online.
However, the headline greatly overstates what is proven in humans.
🌿 What oregano can—and can’t—do
Oregano contains compounds such as carvacrol and thymol that have antimicrobial activity in laboratory studies. That doesn’t mean taking oregano oil will cure infections in people.
- UTIs/bladder infections: There isn’t good evidence that oregano oil can replace antibiotics for an established UTI. Even cranberry, which has better evidence, is not recommended as treatment for an existing UTI.
- Parasites: Laboratory findings don’t establish that oregano oil safely eliminates intestinal parasites in humans.
- Herpes: Laboratory antiviral activity isn’t proof that oregano oil treats herpes infections in people.
- Flu: The NIH’s NCCIH says there is no strong scientific evidence that any natural product is useful against influenza.
- Candida and other fungi: Again, laboratory antimicrobial effects shouldn’t be confused with a proven treatment.
