Fact Check: Can Oregano kill human respiratory virus?

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Last Updated on December 17, 2021 by Neelam Singh

Quick Take

An Instagram post claims that Oregano can reduce viral activities from human respiratory syncytial virus within 15 minutes. We fact-checked and found that the claim is mostly false.

The Claim

The Instagram post titled, ‘Herbs That Kill Viruses And Clear Lungs’,’ lists Oregano as one of the herbs and claims that ‘in just 15 minutes’ it can attack and reduce viral activity from Respiratory Syncytial Virus.

The post can be seen here and a screenshot is given below.

Fact Check

What is Oregano?

Oregano (Origanum vulgare) is a herb widely used for culinary purposes, especially in Spanish, Italian and French cuisine. It contains chemicals that might help reduce cough but there is insufficient scientific evidence to support its health benefits.

What is Human Respiratory Syncytial Virus (HRSV)?

Respiratory Syncytial Virus (RSV), is a respiratory virus that infects the lungs and breathing passages. It is is one of the predominant pathogens causing lower respiratory tract infection in infants and young children worldwide.

Can Oregano kill HRSV in 15 minutes?

No. There is no conclusive scientific evidence to this claim.

A few research done on this matter is done with Oregano Oil (and not with dried or fresh Oregano leaves). Some of these research show that Oregano Oil may have a positive effect on drug resistant bacteria like Pseudomonas aeruginosa and E. coli.

One such study also shows some positive effect of Oregano oil on human respiratory syncytial virus (HRSV) but the study was done in a dish in laboratory (and not on human body). While the study obviously creates a case for further investigation, scientists did not mention anything about ‘effective in 15 minutes’ in their research findings.

Another study on the same matter showed that Oregano Oil was not effective against HRSV.

So, the effectiveness of Oregano against HRSV is not proven beyond doubt and no evidence of 15 minutes time frame has been found too.

Disclaimer: Medical Science is an ever evolving field. We strive to keep this page updated. In case you notice any discrepancy in the content, please inform us at [email protected]. You can futher read our Correction Policy here. Never disregard professional medical advice or delay seeking medical treatment because of something you have read on or accessed through this website or it's social media channels. Read our Full Disclaimer Here for further information.

Disclaimer
Medical Science is an ever evolving field. We strive to keep this page updated. In case you notice any discrepancy in the content, please inform us at [email protected]. You can further read our Correction Policy here. Never disregard professional medical advice or delay seeking medical treatment because of something you have read on or accessed through this website or it's social media channels. Read our Full Disclaimer Here for further information.

Geetika
Geetika
A content research professional she has over 12 years of work experience managing content and research for multiple blue chip companies including Accenture, Evalueserve and Economic Times. At THIP, she manages secondary research and fact finding.

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Last Updated on December 17, 2021 by Neelam Singh

Disclaimer: Medical Science is an ever evolving field. We strive to keep this page updated. In case you notice any discrepancy in the content, please inform us at [email protected]. You can futher read our Correction Policy here. Never disregard professional medical advice or delay seeking medical treatment because of something you have read on or accessed through this website or it's social media channels. Read our Full Disclaimer Here for further information.

Last Updated on December 17, 2021 by Neelam Singh

Disclaimer: Medical Science is an ever evolving field. We strive to keep this page updated. In case you notice any discrepancy in the content, please inform us at [email protected]. You can futher read our Correction Policy here. Never disregard professional medical advice or delay seeking medical treatment because of something you have read on or accessed through this website or it's social media channels. Read our Full Disclaimer Here for further information.

Last Updated on December 17, 2021 by Neelam Singh

Disclaimer: Medical Science is an ever evolving field. We strive to keep this page updated. In case you notice any discrepancy in the content, please inform us at [email protected]. You can futher read our Correction Policy here. Never disregard professional medical advice or delay seeking medical treatment because of something you have read on or accessed through this website or it's social media channels. Read our Full Disclaimer Here for further information.

Last Updated on December 17, 2021 by Neelam Singh

Disclaimer: Medical Science is an ever evolving field. We strive to keep this page updated. In case you notice any discrepancy in the content, please inform us at [email protected]. You can futher read our Correction Policy here. Never disregard professional medical advice or delay seeking medical treatment because of something you have read on or accessed through this website or it's social media channels. Read our Full Disclaimer Here for further information.

Last Updated on December 17, 2021 by Neelam Singh

Disclaimer: Medical Science is an ever evolving field. We strive to keep this page updated. In case you notice any discrepancy in the content, please inform us at [email protected]. You can futher read our Correction Policy here. Never disregard professional medical advice or delay seeking medical treatment because of something you have read on or accessed through this website or it's social media channels. Read our Full Disclaimer Here for further information.

More in

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Last Updated on December 17, 2021 by Neelam Singh

Disclaimer: Medical Science is an ever evolving field. We strive to keep this page updated. In case you notice any discrepancy in the content, please inform us at [email protected]. You can futher read our Correction Policy here. Never disregard professional medical advice or delay seeking medical treatment because of something you have read on or accessed through this website or it's social media channels. Read our Full Disclaimer Here for further information.

Last Updated on December 17, 2021 by Neelam Singh

Disclaimer: Medical Science is an ever evolving field. We strive to keep this page updated. In case you notice any discrepancy in the content, please inform us at [email protected]. You can futher read our Correction Policy here. Never disregard professional medical advice or delay seeking medical treatment because of something you have read on or accessed through this website or it's social media channels. Read our Full Disclaimer Here for further information.

Last Updated on December 17, 2021 by Neelam Singh

Disclaimer: Medical Science is an ever evolving field. We strive to keep this page updated. In case you notice any discrepancy in the content, please inform us at [email protected]. You can futher read our Correction Policy here. Never disregard professional medical advice or delay seeking medical treatment because of something you have read on or accessed through this website or it's social media channels. Read our Full Disclaimer Here for further information.

Last Updated on December 17, 2021 by Neelam Singh

Disclaimer: Medical Science is an ever evolving field. We strive to keep this page updated. In case you notice any discrepancy in the content, please inform us at [email protected]. You can futher read our Correction Policy here. Never disregard professional medical advice or delay seeking medical treatment because of something you have read on or accessed through this website or it's social media channels. Read our Full Disclaimer Here for further information.

Last Updated on December 17, 2021 by Neelam Singh

Disclaimer: Medical Science is an ever evolving field. We strive to keep this page updated. In case you notice any discrepancy in the content, please inform us at [email protected]. You can futher read our Correction Policy here. Never disregard professional medical advice or delay seeking medical treatment because of something you have read on or accessed through this website or it's social media channels. Read our Full Disclaimer Here for further information.

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