(Origanum vulgare) Traditionally used to support a healthy immune response and joint and digestion function.
"A published article in Phytotherapy Research stated that oil of oregano is as effective as morphine when used as a pain killer."
Kurt Schnaubelt, Ph.D wrote in The Healing Intelligence of Essential Oils that Oregano can be taken for acute tonsilitis. Schnaubelt warns the user to be careful, "this oil burns and needs to be absorbed on a charcoal pill or something similar that will release it slowly." In Medical Aromatherapy, Schnaubelt writes that the preferred mode of use is "internally, ideally diluted in vegetable oil and in capsules."
Alternative to Conventional Anticoccidial Additives in Broiler Feeds Oregano essential oil may offer an alternative to using the conventional anticoccidial agents currently used in broiler diets.
The effects of dietary oregano essential oil on live performance, carcass yield, serum immunoglobulin G level, and oocyst count in broilers by ResearchGate
Internal: Oregano is suitable for internal use within safe parameters if such use is deemed appropriate. Due to the potential skin irritating properties of Oregano, the preferred mode of use is internally, ideally taken by capsule diluted with a suitable carrier oil (Kurt Schnaubelt PhD). For bacterial infections, Oregano oil is aromatherapy’s “big gun.” Schnaubelt suggests 1-2 drops per oral application. “Oregano is well suited for treating acute bacterial infections of the gastrointestinal tract and the bronchi. When a strong response to a bacterial infection is needed, taking up to ten dosages of 50 milligrams (1-2 drops) of Oregano will do the trick.” Schnaubelt goes on to say: “In general, use of Oregano should be limited to treating acute conditions.” We feel that internal use is rarely *needed* and should only be used with respect for how concentrated the oils are. HEO does not advocate internal use of essential oils without appropriate knowledge and understanding of how to administer, for what purpose, how much, which essential oils, safety concerns and so on. In our experience, essential oils are generally more effective used topically with proper dilution or inhaled. Kurt Schnaubelt Ph.D. notes that "French aromatherapy literature contains many references to using oils orally." He goes on to note that "generally 1 drop is always enough when ingesting essential oils." A potential toxicity hazard could occur when untrained people use essential oils orally and ingest too much. Keep in mind that while medical doctors or health care practitioners may prescribe essential oils for internal use, they are trained and experienced in the safe application of essential oils. It is not a matter of using "French" or "British" methods, it's a matter of experience and appropriate application. Oral Caution: Diabetic medication, anticoagulant medication, major surgery, peptic ulcer, hemophilia and other bleeding disorders (Tisserand/Young page 376). Click here for more information about internal usage.
1. Oregano (undiluted) got rid of the mole I was troubled with. I applied it with a toothpick dipped into the oil, and it still irritated the surrounding skin, but I was able to help that by applying lanolin around the mole first to protect the skin right next to the mole. The mole went through stages: changed colors from dark to light, wept blood or pus, even smelled pungent at one point. The spot has totally healed now (3 months later) without a trace of the mole! 2. I used a toothpick to apply Oregano (undiluted) on a *bad* looking mole (or wart - not sure what it was). I treated it morning and night, and in about 3 days, I could see tiny black spots. Over time, the mole got scruffier and raised up more. The black spots gradually flaked off, but more appeared, and I've heard that with warts, there is a mother wart that feeds the others, so the idea is to kill the virus in the mother wart so all of the warts will go away. These black spots grew like hair on a man's beard, and when I tried to pluck them out, they would bleed, so I left them alone and they eventually rubbed off when they were ready to. More black spots kept appearing, they grew and then rub off, and all the while the mole was shrinking. This cycled over and over again - over 10 times until finally, the mole was hardly noticeable and I basically forgot about treating it. Oregano is the main oil I used, but sometimes I used Frankincense and sometimes Lavender. 3. My husband has battled ringworm off and on since he was a child. Within 3 days of taking Oregano oil diluted with olive oil in a capsule, he is virtually clear of ringworm. I just want to cry typing this! - Lynsey
4. Last night I had a sore throat (part of a cold) that kept me from sleeping. I put 3 drops of diluted Oregano under my tongue, held it there as long as possible, and as I was swallowing it slowly (because it is very hot). I made sure the oil covered all the sore spots in my throat. Almost immediately my sore throat was gone and it has not come back at all. - Marilyn [Caution: Oregano can cause irritation of skin and mucus membranes if not appropriately diluted. According to Tisserand/Young, maximum dermal use level is 1.1% (Tisserand page 376).]