Oil of oregano is an essential oil that is derived from the Origanum Vulgare species of the perennial herb. It is believed to have powerful antiseptic properties for a natural herb, and while its medicinal use in North America can be traced to only the early 1900s, oregano oil has a long medical history dating back to the days of Hippocrates. Oregano oil is widely available without a prescription as individual glands containing a few droplets and is also available in bottled liquid extract, capsule and tablet form.
Topical Skin Treatment
Oil of oregano has numerous medical benefits that work in concert to make it an excellent multipurpose skin treatment. The essential oil is rich in thymol, carvacrol and other compounds known to target harmful organisms. It is anti-viral, anti-bacterial, anti-inflammatory, anti-oxidant, anti-fungal and anti-parasitic, making it an effective topical aid for everything from athlete's foot and yeast infections to minor burns and insect bites. Other documented uses include acne treatments, dandruff relief and the soothing of psoriasis and eczema. Since glands of pure oregano oil can be fairly caustic and can have an intense warming sensation, it is generally recommended that you cut each drop of oregano oil with three or four drops of olive oil. As a topical treatment, the diluted oregano oil can be applied directly to the skin and covered with a bandage or simply left to absorb and air dry.
Treatment for Respiratory Conditions
Because oregano oil is anti-viral and can suppress allergic reactions and inflammation, it is used as a homeopathic treatment for a host of conditions that affect the respiratory system. A short-term oil of oregano regimen may bring relief from the common cold, seasonal flu, bronchitis, asthma, chronic cough and sinus problems. To ingest oregano oil from a gland, it is usually best to add three or four drops to eight ounces of juice or water, stir well and drink the entire glass. If the flavor of oregano oil is too unpleasant even when diluted this way, oregano oil in its capsule or tablet form may yield equally satisfactory results. Oregano oil diluted with olive oil also can be rubbed on the chest and throat to ease chest congestion.
Digestion and Intestinal Health
Oregano oil is also known for its digestive health benefits, which are sometimes attributed to its high concentration of thymol and carvacrol. It can be taken to settle an upset stomach, temporarily relieve flatulence, speed up digestion, regulate the appetite and stimulate stomach bile production. It also may help heal ulcers and is sometimes recommended by physicians in addition to prescription medication but is not necessarily an effective ulcer healer on its own. Oregano oil squeezed from glands can be taken in a glass of juice or water, but mixing the oil in eight ounces of milk is believed to settle the stomach even more effectively.
References
- "The Essential Oils Handbook: All the Oils You Will Ever Need for Health, Vitality and Well-Being"; Jennie Harding; 2008
- "Essential Oils Integrative Medical Guide: Building Immunity, Increasing Longevity, and Enhancing Mental Performance With Therapeutic-Grade Essential Oils"; D. Gary Young N.D., Ronald M. Lawrence M.D. Ph.D.; 2003
- "Vegetarian Times"; The Wonder Oils; Norine Dworkin; August 1998
- "Better Nutrition"; The Fighting Power of Oregano; Steven Foster; March 2002
- Organic Facts: Health Benefits of Oregano Essential Oil
Member Comments