The coated one
Enteric-coated softgels standardized for carvacrol
Shows its active compound (carvacrol), and a coating means less stomach burning and burping.
Good for: Easy on the stomach
What variations of oregano oil exist?
A strong essential oil from wild oregano with antimicrobial compounds such as carvacrol. It is meant for short-term use and can irritate the mouth, skin, and stomach. It comes in 3 forms, and they aren't all the same. Here's how they differ.
For education only. What's right for you depends on your health and your medications, so check with your provider before you start or switch. Book a consult
Our top pick
Every form, in plain words
The coated one
Enteric-coated softgels standardized for carvacrol
Shows its active compound (carvacrol), and a coating means less stomach burning and burping.
Good for: Easy on the stomach
The drops
Diluted liquid drops in olive oil
Flexible, but strong and burning in the mouth.
Usually skip
- The burning one (Undiluted essential oil)Can burn your mouth, throat, and skin.
Spotting a good one on the shelf
Look for
- Look for 'Enteric-coated softgels standardized for carvacrol' on the label (the coated one)
Watch out for
- No carvacrol (active compound) amount listed
- Undiluted oil sold for swallowing
- Products meant for daily, year-round use
Check with your provider first if…
- Pregnancy or breastfeeding: avoid
- Allergy to mint-family plants, such as basil, mint, sage, or lavender
- Taking blood thinners or diabetes medicine
- Iron deficiency. It may reduce iron absorption, so separate it from iron supplements.
- Long-term use may disturb healthy gut bacteria
Ready to find the root cause?
Dr. Lesher is a Naturopathic Doctor who focuses on autoimmune and chronic conditions in women. Since 2020, she's helped hundreds of patients stop managing symptoms and start healing.