Plant Part Used
Leaf oil/ leaf extract
Introduction
Oregano has been used as a cooking spice and also as a medicinal agent for centuries. The volatile oil of oregano has been used traditionally for respiratory disorders, indigestion, rheumatoid arthritis, and urinary tract disorders. Today, oregano oil is chiefly used as an antifungal and antibacterial agent.
Interactions and Depletions
Interactions
Dosage Info
Dosage Range
Leaf extract: 250-500mg, 3 times a day.
Concentrated oil extract: 5-10 drops, 3 times a day.
Tea: One cup several times a day using one teaspoonful of herb per cup. (1)
Most Common Dosage
Leaf extract: 250mg, 3 times a day.
Concentrated oil extract: 5-10 drops, 3 times a day.
Tea: One cup several times a day using one teaspoonful of herb per cup.
Standardization
[span class=doc]Standardization represents the complete body of information and controls that serve to enhance the batch to batch consistency of a botanical product, including but not limited to the presence of a marker compound at a defined level or within a defined range.[/span]
The most current available medical and scientific literature indicates that this dietary supplement should be standardized to 5% thymol per dose.
Reported Uses
Oregano may have antibacterial and antifungal properties. A number of studies have looked at oregano’s ability to help the body ward off an array of intestinal parasites and bacteria. (2) (3)
Laboratory studies have shown that rosmarinic acid, which is contained in oregano and some other herbs, has been reported to inhibit cyclooxygenase 2 (Cox-2) to an extent comparable to ibuprofen, naproxen and aspirin. (4) This may indicate the ability to reduce inflammation.
Compounds present in oregano may function as antioxidants in the body, thus helping prevent cellular and tissue damage from free radicals. (5)
Toxicities & Precautions
Introduction
[span class=alert]Be sure to tell your pharmacist, doctor, or other health care providers about any dietary supplements you are taking. There may be a potential for interactions or side effects.[/span]
General
This dietary supplement is considered safe when used in accordance with proper dosing guidelines.
Allergy
Some individuals experience an allergic reaction when taking this dietary supplement. (6) Call your doctor or seek medical attention if you have fast or irregular breathing, skin rash, hives or itching.
Pregnancy/ Breast Feeding
To date, the medical literature has not reported any adverse effects related to fetal development during pregnancy or to infants who are breast-fed. Yet little is known about the use of this dietary supplement while pregnant or breast-feeding. Therefore, it is recommended that you inform your healthcare practitioner of any dietary supplements you are using while pregnant or breast-feeding.
Age Limitations
To date, the medical literature has not reported any adverse effects specifically related to the use of this dietary supplement in children. Since young children may have undiagnosed allergies or medical conditions, this dietary supplement should not be used in children under 10 years of age unless recommended by a physician.
Read More
References
- PDR for Herbal Medicines, 2nd edition. Montvale, NJ: Medical Economics Company; 2000:560.
- View Abstract: Dorman HJ, et al. Antimicrobial agents from plants: antibacterial activity of plant volatile oils. J Appl Microbiol. Feb2000;88(2):308-16.
- View Abstract: Force M, et al. Inhibition of enteric parasites by emulsified oil of oregano in vivo. Phytother Res. May2000;14(3):213-4.
- View Abstract: Kelm MA, Nair MG, Strasburg GM. Antioxidant and Cyclooxygenase Inhibitory Phenolic Compounds from Ocimum sanctum Linn. Phytomedicine. Mar2000;7(1):7-13.
- View Abstract: Lamaison JL, et al. Medicinal Lamiaceae with antioxidant properties, a potential source of rosmarinic acid. Pharm Acta Helv. 1991;66(7):185-8.
- View Abstract: Benito M, et al. Labiatae allergy: systemic reactions due to ingestion of oregano and thyme. Ann Allergy Asthma Immunol. May1996;76(5):416-8.
