Hot herbal ingredient for immune health: Oregano oil

Herbal wellness trends come and go, but every so often an ingredient stands out for all the right reasons. Oregano oil is one such herb, known for its strong aroma and growing popularity among people seeking to support their immune health.

As interest in natural health continues to grow, many people are exploring herbal ingredients with a long history of traditional use and a strong presence in modern research. Oregano oil is valued for its rich concentration of plant compounds. Before looking at what makes it so unique, it’s helpful to understand exactly what Oregano oil is and where it comes from.

What is Oregano oil?

Oregano oil comes from the leaves of the Origanum vulgare plant, a Mediterranean herb known for its bold flavour and long‑standing use in traditional herbal practices. 

Key active constituents

The active components of Oregano essential oil are the two phenols carvacrol and thymol. Carvacrol is a phenol present in a few essential oils including Oregano, Thyme, Pepperwort and Wild bergamot. The essential oil of Thyme contains between 5-75% carvacrol, while other subspecies have lower amounts of between 1% and 45%[1]. 

Oregano is one of the richest sources of carvacrol, constituting between 78-85% of the oil[2]. In fact, carvacrol demonstrated the highest activity when assessed against other common essential oils including Thyme, Peppermint, Sage, Chamomile and Lavender[3]. Carvacrol is believed to be responsible for most of the health-supporting properties of Oregano oil.

Immune support

Oregano oil has been extensively studied both in vitro and in vivo[4], showing supportive effects on the immune system, with one in vitro study concluding the Oregano oil had the highest and broadest immune-supportive activity compared with other essential oils[5].

Antioxidant activity:

Oregano oil is also a potent antioxidant, reducing free radicals formed in the body. Among the essential oils from the different parts of Oregano, the leaf-flower oils have demonstrated the best antioxidant activity[6].

What to look for in quality Oregano oil:

Extracting the essential oil from the Oregano plant is a delicate process. The plant undergoes a gentle steam distillation extraction process in combination with a quick cooling process, avoiding the use of both chemicals and alcohol, respecting the delicate nature of the oil and helping to maintain both its concentration and purity.

When choosing an Oregano oil supplement, quality matters. Selecting products that use certified organic Oregano, clearly state their carvacrol content and outline their extraction method helps ensure you’re choosing an oil that maintains its natural potency and purity.

If Oregano oil is of interest, consider Herbs of Gold Organic Oregano Oil, containing 100% certified organic Oregano leaf oil, standardised to contain a minimum of 80% of carvacrol to support immune system health. The Oregano oil in Herbs of Gold Organic Oregano Oil uses a gentle steam‑distillation process to help preserve the purity and potency of the oil. 

Oregano oil has earned its reputation as one of nature's most potent botanicals and it's increasingly finding its place in evidence-informed wellness routines. Browse our immune health supplements range to see how it fits alongside your existing support.