10 Health Benefits of Oregano Oil

4. Claim: Oregano Oil Promotes Skin Healing

SOMEWHAT TRUE

Many people report using oregano oil on minor cuts, scrapes, burns, and even acne with great success, particularly because of its antibacterial, antimicrobial, antifungal, and antiviral properties. The Journal of Drugs in Dermatology reports that oregano oil was more effective than petrolatum in healing post-surgical wounds, resulting in less infection, improved healing, and less scarring. However, researchers used a water-soluble oregano extract obtained after distilling the essential oil. Their extract did not contain skin-irritating properties like the essential oil, so patients did not experience any allergic or adverse reactions. Nutrition Today notes that oregano oil can especially irritate open or broken skin, and recommends only using a 1% oregano oil concentration on any open skin or wounds. People looking to use oregano oil to help treat minor cuts and burns should use a heavily diluted version.