How to Ingest Oregano Oil

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A guide to safely taking oregano oil & how it can help you

Co-authored by Lisa Bryant, ND and Madeleine Criglow

Last Updated: November 22, 2024 References

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Is it safe to swallow oregano oil?

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Can oregano oil treat bacterial infections?

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Does oregano oil effectively treat stomach parasites?

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Can oregano oil treat sinus infections?

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What is the suggested dosage for oregano oil?

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Does oregano oil interact with any medications?

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What treatments can I use instead of oregano oil?

You may have heard about the potential medical benefits of taking oregano oil. This doesn't necessarily mean ingesting oregano oil is a solid treatment, though. There are a few important questions you should consider before trying out the natural remedy, and luckily this article has the answers! Read on for more information about the safety and effectiveness of taking oregano oil orally.

Taking Oregano Oil By Mouth

Oregano oil is potentially safe to ingest in small amounts and for short periods of time. However, it is not safe if you’re pregnant or have certain conditions. So, talk to your doctor before taking it. There is some evidence that oregano oil can treat infections and stomach parasites.

Question 1 of 7:

Is it safe to swallow oregano oil?

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It’s potentially safe to ingest oregano oil for short periods of time. There isn’t enough scientific evidence to verify the substance as 100% safe, and not enough studies have been done to determine the safety of long-term use. If you’re at all concerned about the potential side effects, you should use another treatment instead.^{[1]
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- Side effects include stomach cramps, pregnancy complications, and an increased risk of bleeding if you've recently had surgery.
Some evidence shows that it could lead to a potential miscarriage. If you're pregnant, stay safe and don’t ingest oregano oil. You should also avoid swallowing it if you’re currently breastfeeding.

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It’s not safe to ingest oregano oil if you have certain medical conditions. If you suffer from bleeding disorders, ingesting the oil can make the risk of bleeding worse. You should also avoid consuming oregano oil if you have diabetes, as it can lower blood sugar levels.^{[2]
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- Avoid swallowing oregano oil if you’re allergic to plants in the Lamiaceae family, like basil, lavender, mint, and sage. It could cause a potential allergic reaction.

Question 2 of 7:

Can oregano oil treat bacterial infections?

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Some studies indicate it can be used to treat bacterial infections. There isn't enough medical evidence to verify it as an effective treatment, though. So far each study has stated that more evidence is needed to really verify oregano oil as a strong treatment.^{[3]
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Research source} Though more evidence is needed (and it's best to talk to your doctor first), medical experts advise taking 100 to 200mg 2 times a day to treat a bacterial infection. Take the oil either as a liquid or as a pill. If you have a bacterial infection, like a UTI or strep throat, visit your doctor. They will prescribe the treatment you need.^{[4]
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- A study published in FEMS Immunology & Medical Microbiology found that oregano oil was effective when used alone and in combination with antibiotics to fight E. Coli.^{[5]
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- Another study featured in the National Library of Medicine suggests that oregano oil can be used to fight bacterial infections that are resistant to antibiotics.^{[6]
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- Antibiotics are still considered a more effective method of treatment at this time.^{[7]
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Question 3 of 7:

Does oregano oil effectively treat stomach parasites?

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Early research suggests that it can treat and kill stomach parasites. More research is needed to confirm this, however. Research published by the Biotics Research Corporation shows that taking 200mg of oregano oil 3 times a day for 6 weeks can kill some parasites.^{[8]
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Go to source} Though the results are promising, there's still not enough evidence to definitively say that ingesting oregano oil will kill a stomach parasite. Visit your doctor if you think you may have a parasite, and follow their treatment instructions.
- Though this study used a specific dosage, there isn’t enough medical evidence to suggest this dosage as a verified, safe amount. Stay on the safe side and talk to your doctor before trying out this method.

Question 4 of 7:

Can oregano oil treat sinus infections?

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Though it’s possible, there’s not enough medical evidence to say. Oregano oil contains antibacterial, anti-fungal properties. These could potentially be used to treat a sinus infection, but there aren't a lot of available medical studies to verify this. If you have a sinus infection, visit your doctor to receive proper medical treatment.^{[9]
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- Some use oregano oil vapors to ease congestion brought on by a sinus infection. Though this isn't medically verified, it may bring some relief.^{[10]
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  Research source} Use a diffuser and follow the device's instructions for the correct ratio of oil to water.^{[11]
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- Sinus infections will usually go away on their own. Take OTC pain medication like acetaminophen or ibuprofen to reduce symptoms. You can also take OTC decongestants in the form of nasal sprays, tablets, or liquids.^{[12]
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- If your sinus infection is persistent, your doctor may prescribe antibiotics.^{[13]
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Question 5 of 7:

What is the suggested dosage for oregano oil?

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There isn’t enough medical evidence to suggest a proper dosage. Oregano oil’s effectiveness and safety are still in the early research stages. Ask your doctor before using oregano oil to treat a medical condition, and don’t take it if they tell you not to. No matter what, never exceed the dosage your doctor recommends or the suggestion on the product label.^{[14]
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- Just because oregano oil is a natural product doesn’t mean it’s safe! Essential oils can be toxic in high doses, and can lead to some pretty uncomfortable side effects like stomach cramps or worse if you have too much.^{[15]
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Question 6 of 7:

Does oregano oil interact with any medications?

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Ingesting oregano oil can lower your blood sugar. Taking it in combination with diabetes medication may cause your blood sugar levels to go too low. Talk to your doctor before ingesting oregano oil if you have diabetes. They may adjust your diabetes medication dosage or tell you not to take oregano oil.^{[16]
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Oregano oil has the potential to increase bleeding and bruising if you take it along with medications like aspirin, dalteparin, and warfarin.^{[17]
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Go to source} Get the okay from your doctor before you try oregano oil if you’re currently taking any blood clotting medications.

Question 7 of 7:

What treatments can I use instead of oregano oil?

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Talk to your doctor about taking antibiotics if you have a bacterial infection. Examples of these infections include urinary tract infections, strep throat, and any other medical conditions caused by harmful or overgrown bacteria. If you think you may have a bacterial infection, make an appointment with your doctor. They will give you an examination and prescribe you the medication you need.^{[18]
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- Symptoms of a UTI include a painful or burning sensation when urinating, cloudy urine, and a strong urge to urinate that doesn't go away.^{[19]
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- Symptoms of strep throat include a sore throat, swollen glands on your neck, and pain when swallowing.^{[20]
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Talk to your doctor about whether you need treatment for a stomach parasite. Often times stomach parasites will go away on their own. If you think you may have one, visit your doctor to see if you need treatment. They may prescribe antibiotics in extreme cases, or let the condition remedy itself on its own.^{[21]
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- Symptoms of a stomach parasite include diarrhea, fatigue, and stomach cramps.^{[22]
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Visit your doctor if your sinus infection persists. Often times sinus infections can be treated at home. Get plenty of rest (at least 8-10 hours per night), stay hydrated, and take OTC pain relievers like acetaminophen, ibuprofen, or aspirin to ease symptoms.^{[23]
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Go to source} If your sinus infection lasts longer than 10 days or continues to get worse, visit your doctor. They may prescribe antibiotics to treat the infection.^{[24]
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- Sinus infection symptoms include congestion, yellow or green discharge from the nose and in the back of your throat, headache, fatigue, and fever.