For almost a decade now, oil of oregano has ruled the roost in the category of natural immune boosters. It is touted as the “be all and end all” for preventing and curing all types of infections, as well as helping to build the immune system. As a scientist with a PhD in Microbiology & Molecular Biology, I think it’s time to see if there are any proof to these claims.

Even if you devoutly use oregano as a seasoning in your food, unless you are regularly eating platefuls of this herb, you will never consume enough for medicinal effects. Oregano essential oil (extracted from the leaves) contains a wide variety of chemical compounds, including oleanolic and ursolic acids and phenolic glycosides. Phenolic compounds make up to 71 percent of the oil. Carvacrol, thymol and terpinine have been studied for medicinal effect and are purported to be the medicinal constituents. Proper oil of oregano is a blend of medicinal oregano essential oil (Origanum vulgare) and one or more carrier oils. For safety reasons, a blend is used instead of the pure medicinal oregano oil. Pure oil is far too harsh and caustic, so much so that it can cause skin contact burns if used undiluted.

On the Internet, oil of oregano appears to be a wonder drug with almost limitless therapeutic abilities. It’s been proposed as a therapy for bacteria, fungi, asthma, croup, free radicals, bronchitis, upset stomach, arthritis, poor immunity, parasites, allergies, bladder infections, headaches, various heart conditions and many more. Sceptics of natural remedies always turn to a lack of scientific proof, and while there is a mountain of anecdotal evidence, is there any scientific evidence to back this up?

The short of it is that there is credible peer-reviewed scientific evidence that backs up some of the claimed actions of oregano. I’m not saying that oregano should be used as a cure for cancer as there is no credible scientific evidence for that (or any serious, life threatening diseases), but when it comes to preventing and treating infections, it is a whole different ballgame.

Many spice-based essential oils have antioxidant, antibacterial (combats infections), antiviral, anti-fungal and anti-parasitic properties. Most of these oils excel in these categories. It is the very sharp spicy notes that provide the oils with medicinal powers.

Oregano oil is listed by the FDA as GRAS (Generally Recognized As Safe), which is the highest safety rating any ingredient can have. Adverse event reports are extremely minimal, despite all the oregano sold and used each year. Most concerns have to do with the pungent taste of oregano oil or minor skin irritation when used topically in already sensitive people.

As an antioxidant, few substances are as potent as oregano oil. Numerous trials both in vitro and in vivo have shown both its antioxidant prowess and efficacy in humans. The studies showed that not only does oregano contain multitudes of powerful antioxidant compounds, but those compounds are also bioavailable and active when ingested.

In the field of combating infections, oregano oil has been demonstrated in both traditional texts and clinical papers to be potent and effective. It has been shown to guard against and kill various types of infections including Candida albicans, E. coli, Staphylococcus, Sclerotinia, Bacillus cereus, Trypanosoma, Giardia, Aspergillus, multiple food-borne pathogens and various fungi. That being said, in the midst of an outbreak I would look to oregano oil as a possible preventative (in addition to regular hand washing and other avoidance procedures), but would not rely on oregano oil to cure serious infections (such as SARS).

As an immune enhancer, the case for oregano is both scientific and logical. On the science front, clinical trials have shown oregano oil can improve immune response. Logically oregano oil, like all spice oils is “spicy” and warming, and both these qualities increase circulation. These combined effects are known to improve immunity.

Topically, oregano oil’s warmth has been used successfully for arthritis, rheumatism, painful joints and muscles for hundreds of years. This history prompted researchers to investigate, clinically validate and confirm this action.

In the end, there is a convincing and ever growing list of evidence supporting the safe therapeutic use of oregano oil as an immune enhancer, antioxidant, anti-bacterial, anti-fungal, antiviral and topical pain reliever. Oregano truly is one of those cases where the truth and evidence lives up to (most of) the hype.

Joel Thuna MH, is a master herbalist with over 30 years of experience. Claude Gallant holds a PhD in Microbiology from the University of Calgary.

Internet site reference: http://www.tonictoronto.com/magazine/articles/season-your-immune-system.html