These days, you can find oregano essential oil in softgel capsules and tinctures. Since it has a pungent flavor, I usually recommend that people take it in capsule form as a supplement so it’s more palatable. Plus, this way it’s easier to monitor dosing. If you’re taking it in liquid form, you can either put a few drops of the oil on the tongue to unlock its disease-fighting properties or use it topically with a carrier oil like coconut, jojoba, or almond oil to help soothe skin and prevent adult acne. However, do NOT apply it directly to skin as it may cause irritation. (Be sure to check out this comprehensive guide to choosing effective essential oils before you go out and get it, especially if you plan to ingest it.) Oregano oil is a potent antioxidant that has been used to treat everything from inflammation1 to bacterial infections2. Studies have even shown it might be effective at helping with upper respiratory tract infection3, GI (gastrointestinal) infections, parasites and bacterial overgrowth (small intestinal bacterial overgrowth) or an imbalance of microbiota (dysbiosis), urinary tract infections4, skin rashes5, as well as numerous yeast infections6 both topical and internal, such as athlete’s foot and vaginal yeast infection. But always talk to your doctor if you think you have an infection or are thinking of using a natural remedy. The oil comes with its side effects, and some people should steer clear of it. As beneficial as it may be for warding of candida—an overgrowth that can cause infection, digestive problems, and leaky gut—it can also negatively kill off good healthy gut bacteria, increasing your chances of having diarrhea. Extended, long-term use of oregano oil is highly discouraged. Taking oregano oil isn’t a good idea if you’re pregnant or have an iron deficiency since it can affect iron absorption. Don’t start taking the oil without consulting a doctor—especially if you’re on any other medication that might affect its absorption. Again, you always want to purchase a high-grade, USDA-certified organic oregano oil. Candida does not form resistance to oregano oil like it does to some other fungal medications. Some studies9 actually found that oregano oil is just as effective, if not more effective, than traditional oral antifungal pharmaceutical medications. Oregano oil can be used to treat candida overgrowth in the body, vaginal yeast infections, topical yeast rashes, as well as dandruff. You can even use it on pets to clear yeast infections in the ear10. Oregano oil is a good, well-rounded broad-spectrum antibacterial agent since it covers both gram-negative and gram-positive bacteria. It contains natural agents like thymol and carvacrol, which are the main potent inhibitors of candida and bacterial infections. Carvacrol destroys the cell membranes of bacteria so it doesn’t replicate. Rosmarinic acid is also another component found in oregano oil. It’s a potent antioxidant that fights free radicals and is packed with antioxidants. It is great for people with arthritis, colitis, as well as heart disease, to keep inflammation at bay. It also is believed11 that carvacrol has properties that stop cell death and might even help fight certain cancers. Considering adding oregano oil to your rotation? Here’s a comprehensive guide to choosing the right supplement.
