- Oregano is a plant. The leaf is used to make medicine.
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Uses
- Oregano is used for respiratory tract disorders such as coughs, asthma, croup, and bronchitis. It is also used for gastrointestinal (GI) disorders such as heartburn and bloating. Other uses include treating menstrual cramps, rheumatoid arthritis, urinary tract disorders including urinary tract infections (UTIs), headaches, and heart conditions.
- The oil of oregano is taken by mouth for intestinal parasites, allergies, sinus pain, arthritis, cold and flu, swine flu, earaches, and fatigue. It is applied to the skin for skin conditions including acne, athlete’s foot, oily skin, dandruff, canker sores, warts, ringworm, rosacea, and psoriasis; as well as for insect and spider bites, gum disease, toothaches, muscle pain, and varicose veins. Oregano oil is also used topically as an insect repellent.
- In foods and beverages, oregano is used as a culinary spice and a food preservative.
Benefits
- Oregano contains chemicals that might help reduce cough and spasms. Oregano also might help digestion by increasing bile flow and fighting against some bacteria, viruses, fungi, intestinal worms, and other parasites.
Cautions
- Oregano leaf is LIKELY SAFE when taken in the amounts found in food and POSSIBLY SAFE when taken by mouth or applied to the skin in medicinal amounts. Mild side effects include stomach upset. Oregano might also cause an allergic reaction in people who have an allergy to plants in the Lamiaceae family.
- Not enough is known about the safety of using oregano oil in medicinal amounts.
- Pregnancy and breast-feeding: Oregano is POSSIBLY UNSAFE when taken by mouth in medicinal amounts during pregnancy. There is concern that oregano in amounts larger than food amounts might cause miscarriage. Not enough is known about the safety of oregano when used in medicinal amounts while nursing.
- Bleeding disorders: Oregano might increase the risk of bleeding in people with bleeding disorders.
- Allergies: Oregano can cause reactions in people allergic to Lamiaceae family plants, including basil, hyssop, lavender, marjoram, mint, and sage.
- Diabetes: Oregano might lower blood sugar levels. People with diabetes should use oregano cautiously.
- Surgery: Oregano might increase the risk of bleeding. People who use oregano should stop 2 weeks before surgery.
Interactions
Moderate Interaction Be cautious with this combination
- Lithium interacts with OREGANO: Oregano might have an effect like a water pill or “diuretic.” Taking oregano might decrease how well the body gets rid of lithium. This could increase how much lithium is in the body and result in serious side effects. Talk with your healthcare provider before using this product if you are taking lithium. Your lithium dose might need to be changed.
Other Names
Carvacrol, Dostenkraut, European Oregano, Huile d’Origan, Marjolaine Bâtarde, Marjolaine Sauvage, Marjolaine Vivace, Mediterranean Oregano, Mountain Mint, Oil of Oregano, Oregano Oil, Organy, Origan, Origan Européen, Origani Vulgaris Herba, Origano, Origanum, Origanum vulgare, Phytoprogestin, Thé Sauvage, Thym des Bergers, Wild Marjoram, Winter Marjoram, Wintersweet.
References
Source: WebMD, “Oregano”, www.webmd.com/vitamins-supplements/