.

Helps with bloating and menstrual cramps. Take two capsules of Oil of Oregano a day (follow product directions).

Cold Sore – Antiviral properties may help reduce healing time. Always use diluted oil on sensitive facial skin.

Dab a drop of diluted Oil of Oregano (pre-mixed with a drop of carrier oil) onto the cold sore twice a day.

Internal/Systemic Use (Requires Dilution in Carrier/Honey)

Chronic Fatigue Syndrome – Use for supportive treatment only. Do not use continuously for more than 14 days without consulting a health professional.

Mix 2 drops of Oil of Oregano with 1 teaspoon of a carrier oil (like olive oil or honey) before stirring into 8 ounces of water. Drink twice a day.Use for supportive treatment only. Do not use continuously for more than 14 days without consulting a health professional.

Respiratory Symptoms (Congestion, Bronchitis) – For severe infections (Pneumonia, Tuberculosis), always consult a medical doctor for proper treatment. This is for supportive symptom relief only.

• Topical: Dilute equal parts of carrier oil (Olive, Almond, etc.) and rub onto the chest.
• Inhalation/Diffuser: Use 2 drops in a vaporizer.

🛑 Important Safety and Usage Guidelines

Always remember that pure essential oil of oregano is highly concentrated and must be used with caution.

Internal Use Dilution (CRITICAL)

NEVER take concentrated essential oil of oregano drops directly on the tongue or in water without first mixing with a carrier (like olive oil, honey, or milk) to protect your mucous membranes.

Always follow the manufacturer’s directions for internal dosage (drops or capsules).

Take a break: Do not use internally for extended periods (e.g., more than 14-21 days).

Topical Use Dilution:

Always use Oil of Oregano diluted when applied to the skin. Mix it with any of these carrier oils in equal parts or a minimum 1:2 ratio (Oil of Oregano to Carrier Oil): (Olive oil, Jojoba oil, Coconut oil, Grapeseed oil, or Almond oil.)

A slight warming sensation is a normal reaction when using the oil. If a rash or intense burning occurs, discontinue use immediately.

Keep away from eyes and sensitive areas.

Drug Interactions & Health Concerns (CRITICAL):

Blood Thinners: Oregano oil may slow blood clotting. Consult your doctor if you are taking anticoagulant or antiplatelet drugs (e.g., Warfarin, Aspirin). Discontinue use at least two weeks before any scheduled surgery. Source: [6.1, 6.4].

Diabetes: Oregano may lower blood sugar levels. Consult your doctor if you are taking diabetes medication, and monitor your blood sugar closely. Source:[1.3, 6.1].

Iron Absorption: Oil of Oregano can inhibit iron absorption. Space out consumption of Oregano Oil and Iron supplements by at least two hours. Source: [1.4, 6.1].

Allergies: Do not use if you are allergic to oregano or other plants in the Lamiaceae family (e.g., basil, mint, sage, lavender). Source: [6.1].

Pregnant women should avoid using Oil of Oregano in medicinal amounts. It is considered “possibly unsafe” as there is concern it could cause complications or miscarriage.

There is insufficient reliable information on safety during breastfeeding. Consult with your doctor before using the product.

Sources

• [1.1] Essential Oils of Oregano: Biological Activity beyond Their Antimicrobial Properties – PMC (Antimicrobial, anti-inflammatory, antioxidant, anti-diabetic, anti-cancer properties, Carvacrol composition)
• [1.2] Oregano Oil: Is It Good for You? – WebMD (Antimicrobial, antiviral, antifungal, antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, acne, digestive health)
• [1.3] 4 Potential Benefits of Oregano Oil and How to Use It – Verywell Health (Antimicrobial, anti-inflammatory, pain-relieving, fungal, drug interactions)
• [1.4] Oil of Oregano: Benefits, Uses, Side Effects, and More – Health (Antifungal, SIBO/Gut health, inflammation, mineral absorption)
• [2.2] Oil of Oregano Carvacrol: Benefits, Percentage, and Usage – HBNO Bulk (Carvacrol potency, typical percentage)
• [3.1] Oregano Oil Benefits, Uses, Extractions, Contradictions & More – New Directions Aromatics (Topical benefits, historical use, antiseptic)
• [3.2] Oregano Oil Side Effects: What You Should Know – Healthline (Dandruff, acne, dilution, inhalation)
• [3.3] The Healing Touch of Oregano Oil: Nature’s Skincare Ally – Clinikally (Skin barrier, healing, redness, dilution)
• [4.1] Oregano Oil for Candida: Benefits, Uses & Safety – The Candida Diet (Antifungal, dilution, safety)
• [4.2] Antifungal activities of origanum oil against Candida albicans – PubMed
• [4.3] Top 10 Foot Fungus Home Remedies That Actually Work – Foot and Ankle Centers of SJ (Topical fungal use)
• [5.1] Oregano oil for cold: Does it work? – Medical News Today (Antiviral, respiratory use, difference between EO and oil of oregano)
• [5.2] How to Use Oregano Oil to Treat Respiratory Infections – wikiHow (Inhalation, steam)
• [5.3] Relationship: Congestion (lungs) and oregano – Caring Sunshine (Traditional use for congestion)
• [6.1] OIL OF OREGANO – PatientPop (Drug interactions, blood thinners, diabetes, allergies, surgery warning)
• [6.4] Can Essential Oils Interfere With the Prescriptions You’re Writing? – ThriveAP (Blood thinning/Anticoagulants)

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