Is Oil of Oregano a Natural Antibiotic

It’s that time of year again, and many people I know have been coming down with a cold or flu. I’m all about prevention, so as the seasons shift—Spring to Fall, and Fall to Winter—I always bring out a few immunity tricks. One of my favourites is Oil of Oregano.

I recently wrote a blog post about how honey supports immunity, but if you’re vegan—or simply prefer a plant-based option—Oil of Oregano is an incredibly effective natural antibiotic and antifungal agent.

Oregano contains phenols, terpenes, and terpenoids—powerful compounds with strong antioxidant properties that also give oregano its signature fragrance.

Here are the key main contributors:

Carvacrol

The most abundant phenol in oregano. It has been shown to inhibit the growth of several kinds of harmful bacteria.

Thymol

A natural antifungal that supports the immune system and helps protect against harmful pathogens.

Rosmarinic Acid

A potent antioxidant that defends the body against free radical damage—especially important for those of us who consume cannabis by smoking.

Together, this trifecta gives Oil of Oregano its incredible healing power.

Does Oil of Oregano affect gut bacteria?

There’s an ongoing debate about whether Oil of Oregano harms beneficial gut bacteria. At this time, there isn’t strong, conclusive evidence on either side. Personally, I follow Dr. Axe’s recommendation and take it internally for no more than two weeks at a time because it is very potent.

High doses can cause nausea, vomiting, or irritation. While it’s available as a tincture or essential oil, I’m not a fan of taking it straight—it can burn the back of the throat and leave a lingering aftertaste. Many people prefer the capsule format, and 600 mg per day (taken once or divided into two doses) appears to be a safe, well-tolerated amount.

Personally, I put a couple of drops of Oil of Oregano into a veggie capsule and take it that way. I’m not fond of the taste, and it tends to come back up for a while afterward. But because it’s so effective, I tough it out!

How to use it when you’re getting sick

If you feel a cold or flu coming on, start a two-week protocol with Oil of Oregano. Notice how your body responds and tweak accordingly. After all, no one knows your body better than you.

Tap in, tune in to your intuition, and trust your body’s innate wisdom. It will guide you.

P.S. I will switch over to honey when I am over my two-week Oil of Oregano protocol, to continue to support my immunity.

This article is for educational and informational purposes only. It is not, nor is it intended to be, a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment and should never be relied upon for specific medical advice.

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