Oregano (origanum vulgare)
Synopsis of oregano
Oregano (Origanum vulgare) is a pungent, aromatic herb in the mint family (Lamiaceae), known for its powerful medicinal properties and its widespread culinary use. It contains a rich profile of bioactive compounds, including carvacrol, thymol, rosmarinic acid, ursolic acid, and various flavonoids. These compounds give oregano strong antimicrobial, antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, and antispasmodic effects.
Medicinally, oregano is commonly used to support respiratory health, digestive function, and immune defense. Oregano oil, in particular, is one of the most potent natural antimicrobials and is often used to fight bacterial, viral, and fungal infections. It is a popular natural remedy for colds, sinus congestion, bronchitis, sore throats, and candida overgrowth.
In digestive health, oregano stimulates bile flow and eases indigestion, bloating, and gas. Its antispasmodic properties can help relieve gut cramps and minor gastrointestinal infections. As a topical remedy, oregano oil is sometimes diluted and applied to the skin to treat fungal infections like athlete’s foot or nail fungus. It also shows potential in combating antibiotic-resistant bacteria in integrative medicine.
Because of its high antioxidant content, oregano is considered protective against oxidative stress and chronic inflammation, and has been researched for potential applications in metabolic syndrome and immune dysfunction.
Historical Use in Medicine
Oregano has been used medicinally for over 2,500 years. Ancient Greeks and Romans regarded oregano as a symbol of joy and healing. Hippocrates, often referred to as the father of Western medicine, used oregano as an antiseptic and to treat gastrointestinal and respiratory conditions. The Greek name origanon means "joy of the mountains," reflecting both its origin and revered status.
In traditional Greek and Roman medicine, oregano was brewed into teas to treat coughs, colds, menstrual cramps, and digestive ailments. The herb was also used externally to soothe sore muscles, skin conditions, and wounds.
In Traditional Chinese Medicine, oregano (known as niu zhi) has been used to relieve fever, vomiting, diarrhea, and jaundice. Its warming nature and pungent flavor were believed to release the exterior and clear damp-heat from the body.
Middle Eastern folk medicine also employed oregano for respiratory conditions and as a natural preservative due to its strong antibacterial properties. In Europe during the Middle Ages, oregano was used as a protective herb against infections and bad air (“miasma”), often included in herbal preparations and steams.
Today, oregano remains one of the most respected herbs in both culinary and medical traditions, valued for its ability to naturally combat infections, support digestion, and provide powerful antioxidant protection.
Oregano is used for these health conditions
Abdominal Pain (Traditional)
Abscesses (Traditional)
Acid Indigestion (Traditional)
Antibiotics (alternatives to) (Scientific)
Appetite (deficient) (Traditional)
Asthma (Traditional)
Athlete's Foot (Scientific)
Bites and Stings (Traditional)
Bladder Infection (Traditional)
Boils (Traditional)
Bronchitis (Traditional)
Canker Sores (Traditional)
Colds (antiviral) (Traditional)
Colds (decongestant) (Traditional)
Colds (general) (Traditional)
Colds (prevention) (Traditional)
Congestion (bronchial) (Traditional)
Congestion (lungs) (Traditional)
Congestion (sinus) (Traditional)
Cough (damp) (Traditional)
Cough (dry) (Traditional)
Cough (general) (Traditional)
Cuts (Traditional)
Dandruff (Traditional)
Diarrhea (Traditional)
Digestion (poor) (Traditional)
Ear Infection or Earache (Traditional)
Eczema (Traditional)
Fever (Traditional)
Fungal Infections (Scientific)
Gas and Bloating (Traditional)
Gastritis (Traditional)
Giardia (Scientific)
Gingivitis (Traditional)
Halitosis (Traditional)
Parasites (general) (Scientific)
Parasites (nematodes, worms) (Traditional)
Parasites (tapeworm) (Traditional)
oregano is used to support these body systems
Digestive System (Traditional)
Gastrointestinal Tract (Scientific)
Immune System (Scientific)
Intestinal System (Scientific)
Lungs (Traditional)
Respiratory System (Traditional)
Sinuses (Traditional)
Vocal Cords (Traditional)
Products containing oregano
Nature's Sunshine Candida Clear
Nature's Sunshine Seasonal Defense
Nature's Sunshine Yeast/Fungal Detox
