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.
At the same time, many of the impressive claims circulating online go further than the human evidence currently allows.
The best way to think about oregano is as a useful, flavorful part of a varied diet—not a miracle cure.
