If you have been looking into natural wellness supplements, chances are you have come across oil of oregano and black seed oil — either separately or combined into a single formula. Both ingredients have been used for centuries across Mediterranean and Middle Eastern traditional practices, and they have gained serious popularity in the UK supplement market over the past few years.
But what exactly are these oils, what do they do, and should you take them together? This guide covers everything — from the science behind the key compounds to practical advice on dosage, formats, and potential side effects.
📋 In This Guide
What Is Oil of Oregano? What Is Black Seed Oil? Why Combine Oregano Oil with Black Seed Oil? Key Compounds: Carvacrol & Thymoquinone How to Take Oil of Oregano and Black Seed Oil What to Look For When Buying Side Effects and Safety Frequently Asked Questions
What Is Oil of Oregano?
Oil of oregano is a concentrated extract from the leaves of the Origanum vulgare plant — the same herb you might use in cooking, but in a far more potent form. Unlike the dried oregano in your spice rack, oil of oregano is steam-distilled to concentrate its active compounds.
The most important compound in oregano oil is carvacrol, which is responsible for the majority of its biological activity. High-quality oil of oregano supplements typically contain between 70% and 95% carvacrol. The percentage matters — lower carvacrol concentrations mean a less potent product.
Wild oregano oil specifically refers to oregano sourced from wild-growing plants, typically from Mediterranean regions like Turkey and Greece. Wild varieties tend to have higher carvacrol content than cultivated oregano because the harsher growing conditions concentrate the plant's natural compounds.
Other active compounds in oregano oil: Thymol (another phenolic compound), rosmarinic acid, and various terpenes. Together, these create what researchers describe as a synergistic profile — meaning the compounds may work better together than individually.
What Is Black Seed Oil?
Black seed oil comes from Nigella sativa, a flowering plant native to South Asia and the Mediterranean. The seeds have been used in traditional wellness practices for thousands of years — there are even references to black seed in ancient Egyptian texts.
The key active compound in black seed oil is thymoquinone, which has been the subject of hundreds of published studies. Thymoquinone is what gives black seed oil its distinctive properties and is the main reason it is combined with oregano oil in modern supplement formulations.
Black seed oil also contains thymohydroquinone, thymol, and a range of fatty acids including linoleic acid and oleic acid. These compounds contribute to its overall nutritional profile beyond the headline active ingredient.
Why Combine Oil of Oregano with Black Seed Oil?
This is one of the most common questions people ask, and the answer comes down to complementary compounds.
Oil of oregano is rich in carvacrol. Black seed oil is rich in thymoquinone. Both are phenolic compounds with overlapping but distinct biological activities. When combined in a single supplement, you get a broader spectrum of active compounds than either oil provides alone.
Rather than taking two separate supplements, a combined formula delivers both compound profiles in one softgel — more convenient, more cost-effective, and ensures you get both oils in every dose.
Many combined formulas also add complementary ingredients. For example, turmeric (containing curcumin) and ginger are common additions because they bring their own well-studied compounds to the formula. Black pepper extract (often listed as BioPerine®) is sometimes included to support the absorption of curcumin.
Key Compounds: Carvacrol & Thymoquinone
The primary active compound in oregano oil, studied in over 1,500 published papers. Research has investigated its properties in cell cultures, animal models, and some human trials. Look for supplements with 80%+ carvacrol — premium products contain 90-95%.
The key active compound in Nigella sativa, studied in over 800 published papers. Human clinical trials have explored its effects across a range of wellness areas. A 2017 systematic review compiled findings from multiple trials.
The active compound in turmeric, one of the most studied natural compounds in the world. Often paired with oregano and black seed oil formulas for its complementary properties. Best absorbed with BioPerine® (black pepper extract).
The bioactive compounds in ginger, used in traditional practices for centuries. Ginger adds digestive comfort to oregano oil formulas and contributes its own well-documented compound profile to the overall formula.
📄 What the Research Shows
Carvacrol: Over 1,500 published studies. Most research is preclinical (cell and animal studies), but the volume and consistency of findings across multiple independent studies is one of the reasons oregano oil has maintained its popularity.
Thymoquinone: Over 800 published papers. Human clinical trials have been conducted, with a 2017 systematic review in the Journal of Pharmacopuncture compiling findings from multiple trials investigating black seed oil supplementation.
Important note: Most studies use isolated compounds in controlled laboratory conditions. Translating laboratory findings to real-world supplement use is not straightforward. What works in a petri dish does not always work the same way in the human body.
| Factor | Oil of Oregano | Black Seed Oil |
|---|---|---|
| Key compound | Carvacrol | Thymoquinone |
| Plant source | Origanum vulgare | Nigella sativa |
| Origin | Mediterranean (Turkey, Greece) | South Asia, Mediterranean |
| Published studies | 1,500+ | 800+ |
| Traditional use | Greek & Mediterranean herbalism | Ancient Egyptian & Islamic medicine |
| Quality indicator | Carvacrol % (aim for 80%+) | Thymoquinone concentration |
How to Take Oil of Oregano and Black Seed Oil
Oil of oregano with black seed oil is available in several formats. The best one for you depends on your preferences and lifestyle:
Softgels & Capsules
Most popular format. Precise dosing, no taste, easy to travel with. Look for carvacrol % on the label. Standard dose: 1-2 per day with food. Available in 60, 120, or 300 count bottles.
Shop 300 Softgels →Liquid Drops
Flexible dosing, faster absorption. Taken under the tongue or mixed into water. Strong taste — look for formulas with manuka honey or peppermint. Good if you prefer not to swallow capsules.
Shop Oregano Drops →Gummies
Newer format, growing in popularity. Sugar-free options available. Lower concentration per serving than softgels but enjoyable and convenient for daily maintenance use.
Shop Oregano Gummies →Dosage tip: Most people take 1-2 softgels per day with food, either at breakfast or lunch. Taking oregano oil with a meal helps with absorption and reduces the chance of stomach discomfort. There is no strong evidence that timing matters beyond personal preference and consistency.
What to Look For When Buying Oil of Oregano
Not all oregano oil supplements are created equal. Here is what separates a good product from a mediocre one:
Quality Buying Checklist
- Carvacrol percentage 80%+ — this is the single most important quality indicator. Premium products contain 90-95%. A product listing "oregano oil" without specifying carvacrol content could be anywhere from 20% to 95%
- Wild Origanum vulgare — wild-harvested from Mediterranean regions, not cultivated oregano from a different species
- Third-party tested — independent lab testing (e.g. Eurofins) to verify carvacrol content and confirm absence of contaminants
- Combined with black seed oil — complementary thymoquinone for a broader compound spectrum
- Complementary ingredients — turmeric, ginger, olive leaf, astaxanthin add value but should not mask a low-quality base oil
- Capsule count and value — compare per-capsule cost, not just the sticker price. A 300-count bottle is significantly better value than 60-count
- No unnecessary fillers — clean formulations with ingredients that serve a purpose
Side Effects and Safety
Oil of oregano is generally well tolerated when taken as directed, but there are some things to be aware of:
Digestive sensitivity: Some people experience mild stomach discomfort when first taking oregano oil, particularly on an empty stomach. Taking it with food usually resolves this.
Allergic reactions: Oregano belongs to the Lamiaceae family, which includes mint, basil, sage and thyme. If you are allergic to any of these plants, avoid oregano oil or consult your healthcare provider before taking it.
Pregnancy and breastfeeding: Oregano oil is not recommended during pregnancy or breastfeeding. Consult your healthcare professional before taking any new supplement if you are pregnant, breastfeeding, taking medication, or have a medical condition.
Medication interactions: Both oregano oil and black seed oil may interact with certain medications, particularly blood thinners and diabetes medication. Speak with your doctor before supplementing.
Iron absorption: Some research suggests that oregano oil may temporarily affect iron absorption. If you are supplementing iron, consider taking oregano oil at a different time of day.
The side effect profile of both oils is generally mild at standard supplemental doses. Most people take them without issues. Starting with a lower dose and building up gradually is a sensible approach if you are new to oregano oil.
Frequently Asked Questions
Oil of Oregano 6000mg — Black Seed Oil, Turmeric & Ginger
- Wild Mediterranean Oregano Oil — 95% Carvacrol
- Black Seed Oil (Nigella sativa)
- Turmeric Extract with Curcumin
- Ginger Root Extract
- Olive Leaf Extract
- Astaxanthin — antioxidant support
- 300 softgels per pouch — 10-month supply
- Independently tested by Eurofins