Oregano and Marjoram:
An Herb Society of America Guide to the Genus Origanum
Medicinal Uses
Although not in widespread medicinal use today, Origanum
plants have a long history of use in folk medicine and a chemistry
that shows some promise for modern applications. Species that have
been used medicinally include O. vulgare,
O. majorana, O. dictamnus and O. syriacum,
among others. Origanums have been used to treat many conditions,
from digestive problems, menstrual irregularities and cancer to
aches, pains and the common cold.
Dittany of Crete has been used internally as a tonic, digestive
aid (16, 89), for rheumatism and respiratory ailments and externally
for snakebite, sciatica and wounds (16). In Crete,
O. dictamnus is still used today for tonsillitis, toothache,
rheumatism, amenorrhea, diabetes, kidney and liver problems,
obesity, digestion and externally for wounds and headaches (91).
O. vulgare's uses in folk medicine include respiratory
problems, coughs, upset stomach, painful menstruation/as an
emmenagogue (48), rheumatoid arthritis, scrofulosis, to induce
sweating, for urinary problems and as a diuretic (14, 48, 49). It is
used internally for colds, flu, fever, painful periods and digestive
disorders and externally for bronchitis, asthma, arthritis and
muscle aches (16). In Chinese medicine, oregano is a remedy for
colds, vomiting, fever, dysentery, jaundice and childhood
malnutrition (49). Oil is reportedly used to kill lice (16), and
in homeopathy, oregano is considered an aphrodisiac (49).
Preparations include infusions, tea powders, gargles and baths
(14, 49).
O. majorana has been used to treat cancer (57, 69), colds,
rhinitis and gastritis, and the herb and essential oil have been
used for cramps, depression, gastrointestinal problems, headaches,
coughs, paralysis and as a diuretic (49). The species is used
externally for chest congestion, muscle aches and arthritis, and
warm olive oil infused with sweet marjoram is a reported remedy for
ear infections (16). Like O. vulgare, O. majorana is
employed as an aphrodisiac in homeopathic medicine (49). It can be
prepared as an infusion/tea, mouthwash, poultice (49) and tincture
(36), and the oil is an ingredient in ointments and compound
preparations (49).
O. onites is a primary ingredient in kekik water, a
"household remedy" prepared in villages and sold
commercially in Turkey (4), and O. syriacum has reportedly
been used to treat heart problems, cough, toothache (44), colds,
anxiety and wounds (26).
A number of the genus's reported medicinal activities have been
supported by animal/in vitro studies or assays of isolated extracts
or chemicals from the plants (36). Several plants in the genus are
antibacterial, antifungal and antimicrobial due to the phenol
carvacrol (49, 102). The essential oil of
O. vulgare is antimicrobial (49), and O. majorana
plants and/or essential oil are antimicrobial (102), anti-viral,
insecticidal (49), and antibacterial (14).
O. syriacum is reportedly antifungal, and O. onites
oil has antifungal and antibacterial properties (102).
Origanum species including O. vulgare,
O. majorana and O. dictamnus may be antispasmodic due
to the presence of flavonoids (3). Some origanums may also have
antioxidant effects due to the phenols carvacrol and thymol, polar
hydroxycinnamic derivatives and flavonoid glycosides (3). There is
also limited scientific evidence that O. vulgare and
O. majorana may have anticancer, sedative, diuretic, diaphoretic and analgesic activities and that
O. vulgare may aid digestion (36).
It is important to note that although many sources list medicinal
actions for the essential oil of O. vulgare and
O. vulgare subsp. hirtum, most commercial oil of
Origanum is actually sourced from Thymbra capitata
(syn. Thymus capitatus). According to Dr. Arthur O. Tucker,
there is a great deal of confusion in the essential oil literature,
but "high-carvacrol oils would have similar applications" (101).
The German Commission E considers both O. vulgare and
O. majorana "unapproved" (14), but the
American Herbal Products Association Botanical Safety Handbook
lists O. vulgare subsp. hirtum and O. majorana
as class 1 herbs "that can be safely consumed when used
appropriately" (74), and economic botanist and former USDA
researcher Dr. James A. Duke gives both O. vulgare
(subspecies not identified) and O. majorana his highest safety
rating (i.e. "safer than coffee") (36). Some sources advise
against the use of origanums during pregnancy due to uterine
stimulating and abortifacient effects (3). Oregano may also disrupt
progesterone, an important pregnancy hormone (117 cited in 26).
According to the PDR for Herbal Medicines and
Commission E Monographs, O. majorana should not be
used for extended periods due to arbutin and hydroxyquinone, the
latter of which is carcinogenic, and salves should not be used on
young children or infants (14, 49). Oregano/O. vulgare may
cause systemic allergic reactions in some individuals who consume
the herb, and there have also been reports of contact dermatitis
(3, 72). O. majorana food flavoring has reportedly caused
perioral dermatitis (3), and although there is conflicting
information about O. vulgare oil and skin sensitivity, oil
may be a dermal toxin and skin irritant, and at least one source
cautions against home use (67). Tina Marie Wilcox felt this effect
first hand when she experienced intense burning after applying
Origanum oil mixed with nut oil to insect bites (114).
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