Oregano is more than just a flavorful herb on your pizza.

In concentrated form — known as oregano oil — it contains powerful plant compounds that have drawn interest from both traditional healers and modern researchers.

Specifically, two active ingredients — carvacrol and thymol — have shown antimicrobial, antioxidant, and anti-inflammatory properties in lab studies.

But how effective is it really?

And should you use it to treat infections?

Let’s explore what science actually says about oregano oil — and how to use it safely, if at all.

🧪 What Is Oregano Oil?

Oregano oil is extracted from the leaves and flowers of the Origanum vulgare plant, typically through steam distillation.

It’s rich in:

Carvacrol – the primary compound, studied for its ability to disrupt bacterial cell membranes
Thymol – supports immune response and fights fungi
Rosmarinic acid – a natural antioxidant that reduces inflammation

✅ These components give oregano oil its strong scent and potential therapeutic value.

However, most research has been done in test tubes or animals — not large-scale human trials.