As you may or may not be aware, the over prescription of antibiotics can have damaging effects within the body including the destruction of bacteria (aka probiotics) and damage to the gastrointestinal lining as a result (hello leaky gut), antibiotic resistance and reduced vitamin and mineral absorption capacity, just to name a few!
Thanks to natural medicine, there are other alternatives to treat certain conditions without the terrible side effects, which brings us to the amazing healing substance known as oregano oil.
Oregano oil is derived from the leaves and flowers of oregano (Origanum vulgare), and for those wondering, this is the same herb used frequently in cooking, and is also a member of the mint family. The two primary phytochemical compounds of oregano oil that make it one of the most potent and powerful essential oils are carvacrol and thymol. These compounds are antiviral, antibacterial and antifungal, allowing for remarkable treatment of bacterial, yeast and viral infections. Furthermore, oregano oil is rich in antioxidants, anti-inflammatory and an all-around immune system booster.
So let’s take a look at the research:
- A study undertaken by the Journal of Medicinal Food found the essential oil from oregano was inhibitory to the growth of a variety of bacterial strains, and the most effective against E.coli, Klebsiella pneumonia and Listeria monocytogenes1.
- Oregano oil at 0.25 mg/ml was found to completely inhibit the growth of Candida albicans and also effective as a preventative approach2.
- Of a total of 16 herbal extracts tested, essential oils derived from the genus Oreganum were among the most effective demonstrating potent antifungal activity3.
With that being said, oregano oil can be used to treat the following conditions:
- Dysbiosis
- Small Intestinal Bacterial Overgrowth (SIBO)
- Candida albicans
- Sinus infections/colds
- Respiratory infections
- Fungal infections
Please keep in mind when using oregano oil to treat certain conditions, especially conditions within the gut, it is most effective when paired with other supplements and due to it’s potency we recommend working with a qualified health practitioner before using oregano oil. If you need support with your health, whether it be to strengthen your immune system, get to the bottom of any gastrointestinal discomfort or you just want to feel better book in an appointment with a TNN practitioner online today.
References:
- Sienkiewicz M et al., 2012. The antibacterial activity of essential oil of oregano (Origanum vulgare L.) against clinical strains of Escherichia coli and Pseudomonas aeruginosa. Experimental Medicine Microbiology. 64(4): 297-30.
- Manohar V et al., 2001. Antifungal activities of origanum oil against Candida albicans. Molecular and Cellular Biochemistry. 228(1-2): 111-7.
- Rao A et al., 2010. Mechanism of Antifungal Activity of Terpenoid Phenols Resembles Calcium Stress and Inhibition of the TOR Pathway. American Society of Microbiology. 54(12): 5062–5069.
Image credit.
Is oregano pil non specific and affect good bacteria too?
Sounds great! How would we incorporate this into our food and cooking?
Thanks for the advice
Hi Jess, great question! Oregano oil only impacts pathogenic overgrowths not the beneficial bacteria 🙂
Hi Stacey, you can add oregano oil into salad dressings however it is extremely potent and the amount will depend on the brand you are using (I would recommend adding 1 drop into some extra virgin olive oil and testing flavour for strength). You can also add it to homemade dips and anything that calls for dried herbs. If you are consuming oregano oil to treat pathogenic overgrowth within the gastrointestinal tract, it is most effective consumed before meals and alongside another supplement. If you need any additional support, feel free to book online here.
I thought that it could not distinguish between good or bad and that is a risk in taking it without advice? I’ve read that in a few places (but haven’t fact checked)
Hi Meagan, the active ingredients in oil of oregano have a very minimal impact on probiotic species found in the gut. At concentrations which cause 97%-100% inhibition of pathogens (bad bacteria), research has observed only a 3%-5% inhibition of probiotics. I would absolutely recommend speaking with a qualified health practitioner before consuming this therapeutic oil. I hope that helps!
Hi! Can i take oregano oil for leaky gut? Thank you for your answer.
Hi Cecilie, it wouldn’t be my first recommendation but definitely a great addition! Gut healing agents should be prioritised such as bone broth and collagen powder to heal and seal the gut lining. It is very likely that you also have a bacterial imbalance which is contributing to your leaky gut so Oregano Oil would be a great addition. If you would like to get to the bottom of your leaky gut, please feel free to book in for a consultation online here: bit.ly/tnnonline.
All the best 🙂
Hi there, I was wondering whether it is ok to take Oregano Oil at the same time of the day as probiotics or whether the probiotics will work best taken away from the oregano oil? If so, how many hours apart should they be taken? Thank you!
Great question! Please keep them 1 hour apart to avoid the anti-microbial nature of oregano oil impacting the probiotics.
I have leaky gut . Will It be be ok to take oregano for leaky gut . I have several food sensitivities.
Hi Karen, oregano oil wouldn’t be my first line of treatment for leaky gut unless you are certain there is some form of dysbiosis which can be discovered through testing. I would suggest healing foods such as bone broth and supplementation in support of healing the gut lining. Oregano oil can still be a great immune, general health tonic but I always recommend seeking further assistance to be sure. Feel free to book online with a TNN practitioner here: bit.ly/tnnonline.
I hope that helps 🙂
Hello, I started taking oregano oil along with A.D.P. probiotic this past Monday. I’ve been taking 3 tablets of oregano oil, 3 tablets of Jarrow’s mastic gum & 2 tables of probiotic daily w/food to eradicate h pylori. Do you approve of this method?
* Correction: Vital 10 (Klaire Laboratories) a broad-spectrum probiotic. The A.D.P. is the oregano oil.
Hi John, we would have to know a little more about your case before we can answer that question! One thing I would suggest is taking the oregano oil at least an hour away from your probiotics (as it may interfere, being antimicrobial in nature). Please feel free to book in for a consultation online here for more support: bit.ly/tnnonline
Elyse 🙂
After taking oregano oil for 2 weeks (3 capsules x a day), how long should I desist before trying another process w/ oregano oil again?
What brand of oregano oil do you recommend? I hear North American Herb & Spice Oreganol & Joy of the Mountain are best.
Hi Kelly, we are a fan of Solution 4 Health – Oil of Wild Oregano: https://bit.ly/2YFaDxR
Hi Kevin, the length of time will be highly dependant on what you are trying to treat as well as other lifestyle factors including diet, stress etc. If you’d like individualised support, please feel free to book online for a consultation here: bit.ly/tnnonline 🙂
What is the recommended dosage to eradicate bacteria? And, for how long?
Hi Kelly, this would be highly dependant on what bacteria and at what level it is currently present. Testing can be a great way to uncover this but unfortunately we can’t answer without knowing the backstory. You’re welcome to book online for a consultation to find out how we can help 🙂
Can Oregano Oil be used to remove parasites of a child? Sounds safer than medicine. Started my 3 yo with one drop in the morning in his smoothie and poop is coming out awful.
It can, but it needs to be used carefully and intermittently. Please reach out if you need support.
Hello
I have klebsiella pnemounia bacteria overgrowth and gut imbalance ; so dysbosis, do you recommend using this oregano oil for it ? And what do you recommend first
PleAse advise
Yes it absolutely can, however it differs from person to person and we would need to discuss your specific health situation further before advising this. Please feel free to book online here if you’d like support: bit.ly/tnnonline. I hope that helps 🙂
Hello
Can oregano oil help with diverticulitis?
Hi Susana, I wouldn’t recommend oregano oil to treat diverticulitis and we would need to know more about your current health situation to advise further. Feel free to get support from a TNN practitioner here: bit.ly/tnnonline 🙂