Nevertheless, evidence for oregano as a treatment for respiratory infections is not strong enough to replace standard medical care.
A cup of food seasoned with oregano is one thing; concentrated oregano oil is another.
How Can You Add Oregano to Your Diet?
For most people, the simplest approach is also the most practical: use oregano as a culinary herb.
Try adding dried or fresh oregano to:
- Tomato-based sauces
- Soups and stews
- Roasted vegetables
- Salads
- Beans and lentils
- Chicken or fish
- Homemade dressings
- Whole-grain dishes
Using herbs and spices can also make meals more flavorful without relying as heavily on salt.
A Word of Caution About Oregano Oil
Oregano oil is highly concentrated and should not automatically be treated like the dried herb used in cooking.
Concentrated essential oils can cause irritation or other adverse effects, and their safety can depend on the dose, preparation, and method of use. People taking medications, pregnant or breastfeeding individuals, and those with certain medical conditions should be particularly cautious about using concentrated herbal products.
Natural does not automatically mean risk-free.
The Bottom Line
Oregano is more than a flavorful kitchen herb. It contains compounds such as carvacrol and thymol that have shown antioxidant, antimicrobial, and other biological activity in experimental research.
