OREGANO: Overview, Uses, Side Effects, Precautions, Interactions, Dosing and Reviews (2024)

FAQs

What is the side effect of oregano? ›

In large doses, oregano oil may be toxic -- and even lethal. Oregano may have diuretic effects. Large amounts of oregano can upset the stomach. Oregano oil may cause rash when applied to the skin.

Rare adverse events include hypersensitivity reactions. Oregano in doses used as a dietary supplements is an abortifacient and should not be used during pregnancy or in women of childbearing age not using effective contraception.

Taking oregano along with diabetes medications might cause blood sugar to drop too low. Monitor your blood sugar closely. Oregano might slow blood clotting. Taking oregano along with medications that also slow blood clotting might increase the risk of bruising and bleeding.

With its high carvacrol content, oregano oil shows promise for treating bacterial infections when applied topically. However, due to safety and toxicity concerns, oregano essential oil should not be consumed orally unless recommended by a healthcare provider.

When taken by mouth: Oregano leaf and oregano oil are likely safe when eaten in foods. There isn't enough reliable information to know if oregano is safe to use in amounts greater than those found in food. Mild side effects include stomach upset.

Oregano is rich in antioxidants, which are compounds that help fight damage from harmful free radicals in the body. The buildup of free radicals has been linked to chronic diseases like cancer and heart disease ( 2 , 3 ).

Is oregano oil safe to take daily? Oregano oil extract as a supplement is likely safe for most people if you do not exceed the recommended dose on the package. But if you have other health conditions or take other medications, it is best to check in with a doctor before adding oregano oil extract to your diet.

Oregano is an excellent addition to eggs, sauces, dressings and poultry. It's also great for your blood pressure. A 2021 study analyzed herbs and spices combined with blood pressure response. The study found that individuals that consumed the most herbs and spices had lower blood pressure readings 24 hours later.

A recently published study revealed that Origanum vulgare essential oil exerts antioxidant and anti-inflammatory activity and protects kidney tissue DNA damage from exposure to aflatoxin B1 [13].

... It has previously been shown that consumption of oregano alone or with rosemary increases antioxidant levels and decreases renal and plasma liver injury markers, such as aspartate transaminase (AST) and alanine transaminase (ALT) in both groups [21] .

Does oregano affect hormones? ›

Oregano oil acts as an emmenagogue, and when taken in high doses, it may lead to miscarriage in pregnant women. It may affect pregnancy by influencing hormonal secretions. So, pregnant women must avoid using it. If a person is allergic to basil, mint, lavender, or sage, they may be allergic to oregano.

Studies have shown that it can fight bacteria and fungal infections and has antioxidant properties. You can find it in health food stores or make your own at home. It can be dangerous in large quantities, and it can irritate your skin, so talk to your doctor before you add oregano oil to your health care routine.

When used as directed, oregano oil should be safe. In too-high doses, it may have detrimental effects. This may be due in part to thymol, one of the phenols it contains. In high doses, thymol is a mild irritant which might affect the skin or internal organs.

How much oregano essential oil to take internally: Your oil of oregano dosage will depend on the condition you're treating. In capsule form, oral supplementation of emulsified oregano is typically around 600 milligrams daily. (Either taken in one or two doses.)

Oil of oregano is commonly used to treat digestive problems like belly cramps, bloating, and irritable bowel syndrome, among others. While more research continues, experts have found that carvacrol is effective against types of bacteria that cause digestive discomfort.