Oregano oil is one of the most talked-about herbal remedies for infections, fungi, and inflammation.
A lot of that interest comes from compounds like carvacrol and thymol, which have shown antimicrobial and antioxidant activity in research.
In this guide, I’ll show you what oregano oil may help with, what the evidence is actually strongest for, and how to use it more safely
This post may contain affiliate links, at no extra cost to you.
( Oregano Oil is listed as number one in my list of the 15 best natural antibiotics)
Page Contents
The Unique Qualities of Oregano Oil
Oregano oil is best known for two active compounds: carvacrol and thymol.
These compounds have shown antibacterial, antifungal, antioxidant, and anti-inflammatory activity in lab research, which is why oregano oil is often talked about as a natural remedy.
If you do decide to try oregano oil, the smartest move is to choose a product that clearly states the plant source, the intended use, and the active compounds, instead of just buying the strongest-looking bottle and hoping for the best.
Evidence-Based Oregano Oil Uses
1. Diluted Topical Use for Some Fungal-Prone Skin Areas
Oregano oil is most often talked about for antifungal use, especially because compounds like carvacrol and thymol have shown activity against fungi in lab research.
In simple terms, that means oregano oil may help create a less friendly environment for certain microbes on the skin.
But concentrated oregano essential oil is very strong, so it can easily irritate or burn the skin if you use it straight.
How to use it:
If you want to try it on a small fungal-prone area of skin, use a properly diluted oregano oil product or dilute oregano essential oil with a carrier oil first, then patch-test a very small spot before wider use.
Apply only to intact skin, avoid the eyes and other sensitive areas, and stop if you feel burning, worsening redness, or irritation.
It makes more sense for small external areas than for large or broken patches of skin.
Many people use this for athletes’ feet.
2. As a Supplement For Antimicrobial Support
Some people use oregano oil capsules, softgels, or diluted oral extracts as a short-term supplement when they want extra antimicrobial support.
The reasoning comes mostly from lab research showing that oregano compounds can inhibit certain bacteria and fungi.
By antimicrobial support, I mean:
- Early cold feeling (scratchy throat, mild fatigue)
- General “I feel something coming on”
- Mild digestive upset (bloating, discomfort)
- After travel or questionable food/water
- Fungal-prone issues (like recurring athlete’s foot)
How to use it:
This is one area where I would stick closely to the product label instead of trying to guess your own dose.
Choose a product that is clearly intended for oral use, follow the directions exactly, and use it as a short-term supplement.
Check with your doctor first if you take medication, because oregano products are also being studied for possible drug interactions.
I use 8 drops in a glass of water once a day, or 4 drops twice a day anytime I feel it’s needed, and I have never had side effects.
3. For Oral Health
Oregano oil can help reduce some of the microbial activity that contributes to plaque, odor, or irritation.
How to use it:
If you want to use oregano oil for oral-health support, it is safest to use a mouthwash with oregano oil, rather than improvising with straight essential oil.
Think of it as a possible add-on, not a replacement for brushing, flossing, cleanings, or dental care.
I use oregano oil diluted 1:10 with olive oil. I rub it with a Q-tip, let it sit for 10 minutes, and rinse with warm saltwater – 3 times a day.
4. For Enteric Parasite Support
Oregano oil has also been studied in a small human trial for enteric parasites, which are parasites that live in the digestive tract.
In that study, 14 adults took 600 mg per day of emulsified oregano oil for 6 weeks, and parasite clearance was reported in most participants, along with some symptom improvement in people with Blastocystis hominis.
How to use it:
If this is the reason you are interested in oregano oil, the human study used an emulsified oral oregano product, not random drops of essential oil.
How to Choose Oregano Oil
Not all oregano products are the same. Some are oregano essential oils, which are highly concentrated and usually meant for diluted topical use.
Others are oregano oil extracts, capsules, or softgels, which are designed for oral use according to the label.
- Look for a brand that clearly states:
- The plant source
- The form of the product
- How it should be used
- Important compounds like carvacrol
I prefer products that clearly list their carvacrol percentage, because carvacrol is one of the main active compounds.
It is important not to confuse oregano oil with the common oregano that is used as a spice for cooking.
Common oregano is typically Origanum Marjoram, while the Oil of Oregano is derived from Origanum Vulgare.
When you buy oregano oil, make sure that the oil is derived from the proper potent oregano plant and that the carvacrol (active ingredient) concentration is at least 70%.
Look for a brand that uses pure, wild-crafted oregano oil free from additives or fillers.
Avoid brands that use a mixture of oils or that add synthetic ingredients.
Is Oregano Oil Really a “Natural Antibiotic”?
Oregano oil has shown strong antimicrobial activity in lab studies, which is why so many people call it a natural antibiotic.
But Oregano oil is not an approved antibiotic treatment, and the clinical evidence in humans is still limited.
A better way to think about it is this: oregano oil is a promising antimicrobial botanical, but not a replacement for standard care when you have a real infection.
Is Oregano Oil Safe?
Oregano oil is not a gentle kitchen herb once it has been concentrated into an essential oil or supplement.
It can irritate the skin, upset the stomach, and interact with medications.
Here are the main safety points to know:
- Concentrated essential oil should be diluted before topical use
- It should not be treated as a substitute for real medical care
- It is not considered a safe ear treatment, and essential oils can damage delicate ear tissue
- Oral use deserves extra caution if you are pregnant, breastfeeding, or taking medication.
To your health and happiness,
Meital
Studies
Leyva-López N, Gutiérrez-Grijalva EP, Vazquez-Olivo G, Heredia JB. Essential Oils of Oregano: Biological Activity beyond Their Antimicrobial Properties. Molecules. 2017 Jun 14;22(6):989.
Force M, Sparks WS, Ronzio RA. Inhibition of enteric parasites by emulsified oil of oregano in vivo. Phytother Res. 2000 May;14(3):213-4. doi: 10.1002/(sici)1099-1573(200005)14:3<213::aid-ptr583>3.0.co;2-u. PMID: 10815019.
This oil taken drops in water has speeded my recovery from gastric viral flu. I am never without it.
North American Herb and Spice is the best Oil of Oregano call Oreganol.
Processed without solvents, company uses CO2 process and uses 3rd party testing.
Check out their website.
Thanks for sharing your tips with us…very helpful 🙂
I started using oregano for Hepatitis C type II in a rare form and it put the Hep C in remission. Multiple tests were conducted and several examinations and there was not a trace of the Hep C virus. I used the Gel capsules and was told to place them under the tongue 3 to 4 four times daily.
1 drop Oregano and 1 drop Tea Tree Oil per 1-2ml of Jojoba or Coconut Oil [i.e. 15-30 drops of each oil per 1oz. of Carrier base oil] at bedtime is my “Go-To” recipe for removing dry brown moles, skin tags, and treating Candida skin rashes (Groins, under breasts, skin folds, etc.) and “Toenail Crud”.
Topical, Superficial Skin conditions get fast results; rashes have usually gone within 3 days; moles and skin tags dry up and fail off within 2 weeks. Toenails take about a year to allow new healthy tissue to grow out while the fungus is being killed. I mix up my recipe in plastic cosmetics “travel” 60-120ml. (2-4oz) bottles with pumps or sprays found at Dollar Stores or Wal-Mart and give to friends whenever they mention that they are suffering from any of these issues.
Warning: Oregano burns, it is very strong, must always be diluted in oil, and wash your hands after use if you are going to touch your face or your eyes will burn also. Even diluted you will feel a burn for a few minutes; if longer than that, dilute your mixture with more carrier oil.
I find using it with Tea Tree oil, decreases the burn and increases the efficacy of the treatments, as described above.
Yes, I would definitely try it. As for dosage, follow instructions inside the Oregano oil that you have.
Hi would you suggest taking oregano oil for lung infections such as pseudomonas and A typical bacteria? and how would you take it?
Angie
Oregano oil is the ultimate antibiotic. Oregano is a powerful herb with unique healing properties. It is a great natural alternative treatment for many skin problems. Oregano oil has been recognized as a very effective herb for various skin diseases including warts, moles, acne, skin tags, athlete’s foot.
My recommended brands are in the post with links to where to find them:)
Good luck!
Thanks!! Which brand would you recommend? EO ?
Ahhhh…o.k:)
When I use it for an acute condition, I take 8 drops in a glass of water, 3 times a day (always, because it’s very strong) on an empty stomach.
I hope this helps and let me know how it works for you, o.k?
thx, I am aware of d-mannose but my uti is caused by the enterococcus bacteria and d-mannose works only for e.Coli, that’s why I am looking into oregano oil ….. how much would you suggest? thx
For a UTI I actually recommend d-mannose…I have a special post dedicated to the best antibiotics for UTI, you can see it here:
https://natural-alternative-therapies.com/natural-antibiotics-for-uti/
how much , how many times/day and which brand would you recommend for a stubborn UTI that doesn’t respond to antibiotics?
Kristy,
I wouldn’t use oregno oil inside the ear, but you can mix it with warm olive oil and rub around your ears, it’s a powerful remedy.
It’s so strong that you won’t even have to put it inside the ear. Outside is enough…
I hope this helps and let me know how it has wirked for you…:)
Do you think that this could be added to olive oil? I’ve been battling an ear infection for a while and I’ve seen recipes for drops you can put in your ear… wondering if you’ve ever done anything like this?
Liz,
That’s great! Go your way and don’t listen to others…they obviously don’t know what you do yet…
Thanks for sharing your remedy with me and my readers!:)
I am glad I found this! I use Young Living Essential Oils and have been battling a sinus infection this weekend. In the past, that would mean seeing my doctor and doing two rounds of antibiotics because just one never worked. I started with a capsule of oregano oil, mountain savory oil, peppermint oil and an oil blend called Thieves, (2 drops of each), and 5 drops of coconut oil. I take it 3 times a day and on day two I am feeling so much better! I have family members who tell me natural medicine is unsafe and unwise, and I do still see my doctor for regular checks, but I prefer God’s medicine!
Great post! We stick to herbs, essential oils and other natural remedies, too. 🙂
I’m featuring your post on the newly relaunched Weekend Whatever Link-up! I hope we see you again, soon.
I did want to mention that I was looking into the Source Naturals Oil of Oregano and the capsule appears to just be oregano oil, but the liquid form is diluted to one part oregano oil to two parts olive oil. I’m sure that’s to keep from burning the skin when it’s applied topically. Just thought that was interesting. Here’s the link where I found that: https://www.sourcenaturals.com/products/GP1237/
Thanks so much!! I’ll also be Pinning and sharing your post.
Cheryl:)
That’s great! I’ve never heard about using Oregano oil as topical treatment for shingles…Glad to hear it worked so great!
Amanda:)
I mean Oregano essential oil, not oregano-infused oil. You’re right, I should clarify this in my post, and I will!
Thank you for visiting and for your comment!:)
Shingles!! Absolutely the BEST to treat shingles and the pain! I had a bad case on my lower leg, from my knee to my foot, and with a combination of topically applying Oreganol every 4-6 hrs (whenever it started to hurt again), changing my diet to high lysine foods, and taking large doses of Vit C, I was on the mend within 1 wk, and completely symptom-free by 2 wks. The Oreganol gave me complete pain relief from 4-6 hrs at a time – it literally felt miraculous!
Thanks for sharing on Natural Living Monday!
Are you talking about oregano essential oil or an oil infused with oregano? The literature is very confusing and not exact at all about “oil of oregano”. I would love clarification. Thanks!
This looks awesome! I found you through The Prairie Homestead. I co-host the From the Farm Blog Hop. The party just started yesterday, so we would love for you to come share with us!
Lisa
Fresh Eggs Daily
https://www.fresh-eggs-daily.com/2013/05/from-farm-blog-hop-34.html
Hi Erin:)
For acne I would suggest using Oregano Oil internally instead of externally. For topical treatment of acne I recommend you try some known remedies such as lemon, turmeric and my favorite – Baking soda paste (water + baking soda) – It works great!
Nice informative article. I’m interested in using oregano for acne. Is there some kind of carrier that would work instead of an oil? What about aloe gel for a carrier? Could oregano mix with the gel? Thanks!
I don’t exactly have acne but when I do break out I like to use the dead sea facial exfoliator mask by swisa beauty. My cousin got it for me from their spa and it works excellent and it’s not like a regular scratchy exfoliator it’s a gel you rub on your face. It helps smooth and replenish your skin and it helps to prevent blemishes without all of those harsh chemicals please don’t waste your money on Proactiv or Murad those things don’t really work they just make your skin dry and irritated