Oregano (Origanum vulgare)
Photo: Ivar Leidus · CC BY-SA 4.0
- Digestive
- 2 conditions
- Licensed photo
Overview
Oregano (Origanum vulgare) is an upright perennial up to around 32 in (80 cm), bearing square red stems, elliptical leaves, and clusters of deep pink flowers. Strongly antiseptic and aromatic, oregano is useful for respiratory, digestive, and fungal infections, as well as being a culinary herb.
Traditional uses & properties
Antifungal & Antimicrobial: Useful for certain gut infections and dysbiosis; can combat E. coli, Candida, and other pathogens. Expectorant & Respiratory Aid: Aids bronchitis, coughs, and chest congestion. Carminative & Aromatic: Helps soothe indigestion, gas, and bloating; a valuable culinary herb. Insect Repellent: Some research suggests oregano’s volatile oils can deter certain insects.
Traditional preparations
Traditional texts describe the preparations below, and where those texts give specific amounts, the amounts are quoted here as part of that record. This is a record of historical practice, not a dosage recommendation - the figures are what the sources say, not what HerbMate tells you to take. Amounts, potency, and safe use vary enormously by preparation, plant part, and person.
Dried leaf (1:5, 65% alcohol, 10% glycerin); 1-2 ml (0.2-0.4 tsp.) 3-4 times daily
2-4 ounces 1-4 times daily
Fresh leaf (1:8, 80% glycerin sealed simmer method); dried leaf (1:6); 1-2 ml (0.2-0.4 tsp.) 3-4 times daily
Safety & precautions
Pregnancy: Avoid in large amounts due to possible uterine stimulation. Essential Oil: Toxic to the liver when taken internally; external use must be diluted. Skin Irritation: Potentially irritating topically.
Drug & food interactions
Interaction data is not available for this herb - talk to a pharmacist before combining it with any medication. A blank entry here means we have not documented interactions, not that none exist.
Habitat
Native to Europe, naturalized in the Middle East, oregano prefers chalky soils near the coast. It is harvested in summer when in flower. The aerial parts and essential oil are used.
Traditionally used for
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Frequently asked questions
What is Oregano (Origanum vulgare) traditionally used for?
Traditional sources describe Oregano (Origanum vulgare) as follows: Antifungal & Antimicrobial: Useful for certain gut infections and dysbiosis; can combat E. coli, Candida, and other pathogens. Expectorant & Respiratory Aid: Aids bronchitis, coughs, and chest congestion. Carminative & Aromatic: Helps soothe indigestion, gas, and bloating; a valuable culinary herb. Insect Repellent: Some research suggests oregano’s volatile oils can deter certain insects.
How is Oregano (Origanum vulgare) prepared?
Traditional texts describe the preparations below, and where those texts give specific amounts, the amounts are quoted here as part of that record. This is a record of historical practice, not a dosage recommendation - the figures are what the sources say, not what HerbMate tells you to take. Amounts, potency, and safe use vary enormously by preparation, plant part, and person. TINCTURE: Dried leaf (1:5, 65% alcohol, 10% glycerin); 1-2 ml (0.2-0.4 tsp.) 3-4 times daily WEAK INFUSION: 2-4 ounces 1-4 times daily GLYCERITE: Fresh leaf (1:8, 80% glycerin sealed simmer method); dried leaf (1:6); 1-2 ml (0.2-0.4 tsp.) 3-4 times daily
What safety cautions apply to Oregano (Origanum vulgare)?
Pregnancy: Avoid in large amounts due to possible uterine stimulation. Essential Oil: Toxic to the liver when taken internally; external use must be diluted. Skin Irritation: Potentially irritating topically.
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