Strongly aromatic herb containing carvacrol and thymol — the primary antimicrobial compounds. One tablespoon dried oregano provides significant vitamin K, iron, manganese, calcium, and omega-3 (unusually high for an herb). Carvacrol is one of the most bactericidal natural compounds identified, active against E. coli, Salmonella, Listeria, MRSA, and H. pylori in laboratory and some clinical settings.
Dried oregano at every grocery store. Fresh at most stores. Oil of oregano supplement at health stores. Very affordable.
Oregano oil's carvacrol has been studied in clinical trials for SIBO and intestinal bacterial infections. A 2011 clinical study in Phytotherapy Research found oregano oil equivalent to the standard antibiotic regimen for GI pathogens in a small pilot study. For H. pylori (which causes stomach ulcers and is linked to stomach cancer): in vitro studies show carvacrol bactericidal activity against H. pylori. For Candida (yeast overgrowth, more common in immunocompromised individuals and after antibiotic courses): carvacrol and thymol in oregano oil have documented fungicidal activity in multiple laboratory studies. Culinary oregano provides a meaningful daily dose of these compounds through regular cooking — not at therapeutic levels but at maintenance anti-microbial exposure levels.
Dried: add to sofrito, jerk marinades, Mediterranean dishes, tomato sauces. Fresh: in salads, in grain bowls, as garnish. Oil of oregano (supplement): 1-2 drops in water or capsules for therapeutic antimicrobial use. Do not use essential oil undiluted internally.
Free, no account needed to ask.