Oregano

• TeaAerial partsInternalTraditional use

  Traditional folk-medicinal use as an aromatic infusion for dyspeptic complaints (bloating, flatulence, loss of appetite) and for catarrhal upper-respiratory complaints such as irritable cough and incipient bronchitis. The active principle is the carvacrol-rich essential oil with digestive, spasmolytic and secretolytic effects.

  Preparation & dosage

  Pour 150 ml boiling water over 1-2 g dried oregano herb, cover and infuse for 10 minutes, then strain. Drink a fresh cup two to three times daily between meals.

  Dry amount

  1–2 g

  Doses per day

  3×

  Max duration

  4 weeks

  Sources: [1] [2] [3]

• TinctureAerial partsInternalFolk medicine

  Folk-medicinal ethanolic tincture of the flowering herb for dyspeptic complaints, cramp-like stomach pain and productive bronchial catarrh. Ethanol preserves the volatile carvacrol-/thymol-containing essential oil and rosmarinic acid better than an aqueous infusion.

  Preparation & dosage

  1:5 tincture in 70 % ethanol from dried oregano herb. Usual daily dose: 20-40 drops (1-2 ml) three times daily in a little water before meals. Avoid in pregnancy.

  Liquid amount

  1–2 ml

  Doses per day

  3×

  Max duration

  4 weeks

  Sources: [2] [3]

• Essential oilAerial partsExternalTraditional use

  Oregano essential oil (Oleum origani) is traditionally used for its antimicrobial properties due to its high carvacrol and thymol content — applied diluted as a rub for cold complaints or as an additive for inhalations. Strongly skin-irritating when undiluted; always dilute in a fixed carrier oil.

  Preparation & dosage

  Dilute 1-3 drops oregano essential oil in 10 ml almond or olive oil and rub onto chest/back. Not undiluted on the skin, not in the eyes, not for internal use without professional guidance.

  Liquid amount

  0.05–0.15 ml

  Doses per day

  2×

  ⚠ Age restriction: ≥ 4 years — Oregano essential oil must not be used in infants and children under 4 years due to carvacrol/thymol content — risk of mucous-membrane irritation and laryngospasm with facial application.

  Sources: [1] [2] [4]

• InhalationAerial partsExternalFolk medicine

  Folk-medicinal steam inhalation of oregano herb or a few drops of diluted oregano essential oil for stubborn bronchial mucus, rhinitis and incipient bronchitis. The secretolytic action of carvacrol and thymol loosens viscous mucus.

  Preparation & dosage

  Pour 1 L hot (not boiling) water over a handful (5-10 g) of dried oregano herb, cover head with a towel, close eyes and inhale steam for 5-10 minutes. Alternatively add 2-3 drops oregano oil to 500 ml hot water.

  Dry amount

  5–10 g

  Doses per day

  2×

  ⚠ Age restriction: ≥ 4 years — Inhalation with oregano oil not for children under 4 years due to carvacrol/thymol content — laryngospasm risk.

  Sources: [2] [3]

• SpiceLeafInternalFolk medicine

  Classical Mediterranean culinary herb — the main use of oregano. Essential component of pizza, tomato, lamb and fish dishes, Greek and Italian salads. The essential oils stimulate appetite and digestion; moderate culinary amounts are safe, including in pregnancy.

  Preparation & dosage

  Sources: [1] [2] [6]

• CompressAerial partsExternalFolk medicine

  Folk-medicinal use as a warm compress for rheumatic complaints, muscle tension, bruises and slow-healing skin areas. The essential oils are hyperaemic and mildly antiseptic.

  Preparation & dosage

  Sources: [2] [3]

Oregano essential oil is strongly skin- and mucous-membrane irritating in concentrated form — never apply undiluted; always dilute at least 1:10 in a fixed carrier oil. High doses can cause nausea, vomiting and gastric irritation. Avoid therapeutic doses during pregnancy (carvacrol and thymol effects, traditional use as emmenagogue). ASPCA classification (accessed 2026-08-10): toxic to dogs, cats and horses.

⏱ Max continuous use: 4 weeks