Oregano contains rosmarinic acid, ursolic acid, thymol, and carvacrol that have anti-inflammatory, antibacterial, antioxidant, antifungal and antiviral properties. It also consists of flavonoids, triterpenoids, vitamins, and minerals. One of its components is called origanoside was found to help decreases melanin production and may be used for skin whitening purposes. It has been traditionally used to treat respiratory, gastrointestinal, menstrual, and urinary tract disorders.
