Respiratory: Cough, asthma, croup, bronchitis, expectorant properties, swimmers' ear

Gastrointestinal: Vomiting and diarrhea, indigestion, toothache, vomiting, bloating, cramping, constipation, possibly parasites (oil), heartburn, gum disease, IBS, questionably antiparasitic

Genitourinary: Urinary tract infections (oil)

Musculoskeletal: Rheumatism, arthritis, muscle pain, bone health

Neurologic: This may help prevent peripheral neuropathy.

Skin: Infection (may be effective with some antibiotic-resistant bacteria), irritation, acne, athlete's foot, dandruff, warts, wound healing

Mental Health: May increase serotonin levels

Glucose: May help lower blood sugar

Cholesterol: May help lower cholesterol (especially LDL)

Immunity: May enhance immunity

Cancer: Possibly a cancer suppressant

Other: Fever, lowers cholesterol, fatigue (oil), possibly yeast sensitivity syndrome, a great source of vitamin K, a good source of iron, diaphoretic (makes one sweat), antiparasitic

                                                       *   *   *

SIDE EFFECTS: Rash, Hypoglycemia, increased bleeding, stomach upset.

CAUTION/CONTRAINDICATIONS: Antidiabetic medications, Blood thinners (Coumadin, Plavix, Lovenox, aspirin, and others—may increase bleeding), and allergic reactions in those allergic to the Lamiaceae family. Caution with diabetic medications, Lithium (may increase lithium levels), diabetes, and antidiabetic medications. Diuretics or “water pills” (i.e., hydrochlorothiazide/ HCTZ, Lasix/furosemide). It can be toxic in large amounts.

FORMS: Capsules, oils (many of the above applications), teas, whole leaf

Recommended Brands

Designs for Health Oil of Oregano softgel — NSF certified — order through Fullscript link.

I only recommend herbal and supplement brands that meet high standards for safety, effectiveness, and transparency. I research each product before sharing. Some links—Fullscript and Life Extension—are affiliate links, meaning I may earn a small commission if you purchase through them, at no extra cost to you. This helps support the free educational content on this site.

Dosage

As directed on the product label. Some clinical and consumer sources describe a wide range of herbal amounts, and many are not supported by strong evidence. Always follow the manufacturer’s instructions.

Amounts used in studies vary widely depending on the formulation and purpose. These study amounts are not clinical recommendations and may not apply to consumer products.

*Disclaimer: The material above is for informational purposes only. This information is not intended to diagnose treat or cure a condition. The uses listed above are tentative; some have or are undergoing research trials, but many are not FDA-approved. It is essential that you investigate these supplements further before deciding to use them. Check interactions and contraindications on sites like Drugs.com or WebMD. Do not attempt to treat a serious condition like liver, kidney problems, high blood pressure, heart, cancer, diabetes, or thyroid issues without discussing it with a healthcare provider first. If you are pregnant, do not use supplements without discussing it with your healthcare provider.