Powerful Anti-Bacterial Properties of Oregano Oil

Researchers at the United States Department of Agriculture have demonstrated that oregano oil¹ has potent bacterial killing properties. They demonstrated that oregano consistently inhibited the growth of infectious E. Coli, Listeria monocytogenes, and Salmonella.

These researchers are seeking to improve food safety by figuring out ways to add oregano and other oils to the food supply. This new report is consistent with another study earlier this year showing that oregano was effective against multiple bacteria² and yeasts such as Candida. This new research is the most recent of over 100 articles in the scientific literature demonstrating the anti-bacterial and anti-fungal properties of oregano (active ingredient is called carvacol).

There are no published scientific reports that oregano has direct anti-viral properties for any virus, the flu, or the swine flu. However, many people struggling with a baseline amount of sinus or digestive distress may benefit from oregano oil by helping to clear out a problem that is known to reduce the effectiveness of the anti-viral defense system. Furthermore, oregano oil may have some value in helping to prevent secondary bacterial infections that often follow the flu.