← Back
3Medicinal

Oregano oil

Also sold as Oil of oregano, carvacrol

Strongly antimicrobial in lab dishes; human evidence for infections is very limited, and the concentrated oil can irritate.

TrustedSupp Tier System™ · Tier 3Take as a defined course
Check before you startThis one has documented interactions with medication classes where the consequences are serious. If you take any prescription medicine, run it past a pharmacist before starting.

Evidence strength

15/100Weak
WEAKLIMITEDMODERATESTRONGVERY STRONG

What the evidence supports: antimicrobial activity in lab studies; human infection evidence is minimal.

This scores how well-supported the claim above is — not how much benefit you personally would get. A high score on a narrow claim does not extend to everything the product is marketed for.

How long to take it

Short courses only.

Who it's actually for

Limited justification; not a replacement for antibiotics when they're needed.

Safe upper limit

Unverified
No formal upper limit; concentrated oil should always be diluted
Undiluted oil can burn the mouth and gut. It may lower blood sugar slightly, reduce iron absorption, and has mild blood-thinning effects.
No source or citation attached yet.

Interactions to know about

Other supplements:

Run your full list through the interaction check.

Practical notes

  • Lab results against bacteria don't translate directly to infections in people.
  • Take it away from iron supplements.
  • Avoid with mint-family allergy, and in pregnancy.