In Mediterranean cuisine, the herb oregano is valued for its soothing aroma and floral flavor. The essential oil of the oregano plant offers an extremely potent source of the plant's fragrant and medicinal compounds. Preliminary evidence suggests that oregano oil offers a variety of important health benefits. While these studies are encouraging, no conclusive evidence supports the use of oregano to treat any disease or condition. Consult your health care provider before taking any medicinal herb, particularly if you have a medical condition.
Antioxidant Protection
According to the American Cancer Society, oregano is a potent source of antioxidants, compounds that protect the body from cellular damage. Antioxidants may help to prevent serious diseases, including cancer and heart disease. By weight, oregano offers 42 times the antioxidant capacity of apples. The plant's essential oil is even more powerfully concentrated.
Parasite Treatment
In 1999, the medical journal "Phytotherapy Research" published a report suggesting oregano oil's value as a treatment for intestinal parasites. The authors of the study found that oil of oregano eliminated intestinal parasites in most patients after ten weeks of ongoing treatment. Although it is far less effective than conventional treatment options, oregano oil may be valuable to people seeking complementary or alternative treatments for parasitic infections.
MRSA Treatment
Oregano oil can combat the growth of methicillin-resistant staphylococcus aureus, or MRSA. This "superbug" is highly resistant to conventional treatment options, including pharmaceutical antibiotics. According to a 2008 report in "Medical News Today," oregano oil outperforms 18 conventional antibiotics in fighting MRSA. However, no large-scale human studies have investigated its efficacy in a living, human model. Because MRSA can be very serious, patients should avoid using oregano oil alone to treat it.
Sinusitis Treatment
Naturopaths widely recommend oregano oil as a botanical treatment for sinus infections. Dr. James Li of the Mayo Clinic acknowledges oregano's antifungal and antibacterial properties, stating that it is "at least plausible" that the herb could prevent sinusitis. However, Dr. Li notes that there is not enough evidence to support the use of oregano oil in treating any disease. More studies are needed to confirm its efficacy.
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