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Inflammation & Immune Health

Oil of Oregano for Yeast and Candida: What Herb Kills Yeast?

Oregano oil is one of the best-studied antifungal herbs in the lab.

Written by Editorial TeamMedically reviewedUpdated on
Fresh oregano

Key takeaways

  • Oregano oil inhibits Candida albicans in lab and animal studies.
  • Human trials for yeast infections are lacking.
  • Never apply oregano oil internally to sensitive areas.

What herb kills yeast?

Oregano oil is one of the most studied antifungal herbs. In lab and mouse studies, origanum oil stopped the growth of Candida albicans.[1] Carvacrol is thought to damage fungal cell membranes.[2]

Other antifungal herbs

  • Garlic (allicin)
  • Tea tree oil (topical only)
  • Black seed oil (lab activity)[3]

Safety

Do not insert oregano oil vaginally or apply it undiluted to skin. Vaginal yeast infections should be treated with proven antifungal medicine.

When to see a doctor

Black seed oil and oregano oil are not a substitute for diagnosis or prescribed treatment. See a healthcare professional if symptoms are severe, getting worse or not improving.

Frequently asked questions

Does black seed oil kill yeast?

It shows antifungal activity in lab studies, but human evidence is limited.

The bottom line

Oregano oil is a strong antifungal in the lab, but proven antifungal medicines are still the right treatment for infections.

Laboratory research

Oregano Oil

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Strong antimicrobial lab data, limited human evidence.

Fresh oregano sprigs on a white surface

Oregano Oil

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Same oil, two names — but not every product labelled 'oregano oil' is the same.

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Carvacrol

What Is Carvacrol in Oregano Oil?

Meet carvacrol — the compound behind oregano oil's reputation.

Fresh oregano sprigs

Respiratory & Allergies

Oil of Oregano for Colds: Does It Help?

Oregano oil is a popular cold remedy. Here's what the evidence supports.

Fresh oregano with a dropper bottle of oregano oil

Oregano Oil

Oregano Oil Benefits and Uses

Oregano oil is potent and well studied in the lab. Here's how it may help and how to use it safely.

Fresh oregano

Safety

Oil of Oregano Side Effects and Safety

The side effects to know and who should avoid oregano oil.

Sources

  1. Manohar V, Ingram C, Gray J, et al. Antifungal activities of origanum oil against Candida albicans. Mol Cell Biochem. 2001;228(1-2):111-117.
  2. Suntres ZE, Coccimiglio J, Alipour M. The bioactivity and toxicological actions of carvacrol. Crit Rev Food Sci Nutr. 2015;55(3):304-318.
  3. Ahmad A, Husain A, Mujeeb M, et al. A review on therapeutic potential of Nigella sativa: a miracle herb. Asian Pac J Trop Biomed. 2013;3(5):337-352.