Herbal Oil Of Oregano

Oil of oregano, also known as wild oregano oil, is an essential oil derived from the leaves and flowers of the oregano plant. It has been used for centuries as a natural remedy for a wide range of ailments, including digestive issues, respiratory problems, and infections. In this blog post, we will explore the uses and benefits of oil of oregano, as well as how it differs from oregano essential oil.

What is Oil of Oregano?

What to Know Before You Add It to Your Dog’s Routine

What Is Oil of Oregano?

Oil of oregano is a concentrated oil extracted from the Origanum vulgare plant, traditionally grown in the Mediterranean. The leaves are steam-distilled to create a potent liquid rich in compounds like carvacrol and thymol—known for their antimicrobial and anti-inflammatory benefits.

Used for thousands of years in natural medicine, it’s been a go-to for humans dealing with infections, inflammation, and digestive issues. And now, it’s gaining traction in the pet world.

But should you add it to your dog’s wellness plan? Let’s walk through the pros, cons, and safer ways to explore it.

How Oil of Oregano Is Commonly Used

In both human and animal wellness circles, oil of oregano is considered for:

Digestive issues like bloating, gas, and slow digestion
Respiratory symptoms including coughing or congestion
Fungal or bacterial infections (yeast, staph, ringworm, etc.)
Parasitic overgrowth (including internal worms and external mites)
Skin problems like acne, hot spots, eczema, and inflamed patches
Oral and ear care in very diluted topical blends

It’s powerful—but that doesn't mean it’s automatically safe or appropriate for every situation.

Oil of Oregano vs. Oregano Essential Oil: Know the Difference

Here’s where things get confusing for many pet parents. While both come from the same plant, their concentration, composition, and purpose are very different.

Feature	Oil of Oregano	Oregano Essential Oil
Source	Distilled (sometimes multiple times) from leaves	Steam-distilled from leaves and flowering tops
Strength	Less concentrated (but still potent)	Extremely concentrated
Carrier Oils	Often diluted in olive or MCT oil	Usually undiluted—requires intentional dilution
Common Use	Tinctures, topical blends	Aromatherapy, diffusing, internal protocols
Safety Concerns	Unknown dilution, possible rancidity, not pet-tested	Very potent—requires professional guidance

While essential oils from trusted brands may be labeled GRAS (Generally Recognized As Safe) when diluted and used with purpose, Oil of Oregano products often lack that transparency. That’s where risks arise.

Why I Don’t Recommend Ingesting Oil of Oregano for Dogs

I know the internet is full of pet parents adding drops of oil of oregano into their dog’s food. I’ve read the testimonials. But I’ve also seen the gut flare-ups, the resistance to food, and the long-term microbiome disruption.

Here’s the problem:

We don’t always know the oregano-to-carrier ratio
Many bottles include olive oil, which can go rancid
Ingredient labeling is often vague or misleading
These blends aren’t tested on pets, nor designed with them in mind

Even though I do support using certain essential oils internally when the source, dilution, and purpose are clear and appropriate—I do not recommend ingesting generic oil of oregano in dogs.

Safer Ways to Use Oil of Oregano for Dogs

If you’re curious about incorporating oregano’s benefits into your pet’s natural health routine, consider these external, diluted, and topical applications:

Homemade toothpaste or gentle oral sprays (for short-term use)
Topical skin salves or ointments for minor fungal or bacterial issues
Ear rinses (always diluted with a fatty carrier and guided by a professional)

And don’t forget to support overall healing with foundational tools like:

Probiotics and fermented foods to balance the gut
Medicinal mushrooms and colostrum for immune modulation
Essential oils like frankincense, lavender, tea tree (yes, it can be used safely), and thyme—when properly diluted
Herbs like neem, pau d’arco, and garlic (when used in safe, targeted ways)
PEMF or red light therapy to reduce inflammation and boost healing
A low-starch, fresh food diet to starve yeast and pathogens

Dana’s Thoughts

Oil of oregano gets a lot of hype—and in the right context, it can be a valuable tool. But it’s not a catch-all and it’s definitely not risk-free. I’ve worked with dogs where oil of oregano was part of the wellness puzzle—but only after we had strong foundations in place: fresh food, detox pathways supported, and the right rotation of remedies.

I encourage you to ask:
Are we addressing the root cause of the issue, or trying to overpower symptoms with another “quick fix”?

If you’re using oil of oregano because your dog’s itching, licking, or battling yeast—we might need to zoom out and look at gut health, detox overload, food sensitivities, environmental factors, or chronic immune stress. . See my allergy guide

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Disclaimer:
Statements in this blog have not been evaluated by the FDA. Educational content only. Not intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any disease.
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