From the Guidelines
Oregano oil is not recommended for use due to the lack of regulation and potential risks associated with its use, as evidenced by a 2022 review of treatments for vulvovaginal candidiasis 1. When considering the use of oregano oil, it is essential to prioritize caution and be aware of the potential risks.
- The use of oregano oil and other essential oils has been found to be equal or inferior to prescribed medications for treating certain conditions, such as vulvovaginal candidiasis 1.
- The lack of regulation of these treatments and their associated vehicles is a significant concern, highlighting the need for caution when using oregano oil.
- While oregano oil may have antimicrobial properties, its potent active compounds like carvacrol and thymol can also cause side effects like stomach upset, allergic reactions, or medication interactions when used improperly.
- To minimize potential risks, it is crucial to avoid using oregano oil if you are pregnant or breastfeeding, have bleeding disorders, or are scheduled for surgery, as well as to exercise caution when using it in conjunction with certain medications, such as blood thinners and diabetes medications.
- If you experience any adverse reactions after using oregano oil, discontinue use immediately and consult a healthcare provider.
From the Research
Safety of Oregano Oil
- Oregano oil has been shown to have potent antibacterial activity against multidrug-resistant bacterial strains, including MRSA and Acinetobacter baumannii 2, 3, 4.
- The oil has been found to cause destabilization and rupture of the bacterial cell membrane, resulting in apoptosis of bacterial cells 3.
- Oregano oil has also been shown to have antioxidant properties, effective in retarding the process of lipid peroxidation in fatty foods and scavenging free radicals 5.
- The use of oregano oil as an antimicrobial and antioxidant additive in food products has been proposed as a natural alternative to synthetic additives 5.
Potential Risks and Side Effects
- There is no evidence of resistance development after up to 20 consecutive passages of representative bacterial strains in the presence of sublethal doses of oregano oil 4.
- Topical application of oregano oil has been shown to have no significant side effect on the skin histologically or genotoxicity after three topical applications 4.
- However, the strong organoleptic characteristics of oregano oil and the development of resistance to metal nanoparticles can limit its use 2.
Synergistic Effects
- The combination of oregano oil and biological silver nanoparticles has been shown to have a synergistic or additive effect against multidrug-resistant bacteria 2.
- The combination of oregano oil and polymyxin B has also been shown to have a synergistic effect against multidrug-resistant Acinetobacter baumannii 3.