Synopsis

Source of validity: Traditional
Rating (out of 5): 1

Oregano (Origanum vulgare) has a long history of use as a culinary and medicinal herb in various traditional systems, notably Mediterranean and Middle Eastern folk medicine. Traditional uses of oregano include the treatment of gastrointestinal ailments, such as indigestion and intestinal parasites. The use of oregano for treating intestinal parasites, including tapeworms, is primarily grounded in its historic reputation as a general antiparasitic and antimicrobial agent. Folk practitioners sometimes recommended oregano preparations (such as teas or extracts) to expel intestinal worms, although specific references to tapeworms are less common and often anecdotal.

From a scientific perspective, oregano essential oil contains compounds like carvacrol and thymol, which exhibit broad-spectrum antimicrobial and some antiparasitic activity in laboratory settings. Some in vitro studies have shown oregano oil can inhibit the growth of certain protozoan parasites (e.g., Giardia lamblia and Entamoeba histolytica). However, there is a lack of robust clinical evidence or animal studies specifically demonstrating efficacy against tapeworms (Cestoda). Most available research focuses on other types of parasites or is limited to laboratory (not in vivo) experiments. Thus, while oregano is traditionally used for "intestinal parasites" in general, its specific efficacy against tapeworms is not substantiated by quality scientific research, and its use for tapeworm infections should not replace standard, evidence-based treatments.

More about oregano
More about Parasites (tapeworm)

Other ingredients used for Parasites (tapeworm)

Other health conditions supported by oregano

Products containing oregano

Nature's Sunshine Candida Clear
Nature's Sunshine Seasonal Defense
Nature's Sunshine Yeast/Fungal Detox