Oil of Oregano Side Effects and Safety
The side effects to know and who should avoid oregano oil.
Key takeaways
- Common side effects: stomach upset, heartburn and mouth irritation.
- Undiluted oil can burn skin and mucous membranes.
- Avoid in pregnancy and with blood thinners unless approved.
Common side effects
- Nausea, heartburn, stomach upset
- Burning in the mouth or throat
- Skin irritation when applied
- Allergic reactions (mint family)
Possible interactions
Carvacrol may affect blood clotting and blood sugar in experimental studies.[1] Talk to a doctor if you take anticoagulants or diabetes medicine.
Who should avoid it
- Pregnant or breastfeeding women
- Young children (see oil of oregano dosage for children)
- People allergic to mint, basil, thyme or sage
Frequently asked questions
Can oregano oil damage your gut?
Short-term use is generally fine for healthy adults, but long-term, high-dose use isn't well studied.
The bottom line
Oil of oregano is generally well tolerated when diluted and used short term. Avoid it if you're pregnant or on blood thinners.
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Sources
- Suntres ZE, Coccimiglio J, Alipour M. The bioactivity and toxicological actions of carvacrol. Crit Rev Food Sci Nutr. 2015;55(3):304-318.
- Leyva-López N, Gutiérrez-Grijalva EP, Vazquez-Olivo G, Heredia JB. Essential oils of oregano: biological activity beyond their antimicrobial properties. Molecules. 2017;22(6):989.