Discover the amazing oregano oil benefits for your overall wellness in this comprehensive guide. From boosting immunity to fighting off infections, oregano oil has a wide range of health benefits
Oregano oil is derived from the leaves and flowers of the oregano plant, and it is known for its antibacterial, antiviral, and antioxidant properties. It has been used in traditional medicine to treat a wide range of ailments, from colds and flu to digestive issues and skin conditions.
What is oregano oil?
Botanically recognized as Origanum vulgare, oregano is a blooming plant that belongs to the same family as mint, frequently utilized as an herb to add flavor to dishes.
Oregano essential oil comes from air-drying the plant’s leaves and shoots, extracting and concentrating the oil through steam distillation.
Blend oregano essential oil with a carrier oil for topical use, but avoid oral consumption.
Oregano oil extract can be created using various extraction techniques, such as carbon dioxide or alcohol.
It is easily accessible as a supplement and is commonly available in pill or capsule form.
Oregano Oil Benefits
1. Rich in Antioxidants
Oregano, available in fresh or dried form, possesses strong antioxidant qualities.
Antioxidants are compounds that could help stabilize free radicals, potentially protecting cells in the body from damage.
Oregano oil contains high levels of antioxidants such as carvacrol, thymol, and octacosanol, which seem to play a key role in the herb’s numerous health advantages.
A study conducted in a laboratory discovered that applying oregano extract to cells before hydrogen peroxide exposure helped neutralize the oxidative stress induced by the hydrogen peroxide.
Oxidative stress happens when there’s an excess of unstable free radicals in the body, and the antioxidants are insufficient to eliminate them, potentially causing aging and ongoing inflammation.
2. Assist in reducing inflammation.
Oil of oregano and oregano essential oil both demonstrate anti-inflammatory properties.
A study involving rats discovered that applying oregano extract topically effectively decreased inflammation triggered by Propionibacterium acnes, a bacterium known to induce skin inflammation and acne.
Another research discovered that carvacrol, the primary antioxidant in oregano, decreased inflammation and blood cholesterol levels in mice that were given a high-fat diet.
Moreover, research conducted on human skin cells revealed that oregano essential oil could aid in combating inflammation, enhancing the healing of wounds, bolstering the immune system, and potentially guarding against cancer.
It’s worth noting that oregano essential oil might be harmful to certain cells.
More research involving humans is necessary before suggesting it as a regular remedy for reducing inflammation.
3. Antibacterial Properties
Oregano oil, with its high carvacrol content, displays potential in treating bacterial infections through topical application.
In a study conducted in 2021, it was discovered that oregano oil displayed notable antibacterial properties against 11 strains of bacteria resistant to various antibiotics.
Additional research indicates that oregano essential oil could provide defense against various bacteria strains linked to food poisoning and dental cavities.
For safety reasons and potential toxicity, it’s best to avoid ingesting oregano essential oil unless advised by a healthcare professional.
4. May Enhance Respiratory Function
Oregano traditionally treats respiratory issues like asthma, coughs, and bronchitis in natural medicine.
Two randomized control trials discovered that carvacrol supplements enhanced inflammation, lung function, and respiratory symptoms among individuals suffering from lung damage and asthma.
More research is still needed to verify if oil of oregano can elicit similar outcomes.
5. Enhance Digestive Health
Historically, oil of oregano was utilized to address digestive issues such as indigestion, diarrhea, and upset stomach.
Though research on humans is scarce, there is some indication that oregano oil could help prevent or eliminate harmful gut bacteria.
An observational study discovered that herbal remedies, such as a product with oregano, might work just as well as antibiotics for addressing small intestine bacterial overgrowth (SIBO).
SIBO, a common condition, results in abdominal pain, gas, bloating, and diarrhea from excessive bacterial growth in the small intestine.
Oregano’s believed gut health benefits stem from its carvacrol and thymol content, which possess anti-inflammatory, antibacterial, and antioxidative properties.
6. Anti-Fungal Properties
Oregano can aid in combating fungal infections.
In a study conducted in 2022 using test tubes, it was discovered that oregano essential oil showed efficacy in combating Candida albicans, a form of yeast (fungus).
When candida overgrows, it can lead to thrush and yeast infections, and in extreme situations, it can result in infections in the bloodstream, heart, brain, or kidneys.
An excess of candida could exacerbate inflammatory bowel conditions such as Crohn’s disease and ulcerative colitis.
Furthermore, a study conducted in 2020 on a group of 20 patients revealed that the use of a topical antifungal with oregano as an ingredient led to an improvement in nail fungus.
Nevertheless, the antifungal formulation consisted of various other components, posing a challenge in isolating the specific effects of oregano oil on achieving similar outcomes.
How to use Oregano oil?
Oregano oil can be found in both capsules and liquid form and is sold in numerous health food stores as well as online.
Each oil’s potency can differ, making it crucial to adhere to the manufacturer’s guidelines or consult with a certified healthcare provider to establish the most suitable dosage.
Individuals who do not like the flavor of oregano may opt for capsules that they can consume without experiencing the taste of the oil.
For skin problems, dilute one or two drops of oregano oil in a teaspoon of carrier oil in your palm before applying the mixture directly to your skin.
Forms of Oregano Oil
Oregano oil, derived from the leaves of the oregano (Origanum vulgare) plant in the mint family, is sold as a nutritional supplement in liquid tincture and capsule (soft gel) form.
Tinctures
To preserve the herb’s medicinal ingredients, oregano oil liquid tinctures are created by soaking the fresh or dried herb in alcohol and water. Oregano oil tinctures are taken orally (by mouth) and can vary in strength depending on the herb-to-alcohol ratio used during manufacturing.
Capsule (Softgel)
Oregano oil soft gel capsules contain the oil in a gelatin shell and provide a mess-free, taste-free way to get the advantages of oregano oil. Each capsule is packaged in premeasured, uniform quantities to protect the oil from oxidation and maintain potency.
Essential Oil
Oregano essential oil is a concentrated extract of the herb’s therapeutic properties. Essential oils are not advised or safe for internal use, although they may provide skin benefits (e.g., wound healing, acne therapy) when diluted with a carrier oil such as olive or coconut oil. Diffusing essential oils in a diffuser (with water) is a typical aromatherapy technique.
Side Effects of Oil of Oregano
Avoid overconsumption of oregano oil due to its high potency.
It is advisable to use this product cautiously with the supervision of a healthcare provider.
Significant risk exists for internal tissue burns when ingesting the oil orally.
It is important to always adhere to the manufacturer’s instructions.
Avoid using oregano oil on children or infants, as well as pregnant or breastfeeding women and individuals with diabetes.
Oregano oil may interact with certain medications like lithium and diuretics, and there is a potential for allergic reactions to the oil.
The bottom line
Oregano oil extract and oregano essential oil are both affordable and easily accessible.
Oregano contains more antioxidants than many fruits and vegetables, and it is rich in potent compounds known as phenols.
Oregano’s compounds might help combat bacterial, and fungal infections, inflammation, and pain, among other ailments.
In general, it seems to offer various health advantages and could serve as a natural remedy for certain typical health issues.
FAQs
What happens if you take oregano oil daily?
Oregano oil is generally considered safe when taken as indicated. It may be harmful if taken in excess. This could be attributed in part to thymol, one of the phenols it contains. In excessive amounts, thymol is a mild irritant that can harm the skin or internal organs.
Oregano oil is generally considered safe when taken as indicated. It may be harmful if taken in excess. This could be attributed in part to thymol, one of the phenols it contains. In excessive amounts, thymol is a mild irritant that can harm the skin or internal organs.
How do you use oregano oil to fight an infection?
For internal use, consume 2 to 4 drops twice a day for up to 10 days. Combat Pneumonia and Bronchitis: For external infections, apply 2 to 3 diluted drops to the afflicted region. To prevent internal bacterial overgrowth, take 2 to 4 drops twice daily for up to 10 days.
Who should not take oregano oil?
Pregnant women should avoid taking oregano in medical amounts since the oils it contains can reach the baby and harm it or cause miscarriages. People taking lithium should avoid oregano. If you are taking blood thinners or diabetic medications, you should exercise extreme caution when using oregano oil.
What is the best way to take oregano oil?
References:
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- The Department of Defense Dietary Supplement Resource. Essential oils: Are they safe to ingest?
Disclaimer: The information provided here is for educational/awareness purposes only and is not intended to be a substitute for medical treatment by a healthcare professional and should not be relied upon to diagnose or treat any medical condition. The reader should consult a registered medical practitioner to determine the appropriateness of the information before consuming any medication. Elnodi does not provide any guarantee or warranty (express or implied) regarding the accuracy, adequacy, completeness, legality, reliability, or usefulness of the information; and disclaims any liability arising thereof.
