What is oregano good for

May Help Fight Bacteria. Oregano contains certain compounds that have potent antibacterial properties. Summary: Test-tube studies have found that oregano and its components may be effective against certain strains of bacteria.

Could Have Anti-Cancer Properties. Some test-tube studies have shown that oregano and its components may help kill cancer cells.

Summary: Oregano is high in antioxidants and contains compounds that have been shown to reduce cancer cell growth in some test-tube studies. May Help Reduce Viral Infection. Summary: Carvacrol and thymol are two compounds found in oregano that have been shown to decrease the activity of viruses in some test-tube studies.

Could Decrease Inflammation. Inflammation is a normal immune response that occurs as a result of illness or injury. Summary: Oregano is high in antioxidants, which may reduce inflammation. Animal studies show that oregano oil and its components could help reduce inflammation. Easy to Add to Your Diet. Oregano is available fresh, dried or as an oil, making it super easy to add to your diet. Summary: Oregano is available either fresh, dried or as an oil, and it can be added to stews, dressings, sauces, meats and more.

The Bottom Line. Oregano is an herb that boasts some pretty potent benefits when it comes to your health. Read this next. Soursop Graviola : Health Benefits and Uses. What Is Annatto? Uses, Benefits, and Side Effects. Oregano has been used medicinally for a long time.

And it still is today. Used both topically and orally, oregano and oregano tea are traditionally used as an antiseptic and to treat or improve the following ailments:. Oregano is packed with antioxidants and antibacterial properties. So it makes sense that free radical -fighting, antimicrobial, and antiviral oregano does have benefits that may support skin, inflammation , and overall health. For example, certain antioxidants found in the herb are believed to positively affect the cardiovascular, nervous, and immune systems.

They may also be able to relieve symptoms of inflammation and reduce blood sugar. One of the most convincing reasons to add oregano to your life is that it contains tons of antioxidants.

One study found that oregano had the highest total antioxidant capacity compared with five other herbs thyme, sage, rosemary, mint, and sweet basil. What to antioxidants do anyway? They fight against cell damage by stabilizing free radical molecules. Eating an antioxidant -rich diet is believed to help prevent and fight off cancer, protect and repair our skin, reduce the risk of chronic diseases, and more.

The antioxidants found in oregano not only stabilize free radicals, but can also reduce inflammation. Again, human research is lacking, but several animal studies have also linked oregano to reduced inflammation. Vitamin C is an antioxidant that plays a key role in the immune system.

Which foods contain vitamin C? Find out here. According to one literature overview , the oils and constituents of oregano oil, such as thymol and rosmarinic acid, appear to have anti-inflammatory properties.

It is worth noting that the studies used concentrated extracts of oregano. This is not the same as humans eating oregano in the diet. Rosemary is another herb that may have anti-inflammatory properties. Find out more. Scientists have found evidence that extracts may help prevent DNA damage in cells due to oxidative stress, radiation, and mitogens, a type of protein that can cause unwanted cell division.

Researchers have also found evidence that carvacrol and thymol may prevent melanoma cells from growing and skin cancer from spreading. While eating oregano by itself is unlikely to prevent cancer, a varied, plant-based diet that is rich in antioxidants may help prevent cell changes that can lead to cancer.

In , lab studies suggested that Origanum majorana could help slow or stop the progression of metastatic breast cancer. How can diet affect the risk of cancer? Compounds in oregano may help manage type 2 diabetes. Authors of a rodent study concluded that Origanum extract may help:. The authors noted that some people already use oregano leaves and oil to manage high blood sugar levels. Type 1 diabetes is an autoimmune disease. Experts do not know what causes it, but oxidative stress may play a role.

In , researchers found that an extract of oregano improved type 1 diabetes in mice. Which other herbs and spices may help with diabetes? In , scientists looked at how treatment with oregano oil and other substances affected rats with depression due to chronic unpredictable stress.

After 14 days, stress-related behavior improved in rats that received the oregano treatment. The study authors concluded that oregano might relieve stress-related behavior.

If you are experiencing respiratory-related issues, Dr. Pingel suggests putting a few drops of liquid oregano oil into a hot bowl of water or a diffuser and breathing it in. It can also be used topically, but it's important that oregano oil be diluted with a carrier oil prior to use and that you never put undiluted oil on your skin.

You can try testing it out on a small patch of skin first, especially if you are more prone to sensitive skin. You may be tempted to cook with oregano oil, but both Rissetto and Dr. Pingel agree it is not recommended for cooking. Instead, use the fresh or dried oregano herb and reap its health benefits in whole food form. Pingel adds that pregnant or breastfeeding women should avoid using oregano oil as it contains compounds that may cause uterine contractions and result in preterm labor.