Synopsis

Source of validity: Traditional
Rating (out of 5): 2

Oregano (Origanum vulgare) has a long history of use in traditional herbal medicine systems, particularly within Mediterranean cultures, for a variety of digestive complaints, including acid indigestion (also referred to as dyspepsia or heartburn). Folk medicine practitioners have used oregano as a carminative—an agent believed to relieve gas and soothe the digestive tract. This historical use is supported by the aromatic and bitter properties of oregano, which were thought to stimulate digestive secretions and help with the breakdown of food.

However, modern scientific evidence directly supporting oregano’s efficacy for acid indigestion is limited. Some laboratory and animal studies have found that oregano oil contains compounds like carvacrol and thymol, which possess antimicrobial and anti-inflammatory properties that could, in theory, benefit gastrointestinal health. There is also some evidence that oregano may inhibit the growth of Helicobacter pylori, a bacterium associated with gastritis and ulcers, but these findings do not directly translate to relief of typical acid indigestion symptoms in humans.

No high-quality clinical trials have established oregano (in any form) as an effective treatment for acid indigestion. Most claims rely on traditional use and anecdotal reports rather than controlled studies. As such, while oregano is traditionally used for digestive discomfort, its use for acid indigestion is not strongly supported by scientific research.

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