The Overlooked Oil That Supports Gut & Hormone Health for Women 40+

Introduction

It’s always right when life gets busy that your body decides to hit the pause button.
A scratchy throat, a bloated belly, or that “off” feeling that tells you your immune system is waving a white flag.

A few years ago, that was me — juggling 12-hour shifts, family life, and building Ample Health & Wellness, all while trying to keep my own health in check. I remember one particular winter when every other week seemed to bring a new bug or gut flare-up. I was eating well and taking vitamins, but something still felt off.

That’s when a fellow practitioner friend asked me, “Have you ever tried oil of oregano?” I had heard of it in passing — mostly from natural health enthusiasts — but I hadn’t paid much attention. Fast-forward to today, and oil of oregano has become one of those staple tools I reach for whenever I feel my system getting out of balance. And for women over 40, it’s one of the simplest, most overlooked ways to support both gut health and hormone balance naturally.

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What Is Oil of Oregano, Really?

Oil of oregano is made from the leaves of the oregano plant (Origanum vulgare), and while it’s famous in the kitchen, its use in natural medicine dates back centuries. The active compound in oregano oil — carvacrol — is what gives it its antimicrobial, antifungal, and anti-inflammatory power. Think of it as nature’s version of a cleanup crew: it helps restore microbial balance in your gut and supports your immune defenses when stress or diet throw things off track. But here’s what’s especially interesting:

Emerging research shows that gut balance influences everything from estrogen metabolism to cortisol levels (Kelly et al., 2021). When your gut is out of balance, your hormones can be too — and that’s one of the reasons women over 40 often experience fatigue, bloating, and immune dips.

Disclosure: This post contains affiliate links. As an Amazon Associate, I earn from qualifying purchases. There is no additional cost to you, and I only share products I personally recommend or believe align with Ample Health & Wellness values.

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3 Ways Oil of Oregano Supports Women Over 40

1️⃣ It Supports Gut Balance

As estrogen levels shift during perimenopause and menopause, your gut microbiome can change too — often leading to sluggish digestion, irregularity, and increased bloating. Oil of oregano helps rebalance the gut environment by gently discouraging the overgrowth of unwanted bacteria and yeast, making room for beneficial microbes to thrive. This balance not only supports digestion but also influences how efficiently your body absorbs nutrients, especially the vitamins and minerals that play a key role in energy and mood.

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2️⃣ It Strengthens Immune Resilience

Stress, poor sleep, and hormonal fluctuations can leave your immune system running on fumes. Oregano oil’s natural compounds (like carvacrol and thymol) have been shown to support immune response by reducing microbial load and promoting a healthy inflammatory balance (Sakkas & Papadopoulou, 2017). For many of my clients, adding oil of oregano during travel season, busy work periods, or after illness gives that extra line of defense. And unlike constant vitamin C mega doses or trendy detoxes, this approach works gently with your body’s existing systems.

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3️⃣ It May Help Regulate Hormone Balance Through the Gut

Here’s the part most people don’t talk about – your gut is a major player in hormone metabolism, especially estrogen. When your gut bacteria are balanced, your body can better regulate how estrogen is used and excreted. When it’s not, symptoms like mood swings, bloating, or midsection weight gain can worsen. By helping to clear inflammation and support digestion, oil of oregano may indirectly improve hormone harmony, supporting both energy and mood stability. It’s one of those “small but mighty” tools I often discuss with clients when we’re building out a realistic, holistic plan to navigate midlife health.

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How to Use Oil of Oregano Safely

If you’re new to this supplement, start small and always use a high-quality, standardized product like Gaia Herbs Oil of Oregano.

Here’s what to know before starting:

• Take one softgel daily with food, or as directed on the label.
• Avoid long-term continuous use; I typically recommend 4–6 weeks on, followed by a short break.
• It can be a bit strong for sensitive stomachs, so pair with a meal or healthy fat source.
• As with any supplement, consult your healthcare provider first — especially if you’re pregnant, nursing, or on medications.

And please don’t confuse this with the essential oil — oil of oregano supplements are specially diluted and encapsulated for safe internal use.

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Why I Trust the Gaia Herbs Brand

I’ve used several oregano oil brands over the years, but Gaia Herbs has become my go-to for a few key reasons:

• 🌿 Clean, transparent sourcing — They grow and harvest their own herbs on certified organic farms.
• 💧 Potency + digestibility — Their formula is standardized for carvacrol content and blended with olive oil to make it gentle on the stomach.
• 🧠 Clinical credibility — Gaia is a trusted brand among healthcare practitioners and herbalists alike, with rigorous third-party testing and full transparency about ingredients.
• 🌸 Ample-aligned values — Their brand philosophy mirrors what I teach: sustainable, science-meets-nature wellness for women’s real lives.

If you’ve been curious about trying oregano oil, this is the version I recommend.
👉🏾 Click here to check it out on Amazon.

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The Bigger Picture: Small Habits, Big Shifts

Oil of oregano won’t replace a balanced diet, stress management, or quality sleep, but it’s a supportive layer that can make a meaningful difference when your immune system or gut health needs a boost.

In my FRESH Framework, it fits under the H – Honor Your Whole Health pillar — reminding us that true wellness isn’t about one big change, but a collection of small, intentional habits done consistently.

If you’re looking for more ways to build resilience, improve digestion, and support your hormones naturally, I’d love to walk alongside you through personalized coaching or my FRESH Start Holistic Weight Loss Program. Because thriving after 40 isn’t just about losing weight …it’s about rebuilding balance from the inside out.

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References

• Kelly, J. R., Minuto, C., Cryan, J. F., Clarke, G., & Dinan, T. G. (2021). Cross talk: The microbiota and neuroendocrine systems. Frontiers in Endocrinology, 12, 665025. https://doi.org/10.3389/fendo.2021.665025
• Sakkas, H., & Papadopoulou, C. (2017). Antimicrobial activity of basil, oregano, and thyme essential oils. Journal of Microbiology and Biotechnology, 27(3), 429–438. https://doi.org/10.4014/jmb.1608.08024