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Common Names: Oil of Origanum, Wild Marjoram, Oregano Oil
Scientific Names:Origanum vulgare
Bottom Line
Effectiveness: There have been no studies in patients with rheumatic conditions. Use is not recommended.
Safety: Considered possibly safe when used as a medicinal product.
What is Oil of Oregano?
- Oil of Oregano is oil made from the Oregano plant.
- It is commonly used as a herb for cooking due to the flavour of its leaves.
- The leaves, stems, and flowers are used to make medicine.
What it is it used for in people with rheumatic conditions?
- It has been applied to the skin to help relieve muscle and joint pain in people with rheumatoid arthritis.
- It is more commonly used for cough and cold symptoms, some infections, heartburn and bloating, and skin conditions.
How is it thought to work?
- It is not known how oil of oregano might help with rheumatic conditions.
- Oil of oregano contains chemicals (carvacrol, thymol, eugenol) that help slow bacteria growth and kill fungus.
Does it Work? What the Science Says:
- There are no studies on the use of oil of oregano for rheumatic conditions.
What are possible side effects and what can I do about them?
- Oil of oregano is considered likely safe when applied to the skin or eaten in prepared foods.
- It is unknown if oil of oregano is safe when used as an oral medicine. Large amounts of oregano may cause stomach upset.
- Oil of oregano may also cause allergic reactions. Do not use oil of oregano if you are allergic to plants in the Lamiaceae family, such as basil, lavender, sage, and more.
Interactions
With drugs:
- Oil of oregano may reduce the amount platelets clump together (platelet aggregation) and may reduce the way other blood clotting factors work. Oil of oregano may increase the risk of bleeding in patients taking anticoagulant/antiplatelet drugs.
- Common antiplatelet and anticoagulant drugs may include: warfarin (Coumadin), ASA (Aspirin), and clopidogrel (Plavix), ticagrelor (Brilinta), prasugrel (Effient), enoxaparin (Lovenox), dalteparin (Fragmin), dabigatran (Pradaxa), rivaroxaban (Xarelto), apixaban (Eliquis) and others.
- Oil of Oregano may lower blood sugar. People with diabetes should monitor levels more closely.
- Oil of Oregano may affect how lithium is removed from the body. Patients on lithium should be monitored more carefully or avoid use of oil of oregano.
With Other Diseases:
- Oil of oregano may affect how the blood clots, which may increase risk of bleeding during surgeries. Stop oil of oregano at least 2 weeks prior to surgical procedures.
With Other Natural Health Products:
- Oil of oregano may reduce the amount platelets clump together (platelet aggregation) and may reduce the way other blood clotting factors work. Oil of oregano may interact with other natural health products that also affect blood clotting, increasing the risk of bruising and/or bleeding.
- Such as: garlic, ginkgo, ginger, certain types of ginseng, red clover, and others.
- Oil of oregano may the lower the absorption of certain minerals, such as iron, zinc and copper.
For more information about Oil of Oregano, consult your physician and pharmacist.
I'm an expert in rheumatic conditions and related treatments. My knowledge encompasses a wide range of medications, including anti-inflammatories (NSAIDs), biologics, immunosuppressants, and natural health products. I've delved into the specifics of various drugs and their effectiveness, safety, and potential interactions.
Now, let's focus on the article you provided, particularly on Oil of Oregano:
Oil of Oregano:
- Common Names: Oil of Origanum, Wild Marjoram, Oregano Oil
- Scientific Names: Origanum vulgare
Bottom Line:
- Effectiveness: No studies in patients with rheumatic conditions. Use is not recommended.
- Safety: Considered possibly safe when used as a medicinal product.
What is Oil of Oregano?
- Oil made from the Oregano plant.
- Commonly used as a herb for cooking due to the flavor of its leaves.
- Leaves, stems, and flowers are used to make medicine.
Uses in People with Rheumatic Conditions:
- Applied to the skin to help relieve muscle and joint pain in people with rheumatoid arthritis.
- More commonly used for cough and cold symptoms, some infections, heartburn and bloating, and skin conditions.
How is it Thought to Work?
- Not known how oil of oregano might help with rheumatic conditions.
- Contains chemicals (carvacrol, thymol, eugenol) that help slow bacteria growth and kill fungus.
Does it Work? What the Science Says:
- No studies on the use of oil of oregano for rheumatic conditions.
Possible Side Effects:
- Likely safe when applied to the skin or eaten in prepared foods.
- Safety as an oral medicine is unknown. Large amounts may cause stomach upset.
- May cause allergic reactions, especially if allergic to plants in the Lamiaceae family.
Interactions:
- May reduce platelet aggregation and affect blood clotting factors, increasing bleeding risk.
- May lower blood sugar; monitor levels closely in diabetes.
- May affect lithium removal from the body; monitor lithium levels.
With Other Diseases:
- May affect blood clotting, increasing bleeding risk during surgeries; stop use prior to procedures.
With Other Natural Health Products:
- Interactions with products affecting blood clotting, increasing the risk of bruising and bleeding.
- May lower the absorption of certain minerals, such as iron, zinc, and copper.
Recommendation:
- Consult your physician and pharmacist for more information about Oil of Oregano.
Feel free to ask if you have more specific questions or if there's anything else related to rheumatic conditions you'd like to know.
