By M. Raven Townsend, 11/27/25

In context to "cleansing", what is the usage of oregano essential oil in Herbalism and Ayurveda?

Oregano essential oil is used in both herbalism and Ayurveda as a potent cleansing agent due to its antimicrobial, antifungal, and detoxifying properties. In herbalism, it is applied for intestinal cleansing and immune support, while in Ayurveda it is considered heating (ushna) and detoxifying, helping to burn toxins (ama) and reduce excess Kapha. Safe dosages are very small—typically 1–2 drops diluted in carrier oil for topical use, or 1–2 drops in enteric-coated capsules for internal use under professional guidance.

Usage in Herbalism

• Antimicrobial cleansing: Oregano oil contains carvacrol and thymol, compounds that kill bacteria, viruses, and fungi, making it useful for cleansing infections and supporting immunity.

• Digestive cleansing: Traditionally used to address intestinal parasites and small intestine bacterial overgrowth (SIBO), supporting gut detoxification.

• Respiratory cleansing: Acts as an expectorant, helping clear mucus and phlegm, supporting respiratory detox.

• Topical cleansing: Diluted oregano oil is applied to fungal infections or wounds for antiseptic cleansing.

Usage in Ayurveda

• Energetics:

  • Rasa (taste): Pungent (katu) and bitter (tikta)

  • Virya (potency): Heating (ushna)

  • Vipaka (post-digestive effect): Pungent (katu)

• Dosha impact:

  • Reduces Kapha (mucus, stagnation) and Pitta (toxins, inflammation) in moderation.

  • Can aggravate Vata if overused due to its drying and heating qualities.

• Cleansing role:

  • Burns toxins (ama) and acts as an internal detoxificant, liquefying and dislodging stagnant toxins.

  • Supports lymphatic cleansing and digestive fire (agni).

Dosages & Methods

• Internal (with caution):

  • 1–2 drops of oregano essential oil diluted in 1 tablespoon of olive oil or taken in enteric-coated capsules.

  • Not recommended for direct ingestion without professional supervision.

• Topical:

  • 1–2 drops diluted in 1 tablespoon of carrier oil (e.g., coconut or jojoba) for fungal or microbial cleansing.

• Aromatic diffusion:

  • 3–5 drops in a diffuser for 30–60 minutes to cleanse air and support respiratory detox.

• Bath/steam:

  • 5–10 drops diluted in carrier oil added to a bath, or 2–3 drops in steam inhalation for respiratory cleansing.

• Herbal infusion (gentler):

  • 1–2 teaspoons dried oregano leaves steeped in hot water as tea for mild detox support.

Precautions

• Avoid during pregnancy and breastfeeding.

• Always dilute essential oil before use.

• Internal use only under professional guidance.

• May interact with blood thinners and diabetes medications.

References

Joyful Belly. (n.d.). Oregano benefits (Ayurveda insights). Joyful Belly College of Natural Health Sciences. Retrieved from https://www.joyfulbelly.com/Ayurveda/ingredient/Oregano/221

Mackneer, R. (2025, August 22). The ultimate oregano guide: Western herbalism, TCM & Ayurveda explained. Wholly Holistic. Retrieved from https://wholly-holistic.com/2025/08/22/oregano-herbs-101/

Aloe Vera Centar. (2025, April 19). Oregano oil: Natural protection and correct dosage. Retrieved from https://aloevera-centar.com/en/oregano-oil-natural-protection-and-correct-dosage/

Remedy’s Nutrition. (2025, September 24). Oregano oil capsules: A guide to benefits, dosage & safe use. Retrieved from https://remedysnutrition.com/blogs/news/ultimate-guide-to-oregano-oil-capsules-benefits-uses-and-dosage

Healthy Oil Planet. (n.d.). Oil of oregano dosages by mouth for adults and children. Retrieved from https://healthy-oil-planet.com/oil-of-oregano-dosage.html

Bare Remedy. (n.d.). Oregano for detox: Benefits, uses, & how it works. Retrieved from https://blog.bareremedy.net/glossary/oregano-for-detox-support/ 

Aromatherapy Practices with Oregano Essential Oil 

Aromatherapists use oregano essential oil primarily as a cleansing and protective agent, applying it in highly diluted forms for immune support, respiratory health, and topical antimicrobial care. Because it is one of the strongest essential oils, they emphasize caution, dilution, and short-term use. 

References

Dr. Axe. (2024, April 23). Oregano Oil Benefits and How to Use. Retrieved from Dr. Axe

Nurzyńska-Wierdak, R., & Walasek-Janusz, M. (2025). Chemical Composition, Biological Activity, and Potential Uses of Origanum vulgare L. Pharmaceuticals, 18(2), 267. https://www.mdpi.com/1424-8247/18/2/267 

Simply Earth Blog. (2025, October 7). 7 Oregano Oil Uses & Benefits + Recipes. Retrieved from Simply Earth

Verma, S., et al. (2025). Phytopharmacological properties of Origanum vulgare: A Review. International Journal of Pharmaceutical Sciences, 3(3), 3046–3053. https://www.ijpsjournal.com 

M. Raven Townsend is a Trained Ayurvedic Health Counselor, Herbalist, and Advanced Yoga Teacher with over two decades of experience weaving together yoga, Ayurveda, and herbal wisdom. She completed in-residence yoga teacher training at Yandara Yoga Institute in 2005, followed by 1200 hours of Ayurvedic study at the California College of Ayurveda (Levels I & II). After teaching more than 1,000 courses, Raven certified as an advanced yoga teacher and now offers customized programs integrating the wisdom of Yoga & Ayurveda. Her background includes professional herbalism, workshops, and college-level yoga instruction, as well as operating a herbal medicine store that supports holistic living. Currently enrolled in the advanced Professional Ayurvedic Herbalist certification with KP Khalsa’s International Integrative Educational Institute, Raven provides Ayurvedic health consultations rooted in tradition, education, and practical lifestyle guidance.  

It is her passion to chat about ancient wisdom and mystical practices that support healthy living. You can visit her personal website at 1hundred8.com.