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Oregano Oil

Botanicalbotanical oilLimited dose evidence

Also known as: Origanum vulgare oil, oil of oregano, carvacrol oil, wild oregano oil

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Oregano oil is the steam-distilled essential oil of Origanum vulgare, standardized to carvacrol, its dominant phenolic compound, at around 70 percent. It is a popular immune-season ingredient and is also included in some gut-cleanse formulas. Most research is in vitro or in animals, where carvacrol shows broad antimicrobial activity; human data are limited to a small early study on enteric parasites. Because the oil is intensely pungent and irritating, it is diluted in a carrier oil and delivered in softgels or dropper liquids.

Research summary

Carvacrol and thymol disrupt microbial cell membranes in vitro; human mechanisms are not established.

ImmuneGut & digestion

Dosage

Daily amounts, of compound.

Lowest studiedTypical rangeHighest studiedUpper limit
150 mg150–300 mg——

150 to 300 mg of oil daily, usually diluted in olive oil and taken with food in divided doses. Dosing is based on product norms rather than controlled trials. Prolonged high intake may irritate the stomach.

Standardization: ≥70% carvacrol

Source material: steam-distilled leaf oil, diluted in olive oil

Format suitability

  • Capsule
  • Powder
  • Tablet
  • Softgel
  • Gummy
  • Liquid

Oil; softgel or liquid. Capsules require the oil adsorbed onto a carrier. Very strong aroma.

Formulation notes

Strong antimicrobial in vitro; separate from probiotics by several hours in a regimen. May irritate mucosa if undiluted.

Sources

  1. Inhibition of enteric parasites by emulsified oil of oregano in vivo. (Force M 2000)PubMed

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