Herb Notes: The Benefits of Oregano
Oregano (Origanum vulgare) is a bold, aromatic herb that’s probably sitting in your kitchen cupboard—but don’t let its everyday status fool you. This plant is a potent medicinal herb with a long history of use as a digestive aid, respiratory support, and antimicrobial remedy.
Let’s dive into 3 key benefits of oregano…
1. Oregano for Healthy Digestion
Feeling heavy after meals? Experiencing gas, cramping, or bloating? Oregano may be just the ally your digestion needs. Its warming, carminative properties can help move stagnant digestion and ease mild gastrointestinal discomfort.
To support your digestion, try sipping oregano tea before or after meals. This simple herbal remedy can help stimulate the digestive process, relieve tension in the gut, and reduce uncomfortable symptoms like gas or bloating. Cooking with fresh oregano or dried oregano (whether it’s a full on oregano pesto or just a few sprigs added to your recipe) can also support healthy digestion.
2. Oregano for Cold and Flu Symptoms
Oregano isn’t just for pasta sauce—it can also help soothe sore throats and clear sinus congestion during colds and flus. Gargling oregano tea can ease a sore throat, and sipping on the tea with a spoonful of honey can also soothe the throat.
3. Oregano as an Antimicrobial
Oregano is a natural antimicrobial powerhouse. It can help combat pathogens both internally and externally. Oregano tea, when cooled, can be used as an external wash to inhibit pathogens on the skin. Internally, oregano tea can help address digestive pathogens.
Oregano Contraindications
There are a few important considerations when working with oregano. Oregano essential oil and “oil of oregano” supplements, which are very popular supplements that you can easily find at a health food store, are very concentrated. It’s easy to exceed safe dosages, especially when taking them internally. Overuse can damage mucous membranes and irritate the digestive tract. Always consult a knowledgeable practitioner if you're considering internal use of the oil. It’s also important to properly dilute the oil for topical use.1
Medicinal amounts of oregano (especially concentrated forms like tinctures, strong teas, and essential oil) are contraindicated during pregnancy due to oregano’s emmenagogue effects.
Want to Learn More About Other Common Herbs' Benefits?
Now that you've learned a little bit about the health benefits of oregano, you might be wondering how you can learn more about the medicinal properties of other common plants.
Well, here’s the easy way to get more info about some of our favorite herbs: download a FREE deck of our top 12 Herb Notes here. You’ll learn all about the medicinal properties of common herbs like elderberry, dandelion, and more.
Here are a few frequently asked questions about oregano and its medicinal properties...
What is oregano best for?
Oregano shines as a digestive aid, respiratory support during colds, and an antimicrobial ally. It's a versatile herb for home wellness, especially in tea form.
Can I apply oregano to my skin?
Yes—oregano tea can be used externally as a skin wash to inhibit pathogens. Avoid using the essential oil directly on the skin unless it's properly diluted and used with care.
What is oregano oil?
If you encounter a supplement of oregano oil, it is most likely oregano essential oil, which is an extremely concentrated form of the plant—this extract must be used with care and precision. Oregano-infused oil would be oregano leaves infused into a carrier oil like olive oil or sesame oil, and it could be used topically as a more gentle muscle rub.
Footnotes
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