OIL OF OREGANO
Updated: Oct 24
Oil of oregano is one of the most talked-about natural antibiotics in the Lyme community. I've only used it in combination products, but I wanted to share what the research shows and the options for you, all in one place.
Short on time or energy? A quick-view graphic with the key points is at the bottom of this post.
WHAT IT IS
-Oil of oregano comes from the leaves of the oregano plant. Its main active part is called carvacrol.
WHAT THE RESEARCH SHOWS
-In a 2017 Johns Hopkins lab study, oregano, cinnamon bark and clove bud oils were the top three oils against the hard-to-kill "resting" form of Lyme bacteria, and they worked better than the antibiotic daptomycin in the lab. Carvacrol was the most active part of oregano oil. Oregano oil also broke up biofilm-like clumps of Lyme bacteria in the lab.
-In a 2019 lab study from the same group, oregano, cinnamon bark and mountain savory oils were among the most active oils tested against Bartonella. In the same study, doxycycline and azithromycin did poorly against the resting form of Bartonella.
-A 2023 review of 18 herbs used for Lyme found oil of oregano was one of seven with lab evidence against Lyme bacteria. Unlike most of the others, it hasn't been shown to calm inflammation or ease symptoms.
-These were lab studies. Oil of oregano hasn't been tested in people with Lyme yet, and the researchers say clinical trials are still needed.
HOW LYME LITERATE DOCTORS USE IT
-Dr. Richard Horowitz lists a cinnamon, clove and oregano oil combination among his biofilm agents for Bartonella, to help open biofilms so antibiotics can reach the bacteria. He uses oil of oregano on its own if someone can't tolerate cinnamon or clove.
-Dr. Marty Ross includes a liposomal cinnamon, clove and oregano oil capsule in his top herbal plan for Bartonella.
-Every Lyme doctor has their own approach, and that's okay. Talk with your doctor before adding it.
MY EXPERIENCE
-I've only used oil of oregano in combination products. My Lyme literate doctor chose Bacteril by Terry Naturally for me, which combines cinnamon bark, clove bud, oregano and thyme oils.
BEFORE YOU START
-Some product labels say it's not recommended during pregnancy or nursing.
-Keep it out of reach of children.
-Oregano is considered safe in the amounts used in food, but less is known about larger amounts.
-It may add to the effects of blood thinners and diabetes medicines, so check with your doctor if you take these.
WHERE TO BUY
Buy products on Fullscript for a 25% discount
Buy here (Biotics Research A.D.P., emulsified oil of oregano tablets):
Buy here (Designs for Health Oil of Oregano, softgels):
Buy here (Terry Naturally Bacteril, a combination product with cinnamon bark, clove bud, oregano and thyme oils, the one my Lyme literate doctor chose for me):
RELATED POSTS
Cinnamon, Clove and Oregano Oil Combination
Natural Antibiotics
Essential Oils
SOURCES
Integrative Medicine: A Clinician's Journal - A comprehensive review of herbal supplements used for persistent symptoms attributed to Lyme disease (March 2023)
LymeDisease.org - Dr. Richard Horowitz, Medical Detective: Effective treatments for Bartonella infections (February 2025)
Dr. Marty Ross, Bartonella treatment guide (updated 2026)
Antibiotics - Essential oils with high activity against stationary phase Bartonella henselae, Johns Hopkins lab study (November 2019, older source, still worth reading)
Global Lyme Alliance - Essential oils, garlic, herbs and spices kill persister Lyme disease bacteria (December 2018, older source, still worth reading)
Frontiers in Medicine - Feng et al., Selective essential oils from spice or culinary herbs have high activity against stationary phase and biofilm Borrelia burgdorferi, Johns Hopkins lab study (October 2017, older source, still worth reading)
Disclaimer: Rise Above Lyme makes no claims about any possible benefit of using any product mentioned within this site. Always consult with your doctor before adding anything. The information shared is based on personal experience, years of accumulated researched resources from Lyme Literate doctors and polls conducted within Lyme groups from actual patient experience using these solution ideas.
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