Oregano Oil for Allergies

What are your true thoughts on Oil of Oregano? I have never taken herbs before but they are helping so many people I thought I had to try. I have allergies in the months of May, June, July and August in Arizona. My ears get plugged and it is like there is water in them all the time. I am trying this to clear it up. Is there any medical look outs when using this (three drops in juice 2 times a day)? What do you suggest?

We cannot comment on proprietary herbal products. The strength of Oregano Oil products varies widely according to the species of Oregano used and the manufacturer's dilution of the essential oil with carrier oils. The general rule for internal use of an essential oil, for adult consumption, is 1 to 2 drops in 4 ounces of liquid during a 4 to 8 hour time period. Because Oregano essential oil is very potent, more dilution is recommended.
Oregano's use for allergies is based on its actions as an anti-infectious agent to the respiratory and intestinal tracts and as an immune stimulant. Oil of oregano is an irritant to the mucous membranes, so can potentially cause irritation of the intestinal tract.
There are many good herbal products that help to relieve allergy symptoms without the potential risk of Oregano Oil, and there are both herbal and dietary recommendations that will help to avoid allergies. Very simply, a diet that is low in mucus-forming foods (dairy products, eggs, potatoes and gluten-rich grains (wheat, oats, barley, rye)and bananas), will help to relieve congestion, and supplemental vitamin C and fresh garlic will help to balance the immune system in its allergic response.
For more information on Oregano, please go to our website at www.richters.com, choose "Q&A" from the main menu, then choose "Search Richters Q&A", and enter the word "oregano" for the search. For information on allergies, enter "allerg" for the search.