Oregano Oil – What is all this new found fuss about?
It’s fair to say, most of us have experienced the strongly aromatic, earthy, peppery, and slightly bitter flavours of the Mediterranean herb oregano. It is found in many tomato based sauces, in meatballs, smothered on herb breads, and dusted over lamb dishes. However, oregano may be more beneficial for us, and not just for its robust flavours.
The oil that has been extracted from the oregano plant has been used for its many medicinal properties for over 2500 years. It has recently come into light due to the soaring popularity of essential oils. People are becoming more aware of the destructive nature of household chemicals on our health. Surprisingly, harsh chemicals can be found in products we use every day, such as sunscreens, makeup, cleaning products, and medicines, the list goes on! As a result, people are making the stand to try and reduce the toxic chemicals from their lifestyles and prevent harming themselves, their families and the environment. This is where essential oils have gained some traction. For instance, oregano oil can be used as a natural alternative, or preventative for common conditions such as irritated skin, sore throats, fungal infections, and digestive issues.
What makes oregano oil so beneficial?
Origanum vulgare, the oregano plant, contains potent polyphenols; cacarvacrol, thymol, and rosmarinic acid. It is these powerful ingredients that contribute to the beneficial antibacterial, antifungal, and antioxidant properties of the herb.
Furthermore, the oil also contains chemicals which work on reducing coughs and muscle spasms, and increases bile secretion helping to aid some digestive issues.
What can oregano oil be used to treat?
As a matter of fact, oregano oil is often most popular for its overall immune boosting actions. This is due to its anti-fungal, anti-bacterial, anti-oxidant (one of the top 10 antioxidant herbs), anti-parasite and anti-viral abilities. As you may already know, our immune function is highly associated with our gut health. With that being said, oregano has been linked with protecting the gut lining and improving gut health. This is due to its damaging effect on parasites that can disrupt the gut flora.
Oregano has been proven to benefit the following conditions:
- Gastrointestinal health by reducing inflammation
- Inflammation
- Respiratory tract conditions such as croup, asthma and bronchitis
- Gastrointestinal issues such as leaky gut, upset stomachs, bloating, and heartburn
- Skin eruptions like acne, psoriasis, cold sores, and rashes
- Anti-fungal properties treat fungal nail infections, athlete’s foot, and ringworm
- Can help improve rheumatoid arthritis
- Can help fight the bacteria that cause urinary tract infections, ear aches, and tooth infections
- Fights colds and flus
At Nutrition for Life we are passionate about prevention and strongly believe that boosting your immunity is essential for good health. We have put together our favourite products, including Oregano Oil, in an Immune Boosting Health Pack that you can view and purchase HERE.
Practical uses of oregano oil
Finally, now we know the benefits of this amazing herb, here are some ways that you can incorporate it into your life:
- Taken orally to treat sore throats, tooth infections, to aid digestion, to fight free radical cell damage, and to kill bacteria and parasites
- Topically for fungal infections, including toenail and skin infections, skin rashes, insect bites. Although, avoid applying to broken skin
- Can be used as a mouth wash
- Can be used in an essential oil diffuser for coughs, to kill bacteria in the air, sinus infections, and for asthma and bronchitis
Important note:
As with medications, you should check with your health practitioner before taking oregano oil.
Also, the oil may need to be diluted before use, always check on the package.
Information sources
- Gastrointestinal health and oregano
- Oregano oil and antibiotic resistance
- Oregano oil benefits
- Anti-cancer and anti-inflammation
Thank you for sharing!
