Oregano isn’t Just for Cooking?

If you were to ask someone, “What is Oregano?”, most would probably respond that it’s an herb used for cooking mainly in Italian cuisine. And this would be a true statement! But what if I told you the flavor of this leafy beauty is an added benefit? What if I told you the health benefits offered up by oils extracted from this plant are actually quite extensive?

Oregano, or Origanum vulgare, is a small, bushy plant that belongs to the mint family and as stated above, is a familiar culinary herb in Italian dishes. But what is oregano oil?

It is important to note that oil of oregano is NOT the same as oregano essential oil. Both are made from the oregano plant, but the essential oil is more concentrated and made by steaming and distilling dried oregano leaves and stems and is used in aromatherapy. When diffused with a carrier oil, it can be used as a topical to combat certain types of bacteria by acting as an antifungal agent. The process for making for oral consumption is much different and is done by immersing the leaves in olive oil in a sealed container, which is then placed in boiling water. The heat from the water will release the oils from the leaves and be absorbed into the olive oil. Be sure to know the difference!

Oregano oil has been used for over 2,500 years and is still used in traditional medicine across the globe. Of course, as we have learned about any other natural remedy, this information is something that has been suppressed from us in order to promote Big Pharma’s pill-pushing agenda. I mean, you can’t rake in billions if the population is healthy, can you?

While there are several beneficial compounds found in oregano, the two active primary ones are:

• Carvacrol, which has antibacterial properties, and studies note that it is effective against most common infection-causing bacteria such as Staph infection.
  
  
• Thymol is another compound in oregano oil that has antifungal properties, and it is quite effective against Candida fungal infections, such as:
  • Athlete’s foot
  • Infected toenails and fingernails
  • Yeast infections
  • Oral Thrush

The leaves also contain compounds such as phenols, ursolic acid, triterpenes, and oleanolic acid, all of which have antioxidant properties as well as anti-inflammatories. The combination of these compounds can help treat a variety of issues like:

1. Treating small intestine bacterial overgrowth (SIBO)
Oregano oil may help treat chronic bacterial issues, such as SIBO. People with SIBO experience gastrointestinal problems due to an overgrowth of certain bacteria in their intestines.

2. Providing antioxidants
Oregano oil is also a potent antioxidant. Antioxidants help protect the body from damage caused by oxidative stress and free radicals. Oxidation could also play a role in other issues such as arthritis and some cancers.

3. Healing wounds
Applying diluted oregano oil to the skin may help protect smaller cuts and scrapes on the skin as they heal.Compounds such as thymol and carvacrol could protect these types of wounds from bacterial infections.

4. Treating Cold Sores and Fever Blisters
Rubbing diluted oregano oil on the site of your cold sore with a sterile piece of cotton may help diminish the size and inflammation of your cold sore or fever blister.

5. Repelling insects
Both carvacrol and thymol have been shown to be effective insect repellents. Researchers have found that these compounds repelled some ticks and mosquitos to name a few.

How do I use oregano oil?

Oil of oregano can be found in both capsules and liquid form. Because the strength of each oil may vary, it is important to follow the manufacturer’s instructions or work with a qualified healthcare practitioner to determine the safest dose for you.
For those who are not fond of the taste of oregano should choose the capsules, which they can swallow without tasting the oil.

To use oregano oil topically for skin issues, dilute one or two drops into a teaspoon of carrier oil in the palm of your hand. Once diluted, the mixture can then be applied directly to the skin.

In the end, whether a person chooses a topical solution or prefers oregano as an oral supplement, the potential benefits cover a broad range of conditions, as do many remedies found in nature. As always, remember to consult with your physician before taking any supplement as they can counteract any prescription medications you may be on.