Some people with psoriasis say oregano oil helps control their symptoms because of its antifungal and anti-inflammatory properties. However, while certain compounds in oregano do seem to offer some health benefits, there are no scientific studies that support its use as an alternative therapy for psoriasis or other skin conditions. Oregano oil has not been approved for treating any diseases.

Before using oregano oil to treat your psoriasis symptoms, it’s important to learn how to use it and to understand the potential benefits and risks. It’s also important to seek medical advice before using it as a remedy for psoriasis. While oregano oil may seem harmless, in some people it can trigger an allergic reaction or cause other side effects.

What Is Oregano Oil?

Oregano oil is an essential oil made from the oregano plant (Origanum vulgare). A least 61 plant species fall under the scientific category of oregano and share similar features. All parts of the oregano plant contain some compounds that are linked to health benefits. Researchers have identified 37 compounds in the oil of the leaf flower — 29 in the root oil and 11 in the stem oil.

Oregano oil is used in medicine, cosmetics, and food preservation. You can find oregano oil in the form of drops or capsules or as an ingredient in special shampoos, soaps, moisturizers, and lotions. Some health food stores, homeopathic practitioners, and online stores sell oregano oil. It’s believed to have several benefits, including antioxidant, antifungal, antiviral, anti-inflammatory, and antimicrobial properties.

Potential Benefits of Oregano Oil

Oregano contains several active compounds called terpenes. Two of these terpenes, thymol and carvacrol acetate, have strong anti-inflammatory properties. Because of this, some studies suggest that oregano oil may help protect against inflammatory reactions.

Oregano oil is sometimes believed to help with inflammatory conditions. Some people take oregano oil by mouth, hoping it will reduce inflammation in the body. Others apply the oil topically (to the skin) in hopes of lowering inflammation and protecting against free radicals (unstable molecules that can damage cells) in certain areas of the skin.

Psoriasis and many of its common comorbidities (coexisting conditions) involve high levels of inflammation. Early research on human skin cells suggests that products containing carvacrol — a compound found in oregano oil — may help fight inflammation.

People with psoriasis may also be more prone to fungal infections, such as Candida (a type of yeast). Like many herbs and spices, oregano has compounds that can fight bacteria, viruses, and fungi. Because of this, some believe oregano oil could help prevent fungal overgrowth on vulnerable skin. However, there is no conclusive research to support this idea.

Potential Risks and Side Effects of Oregano Oil

A small study on eight people with either atopic dermatitis (the most common type of eczema) or psoriasis found that lotion containing oregano extract didn’t cause irritation in sensitive skin. However, oregano oil may not be safe to use on an active skin infection or psoriasis flare-up. More research is needed. When you’re dealing with a flare, it’s best to follow your dermatologist’s advice and use proven psoriasis treatments to get your symptoms under control.

The U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) considers essential oils like oregano oil generally safe for humans. But that doesn’t mean they are free of side effects or helpful for everyone.

Keep in mind that essential oils aren’t regulated like food or prescription medications. In the United States, there are no quality control standards for essential oils. This makes it hard to know if a product is truly high quality. Be cautious with essential oil brands that are much less expensive than similar products, as they may be diluted or less pure.

How To Take Oregano Oil

Taking oregano oil by mouth, through food or supplements, is usually safe when used as directed. However, because essential oils tend to be highly concentrated, oregano essential oil is not safe to drink on its own.

The safest way to enjoy oregano is by adding it to food. However, you should avoid oregano oil if you are:

• Pregnant
• Breastfeeding
• Taking blood thinners, diabetes medication, or lithium (a medication to treat bipolar disorder)

How To Use Oregano Oil for Psoriasis

Ask your healthcare provider whether it’s safe for you to use oregano oil based on your diagnosis, allergies, and other health conditions. If they say it’s safe, ask for detailed instructions on how to use it.

Can You Put Oregano Oil Directly on Your Skin?

Doctors recommend mixing essential oils with a carrier oil before applying them to the skin. Diluting them with a vegetable-based carrier oil like coconut or olive oil makes them less toxic and increases their absorption.

The amount of essential oregano oil you need to dilute before applying it to your skin can vary by brand, so ask your doctor for advice. A general guideline is to mix three drops of essential oregano oil with 1 tablespoon of carrier oil (about a 1 percent dilution). Stronger concentrations may cause skin irritation.

How To Perform a Patch Test

Before using oregano oil on skin affected by psoriasis, try a patch test. Apply a drop of oregano oil to a patch of clear skin. Watch the spot over the next few days before using the oil more widely. If your skin becomes itchy and irritated, consider trying a different brand or a different essential oil.

How To Store Essential Oils

Essential oils can break down over time, especially if they’re not packaged or stored correctly. Keep them in a tightly tightly sealed dark glass container to prevent oxidation. Write down the date you first opened the bottle, and try to use essential oils within one to two years for best results.

Always let your healthcare professional know before starting any new supplement or topical product. Ask if it’s safe for you based on your medical history and current treatments. They can also recommend the best essential oil for psoriasis. If you notice side effects, such as upset stomach, itchy skin, or skin irritation, stop using oregano oil.

What MyPsoriasisTeam Members Say About Essential Oils

Many members of MyPsoriasisTeam have shared their experiences with essential oils. However, oregano oil hasn’t been mentioned very often.

Here is what a few members have shared:

• “Oregano oil mixed with Aveeno skin cream gives me relief.”
• “It felt so good to get home last night and take a long bubble bath with oregano essential oil. The plaques came right off, and I finally feel some relief.”
• “I made myself some salve. The base is coconut oil and I add calendula flowers, oregano, lavender, and aloe, all fresh from the garden.”

One member asked for natural remedies to help with nausea from medications. Another suggested, “Try adding ginger aromatherapy essential oils mixed with lavender essential oil, a few drops of basil essential oil, a few drops of peppermint essential oil, and almond carrier oil twice a day. This is a great combination. It worked for me and others.”

Remember to always ask your dermatologist before trying any therapies for psoriasis, even if the product seems harmless. Your doctor knows what will work best for your specific symptoms. They can explain oregano oil benefits for skin and offer advice on how complementary therapies may work alongside your traditional psoriasis treatment plan.

Join the Conversation

On MyPsoriasisTeam, people share their experiences with psoriasis, get advice, and find support from others who understand.

Have you tried using oregano essential oils as part of your psoriasis treatment? Let others know in the comments below.