Oregano oil is, in my opinion, one of the very best anti bacterial, anti fungal, anti parasitical NATURAL substances known to humans. Oregano is a perennial herb and is well loaded with free radical killing antioxidants. A growing body of evidence has proven that oregano oil offers so many positive health benefits that I don't think any natural medicine cabinet should ever be without it. Make no mistake; this is one of the most potent natural remedies we've ever had. And it's available right there in most herb gardens! Get growing people!
My Experiences With Oregano Oil
My personal opinion is that this oil is Mother Natures' MAGIC OIL! I have been using oregano oil for about 2 years now and have made sure I won't run out by growing and making my own oil (more on making your own later) Ok, so I use oregano oil for any mouth related issues like infected tooth or gums, as a blood purifier, for skin irritations, general daily tonic especially when unwell (colds or sniffles),
Let's Explore The Health Benefits of Oregano
Most notably, there has been significant research into the effects of oregano against harmful organisms. Even a United States Department of Agriculture report states that "...oregano oil has such a strong action against germs that it could easily fight Salmonella and E. coli"
Let's Get Rid of Streptococcus Pneumonia With Oregano
Researchers have found that oregano oil creates an autolytic reaction in organisms, including Streptococcus pneumonia. Dr. Diane Horne of Weber State University in Utah had a serendipitous discovery of the impact of the oils on cells of Streptococcus pneumonia.
A co-researcher was spraying essential oils in her laboratory. "When I looked at the S. pneumonia that I was preparing for another experiment, the cells were just falling apart" Dr. Horne subsequent enquiries also found that oregano and other herb oils also showed efficacy against E. coli and several species of fungi.
Scientifically, What Is So Good About Oregano Oil?
Oregano oils have high amounts of phenols, which are natural phytochemical compounds with beneficial antioxidant effects. The two most abundant phenols in this wonder oil are...
- thymol - a natural fungicide with antiseptic properties. It helps boost your immune system, works as a shield against toxins, and even helps prevent tissue damage and encourages healing.
- carvacrol – found to be effective against various bacterial infections, such as candida albicans, staphylococcus, E. coli, campylobacter, salmonella, klebsiella, the aspergillus mold, giardia, pseudomonas, and listeria. Also partly responsible for the modulation of genes and reduces irritation in white adipose tissue.
There are many vital nutrients like magnesium and zinc and vitamins C and E in each dose. This oil is also high in iron, calcium, potassium copper, manganese, and niacin. Oregano oil offers such a large amount of antioxidants that can aid in the ageing gracefully program. Also of note is that oil of oregano used topically, penetrates deep inside the skin to relieve soreness and muscle discomfort, much like deep heat or tiger balm.
Other Wildly Healthy Compounds in Oregano Oil Include- Terpenes – known for their powerful antibacterial properties.
- Rosmarinic acid – an antioxidant that prevents free radical damage and has shown promise in treating allergic asthma and preventing cancer and atherosclerosis. It also works as a natural antihistamine that reduces fluid buildup and swelling caused by allergy attacks.
- Naringin - inhibits the growth of cancer cells and helps boost the antioxidants in oregano oil.
- beta-caryophyllin (E-BCP) - this substance inhibits inflammation and is also beneficial for conditions including osteoporosis and arteriosclerosis, as well as metabolic syndrome.11, 12. Nutrients like vitamins A, C, and E, calcium, magnesium, zinc, iron, potassium, manganese, copper, boron, and niacin are also found in oregano oil.
Other Uses For Oregano Oil
- respiratory tract disorders such as coughs, asthma, croup, and bronchitis
- gastrointestinal (GI) disorders such as heartbu
and bloating
- treating menstrual cramps
- rheumatoid arthritis
- urinary tract disorders including urinary tract infections (UTIs)
- headaches
- heart conditions
- intestinal parasites
- allergies
- sinus pain
- arthritis
- cold and flu
- swine flu (yes, swine flu!)
- earaches
- fatigue
- skin conditions including acne, athletes foot, dandruff, canker sores, warts, ringworm, rosacea, psoriasis
- insect and spider bites
- gum disease
- toothaches
- muscle pain
- varicose veins
- insect repellent
"DANGER Will Robinson!" ...How Can Oregano Oil Be Dangerous?
Potential problems with this oil include;
- Pregnancy and breast-feeding: Oregano is POSSIBLY UNSAFE when taken by mouth in medicinal amounts during pregnancy. As with anything during preganancy; use with caution!
- Bleeding disorders: Oregano might increase the risk of bleeding in people with bleeding disorders.
- Allergies: Oregano can cause reactions in people allergic to Lamiaceae family plants, including basil, hyssop, lavender, marjoram, mint, and sage.
- Diabetes: Oregano might lower blood sugar levels. People with diabetes should use oregano cautiously.
- Surgery: Oregano might increase the risk of bleeding. People who use oregano should stop using it 2 weeks before surgery.
- Lithium interacts with oregano: Oregano might have an effect like a water pill or "diuretic." Taking oregano might decrease how well the body gets rid of lithium. This could increase how much lithium is in the body and result in serious side effects. Talk with your healthcare provider before using this product if you are taking lithium. Your lithium dose might need to be changed.
Oregano Dosing
The following dose has been studied in scientific research: By mouth for intestinal parasites: 200 mg of oil of oregano three times daily for 6 weeks. One study examined the relationship between oregano oil and harmful organisms and found that taking 600 mg of oregano oil daily prompted a complete disappearance of harmful organisms in the body.
I started dosing with 1 drop under the tongue x 3 daily. Then worked up to 3 drops x 3 daily quite quickly. 1 or 2 drops rubbed into a sore tooth x 3 daily, same for skin irritations.
Easily Grow Your Own Organic Oregano!
I would recommend the Greek oregano, which only grows about 18 inches tall. Avoid the taller 4-foot plants (Oregano vulgare) as they do not seem to make as effective essential oils as the smaller variety. A good point of reference is to grab a leaf off a prospective plant, crush or bruise the leaf a little, then smell it. If the smell is strong, and especially if you can already smell the gorgeous, clean oregano aroma BEFORE you crush the leaf, then you're onto a good variety! This is a hardy plant that likes to grow in full sun with a moderate amount of water.
Oregano oil is an absolute must-have item for any natural health medicine cabinet and emergency kit. The array of benefits it offers makes it one of the best all-around supplements you can get. Remember, as with any health product, quality matters tremendously — only invest in high quality oregano oil supplements that are organic and produced by a reputable, trustworthy source.