Oregano

Origanum vulgare

Herbs & Roots. Western & European.

Also called Wild marjoram, Greek oregano, Oil of oregano

Spanish: Orégano

Concentrated oil can burn skin

Oregano is a Mediterranean kitchen herb, and its oil is sold for germs and digestion, but the proof is weak.

Did you know? The name oregano comes from Greek words meaning 'joy of the mountain.'

What it may help, and how strong the proof is

Infections. Oil of oregano shows germ-fighting effects in lab tests, with only a few small human studies.
Traditional proof
Colds, flu & immunity. Sold for colds and flu, but no good human trials show this works.
Not supported

Parts of the body

Immune system

Traditional use

Greeks and Romans used oregano for digestion, coughs, and wounds. It is a staple of Mediterranean cooking.

How it is classified

Herbal actions: Antimicrobial, Antifungal, Carminative. Energy: warming.

How people take it

Dried leaf is used in cooking and tea. Oil of oregano is very strong and should be diluted. Capsules are sold, but no good dose is proven.

Food, tea, capsule and essential oil.

Where to get it

Grows wild across the Mediterranean, North Africa, and Asia, and is widely grown in gardens. Sold as dried leaf, tea, oil, and capsules, and the oil is distilled from the leaves and flowers.

Be careful

Culinary amounts are safe. Concentrated oil can irritate the mouth, stomach, and skin. Avoid medicinal amounts in pregnancy, and keep the oil away from young children.

Avoid if: pregnancy; young children (oil).

Mixing with other things

Works well together
Both are in Herbes de Provence, a classic herb mix.
Works well together
Both appear in many Mediterranean and Herbes de Provence blends.
Works well together
Both are in za'atar, a Middle Eastern herb mix.
Works well together
Sesame and oregano are both in za'atar spice blends.
Works well together
Both are used in folk infection blends for minor skin problems.
Works well together
Mexican dishes often combine dried oregano with chili.
Works well together
Both are common in Italian tomato sauces.
Works well together
Core herbs in chimichurri and other herb sauces.
Works well together
A close relative in the same genus, often used in similar dishes.

The honest take

Oregano has real germ-fighting effects in the lab, and its oil has been tried in a few small human studies. Most claims that oil of oregano fights colds or infections are hype. Product strength and quality vary a lot.