Can I Take Ashwagandha and Oregano Oil Together? Complete Guide

Ashwagandha and oregano oil are two popular natural remedies, each praised for their distinct health benefits. Ashwagandha is best known for its adaptogenic and stress-reducing properties, while oregano oil is celebrated for its antimicrobial and immune-boosting effects.

But what happens when you take both together? Are they safe to combine? Can they work synergistically — or could this pairing do more harm than good?

In this article, we’ll explore the science behind ashwagandha and oregano oil, their potential interactions, benefits, side effects, and guidelines for safe use together.

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What Is Ashwagandha?

Ashwagandha (Withania somnifera), also known as Indian ginseng or winter cherry, is a powerful adaptogen—a herb that helps the body manage stress. It’s been used in Ayurvedic medicine for thousands of years to improve:

• Stress resilience

• Anxiety and mood balance

• Energy and stamina

• Sleep quality

• Cognitive function

• Immune system support

Key active compounds: withanolides (steroidal lactones with anti-inflammatory and anti-stress effects).

How it works: Ashwagandha helps regulate cortisol (the stress hormone), supports adrenal function, and has a mild sedative effect on the nervous system.

What Is Oregano Oil?

Oregano oil is extracted from the leaves of the Origanum vulgare plant. It’s known for its strong antimicrobial, antifungal, and antiviral properties. It’s commonly used for:

• Fighting infections (bacterial, viral, fungal)

• Supporting gut health

• Boosting the immune system

• Treating respiratory issues

• Combating candida and parasites

Key active compounds: carvacrol and thymol, which give it potent antimicrobial and antioxidant effects.

How it works: Oregano oil disrupts the membranes of harmful microbes, inhibits their growth, and supports the immune response.

Can You Take Ashwagandha and Oregano Oil Together?

Yes — in most cases, ashwagandha and oregano oil can be taken together safely, but with some important precautions. These herbs affect different systems of the body, so there’s no direct contraindication. However, their combined effects on the immune system, gut, and liver require careful consideration.

Let’s break it down:

1. Complementary Benefits

Taken together, they may offer a broad-spectrum boost for stress-related immune suppression or chronic infections.

Example scenario: If you're dealing with long-term stress and a weakened immune system, ashwagandha can help regulate your cortisol levels, while oregano oil supports microbial balance in the gut and fights off pathogens.

2. Watch for Potential Interactions

Although no direct herb-herb interaction has been documented between ashwagandha and oregano oil, here are a few potential concerns to keep in mind:

a. Overstimulation of the Immune System

• Ashwagandha is immunomodulatory (it balances the immune system).

• Oregano oil stimulates immune response and fights microbes.

In some people — especially those with autoimmune conditions — combining the two may lead to excess immune activation.

Caution: If you have autoimmune diseases like lupus, rheumatoid arthritis, or Hashimoto’s thyroiditis, consult a healthcare provider before combining these herbs.

b. Impact on the Gut Microbiome

• Oregano oil has broad-spectrum antimicrobial effects, meaning it can kill both harmful and beneficial bacteria.

• Ashwagandha has mild digestive support properties but is not antimicrobial.

Concern: Prolonged use of oregano oil without probiotics may disrupt your gut flora. While ashwagandha won’t worsen this, it won’t protect against it either.

Solution: If using oregano oil for more than 10–14 days, take a quality probiotic or fermented food to support microbiome balance.

c. Liver Metabolism

Both herbs are metabolized by the liver, and oregano oil, in particular, may affect cytochrome P450 enzymes, which also metabolize many medications.

If you are on medication, especially for blood pressure, thyroid, anxiety, or infections, you should consult a doctor before combining these herbs. The risk of interactions may not be due to the herbs themselves, but how they affect drug metabolism.

3. Who Should Avoid Taking Them Together?

You should avoid or be cautious about combining ashwagandha and oregano oil if you:

• Have autoimmune disorders (risk of overstimulation)

• Take medications that affect liver enzymes or hormone levels

• Are pregnant or breastfeeding

  • Ashwagandha can stimulate uterine contractions

  • Oregano oil may be too harsh and is generally avoided during pregnancy

• Have ulcers or gastrointestinal inflammation

  • Oregano oil can irritate sensitive stomachs

• Are undergoing surgery

  • Ashwagandha may affect thyroid hormones and sedatives

  • Oregano oil may thin the blood

4. How to Safely Combine Ashwagandha and Oregano Oil

If you're in good health and not on medication, here’s how to safely use both:

a. Dosage Guidelines

Tip: Use oregano oil for short periods when needed (e.g., during a cold or infection), while ashwagandha can be used long-term for stress and hormone balance.

b. Timing

Avoid taking both at the exact same time unless directed by a professional. Consider:

• Morning: Oregano oil (with food, to avoid irritation)

• Evening: Ashwagandha (promotes sleep and recovery)

c. Support the Liver and Gut

• Drink plenty of water

• Add probiotics or fermented foods if taking oregano oil

• Avoid alcohol or liver-toxic substances during use

• Include liver-supportive foods: turmeric, dandelion tea, leafy greens

5. What Science Says

While few clinical studies look specifically at the combination of ashwagandha and oregano oil, research on each herb individually is robust:

Ashwagandha

• Shown to lower cortisol, reduce stress, and improve sleep (Chandrasekhar et al., 2012)

• Supports thyroid function and may reduce anxiety (Salve et al., 2019)

Oregano Oil

• Effective against Candida, Staphylococcus, and other pathogens (Sivropoulou et al., 1996)

• Carvacrol and thymol are strong antioxidants and anti-inflammatories (Burt, 2004)

Together, their unique actions may offer synergistic benefits for individuals under stress, fighting infection, or trying to restore balance after illness.

6. Real-Life Scenarios Where Combination May Help

A. Post-Illness Recovery

If you’ve recently recovered from the flu or a viral infection, oregano oil can help clear lingering microbes, while ashwagandha supports the immune system and restores adrenal function.

B. Gut Imbalance and Candida Overgrowth

Oregano oil can help kill off fungal overgrowth, while ashwagandha supports the body through the detox process and reduces stress-related triggers that worsen digestive issues.

C. Chronic Stress and Weak Immunity

Ashwagandha balances cortisol and strengthens stress response; oregano oil provides frontline protection against common pathogens when you’re run down.

Conclusion

Yes, you can generally take ashwagandha and oregano oil together, especially for short-term immune support or stress-related health issues. They complement each other well — one boosts resilience to stress and fatigue, while the other fights pathogens and supports detox.

However, it’s important to:

• Use oregano oil short-term only

• Support your gut and liver while using both

• Monitor for signs of overstimulation or irritation

• Avoid if you have autoimmune disease, are pregnant, or take medications

When in doubt, consult an herbalist or healthcare provider, especially if you're managing a chronic condition.

Nature is powerful — and with the right knowledge, it can be both safe and transformative.

References

1. Chandrasekhar, K. et al. (2012). "A prospective, randomized double-blind, placebo-controlled study of safety and efficacy of a high-concentration full-spectrum extract of ashwagandha root." Indian Journal of Psychological Medicine.

2. Salve, J. et al. (2019). "Adaptogenic and anxiolytic effects of ashwagandha root extract: A randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled trial." Cureus.

3. Burt, S. (2004). "Essential oils: Their antibacterial properties and potential applications in foods." International Journal of Food Microbiology.

4. Sivropoulou, A. et al. (1996). "Antimicrobial and cytotoxic activities of Origanum essential oils." Journal of Agricultural and Food Chemistry.

5. NIH National Center for Complementary and Integrative Health – https://nccih.nih.gov

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Alex Assoune (MS) is a global health and environmental advocate. He founded Panaprium to inspire others with conscious living, ethical, and sustainable fashion. Alex has worked in many countries to address social and environmental issues. He speaks three languages and holds two Master of Science degrees in Engineering from SIGMA and IFPEN schools.