11 Benefits of Oregano Oil: Your Must-Have Antibacterial Herb

If you read our origin story, you know that I have been on a journey to restore my health over the past several years.  

At the lowest point in my health crisis, I was bedridden for a month and a half, covered in rashes. and extremely ill with an infection that consisted of pus-filled pockets in my throat and mouth.

Doctors gave me antibiotic after antibiotic, searching for something that could fight this infection. The symptoms improved a bit with drugs, but within a couple of days of finishing the medication, the infection would return in full force.

This occurred four times in a month and a half. I was desperate to find a solution that was long-lasting, natural, and wouldn’t require constantly refilling prescriptions from my doctor.

A few days after my fourth round of antibiotics, I forced myself to get in the car and drive to Whole Foods for a few groceries. I barely had enough energy to leave the house, but I’m so glad I did. That grocery store run marked the beginning of a pivotal shift in my health.

I was standing in the checkout line when an article in the Well Being Journal, a well-researched journal on health topics, caught my eye. The article was titled, “Natural Solutions to Drug-Resistant Infections.” 

I couldn’t believe it! This was exactly what I needed! The article listed herbal substances that had powerful antimicrobial properties, including oregano oil. The article mentioned a book written by Dr. Cass Ingram called The Cure is in the Cupboard: How to Use Oregano for Better Health, a book explaining the healing properties of oregano and how to use it. 

I had my husband get the book at the library, and I began reading. I purchased oregano oil and began taking it immediately. Sure enough, my mouth and throat infection went away and did not return. Shortly after taking the oregano oil, rashes on my skin (that had been there for over a year) began to disappear. It was the first step in a long journey to regaining my health, and I was thrilled with the results.

Now, I keep oregano oil on hand at all times. I’ve learned it’s a wonderful natural antimicrobial herb and is great to have in the cupboard for an unexpected cold or a variety of other ailments. Since learning about oregano oil and implementing its use in our home, I have not had to take an antibiotic in over five years!

Oregano oil is an incredibly powerful antimicrobial and healing substance. It has been used therapeutically for centuries dating back to 3,000 B.C. [1] Recently, this humble essential oil remedy has received a lot of scientific and medical attention. In fact, a recent Georgetown University Medical Center study showed that oregano oil can reduce infection just as effectively as antibiotics.[2]

Additionally, oregano oil is extremely effective against a wide range of microbes including fungi, viruses, and parasites. Research has also shown medical-grade oregano can destroy antibiotic-resistant super-germs, as was evident in my personal experience and healing. [3]

Oregano oil is also used for a myriad of other medical conditions, including colds, lung conditions (such as asthma, pneumonia, bronchitis, and sinusitis), arthritis, ear infections, and diarrhea—just to name a few. In his book, Dr. Ingram includes an A-Z guide of medical uses for oregano oil. He also includes detailed protocols on how to take the oil for particular conditions, which I found particularly helpful.

Research has shown that oregano oil has the following medicinal and healing properties:

1. Antifungal [4]  
2. Antibacterial [5],[6]
3. Antiviral [7]
4. Antiparasitic [8]
5. Anti-inflammatory [9],[10]
6. Antioxidant [11]
7. Antivenom (neutralizes the venom of spiders, bees, ants, snakes, etc.) [12]
8. Anesthetic [13]
9. Anticancer (has properties that fight cancer) [14]  
10. Antidiabetic (helps control the amount of glucose in the blood) [15]
11. Digestive (improves gut health) [16]