The Truth About Oil of Oregano: What It Really Is (and Isn’t)

“Oil of Oregano” is one of those names that sounds straightforward until you start comparing bottles. One brand burns your throat, while another tastes mild and earthy. So what’s actually going on?

Let’s break down what true oil of oregano is, why most commercial versions are completely different, and how to read a label to know what you’re really getting.

What True Oil of Oregano Is

Traditionally, oil of oregano refers to an herbal oil made by steeping oregano leaves in a carrier oil, usually olive oil, for several weeks. The process gently extracts the herb’s beneficial compounds into the oil, resulting in a mild, whole-plant preparation.

A true herbal oil is gentle on the stomach and mucous membranes. It can be used topically and occasionally internally (depending on the oil used), has a mild, earthy flavor, and reflects traditional herbal practice rather than modern supplement marketing.

Even so, oregano itself is a strong herb. Whether taken as an infused oil or a tincture, it’s best used for short-term support, not as a daily supplement.

What Most “Oil of Oregano” Products Actually Are

In the supplement industry, the term “oil of oregano” has been widely misused. Most bottles sold today are not herbal oils at all, they’re oregano essential oil (or supercritical CO₂ extract) diluted in olive oil or MCT oil.

Essential oils are made through steam distillation or CO₂ extraction, which isolate only the plant’s volatile aromatic compounds, primarily carvacrol and thymol. These concentrated compounds are powerful, but they don’t include the broader range of constituents found in a whole-plant infusion.

If you’ve ever felt burning, stomach upset, or a harsh taste from a store-bought oil of oregano, you were likely taking one of these concentrated essential-oil-based products.

Why Ingesting Essential Oils Can Be a Problem

Essential oils are extremely potent, it can take pounds of oregano to produce just a small bottle. This makes them effective in small topical doses, but it also means they can irritate or overwhelm the body when taken internally.

Ingesting essential oils is not generally recommended and should only be done under the direct supervision of a qualified clinical aromatherapist. Improper use can lead to irritation or burning of the mouth, throat, and stomach lining, digestive upset or nausea, and stress on the liver and kidneys as the body works to metabolize volatile compounds.

Some essential oils are considered “hot oils,” meaning they’re naturally irritating and caustic to the skin and mucous membranes, even when diluted. Oils such as oregano, thyme, clove, and cinnamon fall into this category and are not intended for ingestion.

How to Tell What You’re Actually Buying

A quick look at the ingredient list can help you tell the difference between an essential-oil-based product and a true herbal oil.

Label Clue: “Oregano leaves steeped or infused in olive oil”
What It Means: Traditional herbal oil of oregano (whole-herb infusion).

Label Clue: “Oregano essential oil” or “Oregano oil (Origanum vulgare)”
What It Means: Distilled essential oil.

Label Clue: “Supercritical CO₂ extract”
What It Means: Essential-oil-type concentrate.

Label Clue: Mentions “Carvacrol” or “Thymol”
What It Means: Standardized essential oil product.

Label Clue: Mild flavor and golden-green color
What It Means: Typically an herbal oil.

Label Clue: Strong taste or burning sensation
What It Means: Essential-oil-based product.

If you’re unsure, look for phrases like “oregano leaves in olive oil” or ask how the product is made.

What the Major Brands Are Actually Selling

After reviewing company websites and confirming some details directly by email, here’s what I found:

Brands using essential oil (steam-distilled or CO₂ extract):
 Nature’s Way, Natural Factors, NOW, Herbal Roots, North American Herb & Spice, Garden of Life, MaryRuth, Micro Ingredients, and most of Gaia’s line (their Oil of Oregano Capsules use a CO₂ extract).

These are all concentrated essential-oil-based products diluted into a carrier oil. That’s why they have a much stronger flavor and often highlight carvacrol or thymol content on the label.

The exception:
Gaia’s Oregano Leaf Drops are a tincture, not an essential oil. Because it’s an alcohol-based extract, it’s much gentler for internal use and aligns with traditional herbal practice.

Brands using herbal oregano oil:
Best Naturals appears to be one of the only companies making a true herbal oil of oregano, an oil made from the whole herb rather than a distilled essential oil.

Goodrich & Wild:
 Our Oil of Oregano is a liquid herbal extract, prepared traditionally with oregano leaves infused in organic olive oil, never steam-distilled or chemically concentrated. We also offer an oregano tincture for those who prefer an alcohol-based option.

Why Label Clarity Matters

Consumers deserve to know what they’re using. When both herbal oils and essential oil blends are sold under the same name, it leads to confusion and sometimes discomfort.

Neither product is inherently bad, but they serve very different purposes. Oregano essential oil is a highly concentrated aromatic extract intended for external use. A true herbal oil of oregano, made by infusing the whole herb into a carrier oil, offers a gentler, full-spectrum option that can be used topically and, when appropriate, taken internally in moderation.