Oregano Oil for Colds

Oil of oregano, a more concentrated form of the spice that livens up tomato sauces and other foods, is used by alternative practitioners to treat a number of health conditions, including the common cold. No scientific studies have proven any benefit to using oil of oregano to treat the virus-caused common cold. Oil of oregano can also have harmful effects; do not take this herb without your doctor's approval, especially during pregnancy.

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Oil of oregano may have antioxidant benefits. In a Spanish clinical laboratory study reported in the September 2001 issue of the "Journal of Food Protection" that compared the antioxidant properties of several spices, oregano ranked second in several categories. However, benefits in repairing or preventing cell damage in the laboratory has not always translated into human benefits, NYU Langone Medical Center warns. Researchers from the The University of Tennessee found oregano effective in killing four common bacteria in the laboratory, which might indicate use in also killing microorganisms such as the common cold virus.

Proof of Effectiveness

According to the University of Florida Pediatric Pulmonary Center, there is insufficient proof of the benefits of oregano to treat respiratory disorders. NYU Langone Medical Center cautions that effectiveness in laboratory studies in no way indicates effectiveness in people.

Caveats

In large quantities, oil or oregano can cause stomach discomfort or allergic reactions, especially if you're allergic to other spices such as basil, lavender, mint, marjoram or sage. Do not take oil of oregano if you're pregnant unless your doctor recommends it; it may cause miscarriage or bring on a menstrual period, the University of Florida Pediatric Pulmonary Center warns.

Considerations

Spices like oil of oregano may have a number of health benefits, but clinical studies on these substances are lacking. Studies showing oil of oregano's benefits against the common cold are completely lacking at this time. While oil of oregano is "generally recognized as safe" by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration, oils of many herbs, including oregano, can cause problems at high doses. Ask your doctor before taking more than food doses of this herb.