The Amazing Benefits of Oil of Oregano
Antibiotics are one of medical doctors’ favorite, but often overused tools for treating many health issues. But did you know there’s a powerful natural alternative “medicine” (called oil of oregano) that may rival antibiotics when it comes to treating or preventing various infections?
Oil of Oregano is a product made from the oregano plant, Origanum vulgare, a member of the mint family (Labiatae). It takes over 1,000 pounds of wild oregano to produce just one pound of oregano essential oil. When made into a medicinal supplement, oregano is often called “oil of oregano.”
Oil of oregano is antibacterial, antiviral and antifungal, containing two powerful compounds called carvacrol and thymol, both of which have been shown in studies to have strong antibacterial and antifungal properties.
The predominant healing compound found in oregano oil, carvacrol, has widespread uses ranging from treating allergies to protecting the skin. The Faculty of Pharmacy at the University of Messina in Italy reports that:
Carvacrol, a monoterpenic phenol, has emerged for its wide spectrum activity extended to food spoilage or pathogenic fungi, yeast and bacteria as well as human, animal and plant pathogenic microorganisms including drug-resistant and biofilm forming microorganisms.
High Level of Antioxidants and Anti-Inflammatory Properties
Like the fresh herb, oregano oil has very high amounts of antioxidants that help fight free radicals. These antioxidants include:
phenols
triterpenes
rosmarinic acid
ursolic acid
oleanolic acid
Because of its antioxidants, oregano oil is protective against damage from some medications, according to a 2015 study.
One 2007 study found that a combination of oregano and thyme essential oils could lower production of pro-inflammatory cytokines. Because if this, the essential oil mixture may be helpful in reducing symptoms from inflammatory illnesses like colitis.
Another study published in the journal Experimental and Toxicologic Pathology found that oregano oil could lower the negative effects of induced colitis in rats and opens the door to new ideas about its benefit to the colon and liver.
Carcavol found in oregano essential oil is so potent that it has been been the focus of over 800 studies referenced in PubMed, shown to help reverse or reduce some of these common health problems:
Parasites
Viruses
Allergies
Tumors
Gut Health - helps treat leaky gut by improving intestinal barrier and killing harmful microorganisms.
Indigestion
Oregano Essential Oil vs. Oil of Oregano
Oregano oil is not the same thing as oregano essential oil. This is a really important distinction to know
Oregano essential oil is made from the dried shoots and leaves of the plant and is incredibly concentrated. It’s what’s known as a “hot” oil, and can cause some pretty bad damage to the mucus lining of your gastro-intestinal tract if taken internally, without dilution.
Oil of oregano is extracted from the leaves of wild oregano plants (Origanum vulgare) using a solvent, such as ethanol or CO2. It can be taken orally in the form of softgels and capsules. These extracts are typically blended with other oils, such as extra virgin olive oil, ginger oil, fennel oil, or flaxseed oil. If you don’t take pills, oil of oregano is also available in dropper bottles. The label may suggest taking a drop or two under the tongue, or diluting a few drops in water or juice.
Oil of Oregano Uses:
Natural Antibiotic: Take it internally for 10 days at a time and then cycle off.
Battle Candida and Fungal Overgrowth: For toenail fungus, you can make a homemade antifungal powder that can be applied to your skin. Combine the ingredients with about 3 drops of oregano oil, stir and then sprinkle the powder onto your feet. For internal use, take 2 to 4 drops twice daily for up to 10 days.
Fight Pneumonia and Bronchitis: For external infections, apply 2 to 3 diluted drops to the affected area. To prevent internal bacterial overgrowth, ingest 2 to 4 drops twice daily for up to 10 days.
Fight MRSA and Staph Infection: Add 3 drops of oregano oil to a capsule or to the food or beverage of your choice along with a carrier oil. Take it twice daily for up to 10 days.
Fight Intestinal Worms and Parasites: Take oil of oregano internally for up to 10 days.
Help Remove Warts: Make sure to dilute it with another oil or mix it with clay.
Source: Dr.Axe.com