Oregano

Common names: Oregano is also known as wild marjoram, mountain mint, winter marjoram, wintersweet, and Mediterranean oregano.

Efficacy-safety rating:

●●...Ethno or other evidence of efficacy.

Safety rating:

What is Oregano?

Common or wild oregano is a perennial plant native to the Mediterranean region and Asia and cultivated in the United States. Its creeping rootstock produces a square, downy, purplish stem with leaves that are dotted with small depressions. Purple, two-lipped flowers grow in clusters.

Origanum vulgare subspecies hirtum, has a spicy flavor, while other species have little flavor. This subspecies of oregano has furry leaves and floppy white flowers.

What is Oregano used for?

Aside from its culinary application, oregano exhibits antimicrobial and antioxidant actions and has possible activity as an antispasmodic and in diabetes. However, there is no clinical evidence to support the use of oregano in any indication.

Oregano has been a common ingredient in Spanish, Mexican, and Italian dishes as a spice and flavoring agent for hundreds of years. Its initial purpose was as a warming digestive and circulatory stimulant. It also has been used in perfumery, especially in the scenting of soaps. The antiseptic qualities of aromatic and medicinal plants and their extracts have been recognized since antiquity.

It has been suggested that an infusion of the fresh herb has beneficial effects on an upset stomach and indigestion, headache, colic, and nervous complaints, as well as on coughs and other respiratory ailments. An infusion of the flowers is said to prevent seasickness and have a calming effect. The oil is also used externally in liniments and lotions and to ease toothache. It has also been used as an insect repellant.

What is the dosage of Oregano?

There is no clinical evidence to support specific therapeutic doses of oregano; however, due to its wide use in foods it has been designated “generally recognized as safe” by the FDA. A study evaluating the antiparasitic effect of oregano used 200 mg emulsified O. vulgare oil daily for 6 weeks.

Is Oregano safe?

Contraindications have not been identified.

Generally recognized as safe when used as food. Avoid dosages above those found in foods because safety and efficacy are unproven. Some studies indicate hormonal effects.

None well documented.

Oregano has caused allergic contact dermatitis when applied topically When oregano is ingested, eczematous rash, and, rarely, anaphylactic reactions can occur.

Information in humans is lacking. An increase in the proportion of dead cells in preimplantation mice embryos has been observed following oregano essential oil consumption.

References

Copyright © 2006 Wolters Kluwer Health

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