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Oil of oregano: Can it treat sinusitis?
By Mayo Clinic staffOriginal Article: http://www.mayoclinic.com/health/oil-of-oregano/AN01195
- With Mayo Clinic asthma and allergy specialist
James T C Li, M.D., Ph.D.
read biographyclose windowBiography of
James T C Li, M.D., Ph.D.
James Li, M.D.
"People with allergy or asthma can lead full and healthy lives." — Dr. James Li
Dr. James Li is chair of the Division of Allergic Diseases in the Department of Internal Medicine and a board-certified asthma and allergy specialist. He hopes his expertise and the information on the site educates health care consumers in an area of rapid change both in medications and diagnoses.
"There are a lot of misperceptions about allergy and asthma," says Dr. Li, a New York City native who has been with Mayo since 1985 and works with a group of subspecialists in allergy, asthma and immunology. "I believe it's important to provide truthful, accurate information about allergy and asthma to the public. The more people know, the better they can take care of these conditions."
Dr. Li is a professor of medicine at College of Medicine, Mayo Clinic. He's a past director of the American Academy of Allergy, Asthma & Immunology, the American Board of Allergy and Immunology, and the American Board of Internal Medicine. He's a fellow in the American College of Allergy, Asthma & Immunology.
The American College of Allergy, Asthma & Immunology honored him with the Distinguished Service Award, and the American Academy of Allergy, Asthma & Immunology with its Special Recognition Award.
Treatments and drugs (2)
- Nasal spray addiction: Is it real?
- Acute sinusitis: Do over-the-counter treatments help?
Alternative medicine (1)
- Oil of oregano: Can it treat sinusitis?
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Question
Oil of oregano: Can it treat sinusitis?
I've heard that oil of oregano is effective in relieving and preventing sinusitis. Is this true?
Answer
from James T C Li, M.D., Ph.D.
Oil of oregano has received a lot of attention, with proponents claiming it can treat a variety of illnesses, including sinus disorders. Like many spices, oregano does have some antibacterial and antifungal properties — making it at least plausible that it might help or prevent some sinus problems caused by bacteria and fungi.
Unfortunately, there have been no published trials that have looked at oil of oregano specifically for this use. For this reason, it isn't known what role, if any, oil of oregano plays in treating or preventing sinusitis.
Next questionSinus infection and toothache: Any connection?
- Oregano. Natural Medicines Comprehensive Database. http://www.naturaldatabase.com. Accessed June 10, 2011.
- Shen D, et al. LC-MS method for the simultaneous quantitation of the anti-inflammatory constituents in oregano (Origanum Species). Journal of Agricultural and Food Chemistry. 2010:58;7119.
- Loizzo MR, et al. Chemical analysis, antioxidant, antiinflammatory and anticholinesterase activities of Origanum ehrenbergii Boiss and Origanum syriacum L. essential oils. Food Chemistry. 2009:117;174.
- Ben-Arye E, et al. Treatment of upper respiratory tract infections in primary care: A randomized study using aromatic herbs. Evidence-Based Complementary and Alternative Medicine. http://www.hindawi.com/journals/ecam/201Acc690346/. Accessed June 10, 2011.
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