Oregano is an herb that packs a powerful punch. While many people turn to the doctor to keep them healthy, oregano has many amazing health benefits as well, with many of them backed by science.

Top Benefits of Oregano

Here are some of the top benefits of oregano:

Help lower cholesterol. Cholesterol plays a vital role in the body. It is used to make vitamin D, produce hormones, and various substances used to digest food. Unfortunately, the CDC estimates more than 95 million people in the U.S. have cholesterol levels over 200 mg/dl, which is considered high.¹ Too much cholesterol can cause fatty deposits to develop in blood vessels, causing blood flow throughout the body to become difficult.

High cholesterol levels have been linked to the following ailments:

• Heart attack
• Chest pain
• Stroke
• Heart disease
• Atherosclerosis

Various studies have been performed on oregano and its ability to lower cholesterol:

A study of 48 people with slightly elevated levels of cholesterol found that after 3 months, those given oregano had higher levels of HDL “good” cholesterol and lower levels of LDL “bad” cholesterol compared to those in the study who only changed their diet and lifestyle.²

Potent antioxidant qualities. Antioxidants protect cells from free radicals and other harmful substances. The following health issues have been linked to free radicals and oxidative stress:³

• Alzheimer’s disease
• Diabetes
• Cardiovascular disease (high blood pressure, strokes, etc.)
• Asthma
• Inflammatory disorders
• Chronic fatigue syndrome
• Parkinson’s disease
• Infertility

Oregano has been found to have higher antioxidant capacities than many culinary and medicinal herbs. When compared to high antioxidant fruits, oregano was found to have four times the antioxidant levels of blueberries and 42 times the antioxidants levels of apples.⁴

Improved gut health. It is believed many health problems originate in the gut. Top symptoms of an unhealthy gut can include the following:

• Autoimmune disorders/inflammation
• Skin conditions
• Fatigue
• Unexplained weight gain/loss
• Upset stomach
• Insomnia/poor sleep patterns
• Poor eating habits

A person may experience any of the above symptoms, not realizing they are caused by issues in the gut. Consuming oregano could alleviate these symptoms while simultaneously healing the gut:

A study on pigs found that oregano oil helped prevent their intestinal walls from becoming leaky. This prevents bacteria and other harmful particles from seeping through the intestinal walls, and eventually into the bloodstream.⁵

Natural antibiotic. While some bacteria are good for the body, other types of bacteria can be hazardous to a person’s health. These dangerous (pathogenic) bacteria can cause a variety of diseases and illnesses:

• Strep throat
• Cholera
• Food poisoning
• Tuberculosis
• Staph infections

A study on a non-antibiotic alternative to treat infections found that oregano oil showed “significant anti-bacterial activity” against over a dozen types of bacteria, including four strands of methicillin-resistant staphylococcus aureus viruses. Researchers also noted there was “no evidence of resistance development” while using oregano oil.⁶ This benefit can also be received when adding oregano to food. 

Topical Uses of Oregano

Skin conditions. In addition to being consumed, oregano oil can be applied directly to the skin. The following skin conditions have been treated with oregano oil:

• Ringworm
• Dandruff
• Athlete’s foot
• Acne
• Warts
• Psoriasis
• Insect bites/repellent
• Muscle and joint pain
• Gum disease

While studies are ongoing, research on commercial products containing oregano and the phenol carvacrol has been called a “promising candidate for use in skincare products with anti-inflammatory and anticancer properties.”⁷

Note: >When applying an essential oil to the skin, it must be diluted first. For example, one or two drops in a diffuser will suffice in most uses.

Oregano Home Uses

In addition to its medicinal benefits, oregano oil can be used in the home as well:

Laundry. Oregano oil can be added to laundry, providing a fresh, clean smell as well as killing unwanted bacteria.

Household cleaner. A combination of water, lemon oil (10 drops), white vinegar (1/4 cup) and oregano oil (4 drops) makes an effective way to clean the home naturally.

Adding Oregano to Food

There are several ways to incorporate oregano into a daily diet. Oregano leaves can be sprinkled on the following dishes:

• Salad
• Stuffing
• Homemade bread and pizza dough
• Chili dishes
• Recipes with olive oil
• Meat, chicken, and fish
• Veggies

Oregano leaves can also be crushed or ground to increase the flavor. Adding oregano near the end of the cooking process can increase the flavor as well.

Oregano Supplements

In addition to consuming oregano, there are many high-quality supplements available, ideal for those on the go:

DesBio - PathoGuard - 90 capsules

DesBio - PathoGuard contains oregano extract, and is designed to help the body remove parasites, worms, viruses, and harmful bacteria. It also helps restore gastrointestinal health. In addition to oregano oil, DesBio - PathoGuard contains black walnut, elderberry extract, sweet wormwood and other healthy, natural ingredients.

Dentalcidin Broad Spectrum Toothpaste with Biocidin - ONE 3oz tube

Dentalcidin Broad Spectrum Toothpaste with Biocidin is a botanical-based toothpaste that helps keep the teeth and gums healthy by helping to remove harmful plaque and biofilms. This all-natural product is void of gluten, sugar, fluoride, artificial flavors and colors. 

Dentalcidin Broad Spectrum Toothpaste with Biocidin contains oregano oil, bilberry extract, milk thistle, Echinacea, an essential oil blend of spearmint, peppermint, tea tree, cinnamon, clove bud, and many other healthy, all-natural ingredients.

Systemic Formulas: #184 - Rox - Super Antioxidant With Resveratrol

Full of antioxidants, Systemic Formulas: #184 - Rox - Super Antioxidant With Resveratrol is designed to protect and stabilize normal cellular function. It also contains many nutrients designed to increase good health and longevity.

Each capsule contains these and other all-natural ingredients:

• Oregano oil
• Vitamin A (beta carotene)
• Green tea extract
• Cardamom
• Lotus seed
• Licorice Chinese root
• Magnolia (bark)
• Turmeric
• Thyme
• Milk Thistle
• Grapefruit flavonoids

Summary

Oregano has been used for thousands of years to maintain good health. Extensive studies have shown it to be a viable option to treat a variety of health issues and diseases. By adding oregano to their diet in the form of a supplement or herb, a person could give their immune system the boost it needs to lessen the severity of ailments or ward them altogether.

References

1. High Cholesterol Facts. https://www.cdc.gov/cholesterol/facts.htm

2. Ozdemir B, Ekbul A, Topal NB, et al. Effects Of Origanum Onites On Endothelial Function And Serum Biochemical Markers In Hyperlipidaemic Patients. J Int Med Res. 2008;36(6):1326–1334. [PMID: 19094443] doi:10.1177/147323000803600621 https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/19094443-effects-of-origanum-onites-on-endothelial-function-and-serum-biochemical-markers-in-hyperlipidaemic-patients/

3. How Does Oxidative Stress Affect The Body? 9https://www.medicalnewstoday.com/articles/324863.php#conditions

4. W Zheng, S Y Wang Antioxidant Activity and Phenolic Compounds in Selected Herbs. J Agric Food Chem, 49 (11), 5165-70 Published. Nov 2001 [PMID: 11714298] DOI: 10.1021/jf010697n https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/11714298-antioxidant-activity-and-phenolic-compounds-in-selected-herbs/

5. Zou Y, Xiang Q, Wang J, Peng J, Wei H. Oregano Essential Oil Improves Intestinal Morphology and Expression of Tight Junction Proteins Associated with Modulation of Selected Intestinal Bacteria and Immune Status in a Pig Model. Biomed Res Int. 2016;2016:5436738. doi: 10.1155/2016/5436738. Epub 2016 May 29. [PMID: 27314026]; PMCID: PMC4903144.https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC4903144/

6. Lu M, Dai T, Murray CK, Wu MX. Bactericidal Property of Oregano Oil Against Multidrug-Resistant Clinical Isolates. Front Microbiol. Published 2018 Oct 5;9:2329. doi: 10.3389/fmicb.2018.02329. [PMID: 30344513]; PMCID: PMC6182053. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC6182053/#!po=0.423729

7. Xuesheng Han , Tory L Parker Anti-inflammatory, Tissue Remodeling, Immunomodulatory, and Anticancer Activities of Oregano (Origanum vulgare) Essential Oil in a Human Skin Disease Model. Biochim Open 4, 73-77 2017 Mar 3 eCollection Published Jun 2017. [PMID: 29450144 PMCID]: PMC5801825 DOI: 10.1016/j.biopen.2017.02.005 https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/29450144-anti-inflammatory-tissue-remodeling-immunomodulatory-and-anticancer-activities-of-oregano-origanum-vulgare-essential-oil-in-a-human-skin-disease-model/