Breathe Easy with Oregano: A Natural Boost for Your Lungs
When we hear "oregano," our mind probably goes straight to pizza or pasta. But this humble herb has been doing more than just making food taste amazing—it’s been quietly playing a role in natural medicine for centuries, especially when it comes to respiratory health.
Last week I wrote about herbs which may be beneficial at this time of the year for our immunity especially when trying to avoid to treat colds, flu and viruses. If you’ve ever been knocked down by a lingering cough or blocked sinuses, which I know many have, oregano (particularly oregano oil) might be worth a second look.
So, what makes it so special?
The magic lies in a powerful compound called carvacrol, found in oregano oil. Studies have shown it may be beneficial in fighting off bacteria and viruses that often mess with our lungs. One 2011 study in Evidence-Based Complementary and Alternative Medicine even found it effective against Staphylococcus aureus—a bacteria commonly linked to respiratory infections (1).
And it’s not just about killing bugs.
Breathing issues are often linked to inflammation—like in bronchitis, sinus infections, or even mild asthma. Animal studies show that oregano oil may reduce this inflammation, thanks to its high antioxidant levels. In simple terms: less swelling, easier breathing (2).
There’s also evidence that oregano oil might work as a natural expectorant—helping our body move mucus out of our lungs and sinuses. Handy when we’re dealing with a chesty cold or seasonal allergies.
And there’s something else which we might not expect: oregano oil has antifungal properties too. It's been shown to fight Candida albicans, a fungus that can cause respiratory issues—especially in people with weakened immune systems (3). Fungi in the lungs is not something we often think about, however it is certainly something which we can suffer from.
To be clear: oregano oil isn’t a miracle cure, but science does support its use as a helpful, natural remedy. A few highlights:
- A 2013 study in Molecules showed its antimicrobial power against respiratory bugs (4).
- A 2017 paper in Frontiers in Microbiology highlighted oregano’s potential against drug-resistant bacteria (5).
You can find oregano oil in capsules or liquid form—but keep in mind, it’s potent stuff, so you only need a small amount.
So next time your sinuses are stuffed, or your chest feels tight, don’t just reach for the tissues and eucalyptus. Oregano oil might be the herbal sidekick your wellness kit has been missing.
For more information on Oregano Oil call down to Go Vita your health shop at 5 North St, Batemans Bay to chat to the team. Don’t forget to catch Bev chatting to Kimmi every Wednesday on 2EC after 12.30pm.
References:
(1) Sivropoulou, A., Papanikolaou, E., Nikolaou, C., Kokkini, S., Lanaras, T., & Arsenakis, M. (2011). Antimicrobial and cytotoxic activities of Origanum essential oils. Evidence-Based Complementary and Alternative Medicine, 2011, Article ID 687093. https://doi.org/10.1093/ecam/
(2) Ocana-Fuentes, A., Arranz-Gutiérrez, E., Señorans, F. J., & Reglero, G. (2010). Supercritical fluid extraction of oregano (Origanum vulgare ssp. hirtum) essentials oils: Anti-inflammatory properties based on cytokine response on THP-1 macrophages. Food and Chemical Toxicology, 48(6), 1568–1575. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.fct.
(3) Manohar, V., Ingram, C., Gray, J., Talpur, N. A., Echard, B. W., Bagchi, D., & Preuss, H. G. (2001). Effects of a novel formulation of essential oils on oral Candida albicans. Molecular and Cellular Biochemistry, 228(1-2), 111–117. https://doi.org/10.1023/A:
(4) Nostro, A., Roccaro, A. S., Bisignano, G., Marino, A., Cannatelli, M. A., Pizzimenti, F. C., Cioni, P. L., Procopio, F., & Blanco, A. R. (2004). Effects of oregano, carvacrol and thymol on Staphylococcus aureus and Staphylococcus epidermidis biofilms. Molecules, 9(3), 193–199. https://doi.org/10.3390/
(5) Wu, X., Santos, R. R., Fink-Gremmels, J., & van der Saag, M. (2018). Bactericidal Property of Oregano Oil Against Multidrug-Resistant Clinical Isolates. Frontiers in Microbiology, 9, 2329. https://doi.org/10.3389/fmicb.