Aside from the pleasing aroma and flavor oregano lends to culinary dishes, many holistic practitioners recommend this herb to fight symptoms of allergies. However, the ordinary kitchen spice isn't up to this task. Instead, wild mountain oregano is the preferred botanical of choice.
Anti-allergy Effects
Dr. Cass Ingram, affectionately known as "Dr. Oregano," outlines the role that allergies play in many types of respiratory disorders in his book, "The Cure Is In The Cupboard." In addition to airborne allergens, he says, food sensitivities also contribute to a runny nose, watery eyes, sore throat, sneezing fits and chronic bronchitis. The oil of oregano counters these symptoms by reducing the secretion of mucous and opening sinus passages.
Yeasts and Molds
Oregano also helps to relieve allergy symptoms by destroying various single-celled fungi, specifically molds and yeasts. In fact, Dr. Cass believes that the majority of allergy suffers are reacting to fungi rather than the usual allergen suspects, such as pet dander, dust and pollen. One type of yeast Ingram associates with allergies is Candida albicans. Other experts, such as Dr. William Crook, author of "The Yeast Connection: A Medical Breakthrough," also link Candida to asthma. In addition, a case study published in the European Respiratory Journal in 1998 describes a case of chronic eosinophilic pneumonia due to Candida sensitivity.
In an article prepared for The Consumer Health Organization of Canada, Dr. Ingram relates that he and his colleagues at Georgetown University in Washington, D.C. initiated a study analyzing the effects of spice extracts, including oregano, against this yeast. The results, which were published in "Molecular and Cellular Biochemistry" in 2002, showed that the extracts completely eradicated Candida albicans as effectively as the drug amphoteracin B, but without side effects.
Composition
According to an article written by Dr. Zoltan P. Rona, MD, MSc, wild oregano oil contains isomeric phenols, namely carvacrol. This agent, says Dr. Zoltan, effectively kills Candida albicans and Aspergillus mold, otherwise known as "black mold." Oregano also contains thymol, a chemical compound Dr. Rona says enhances immunity. Together, carvacrol and thymol provide antifungal and anti-inflammatory benefits.
Applications and Dosage
According to Dr. Rona, wild oregano may be combined with foods, or one to two drops of wild oregano oil may be taken with juice or a spoonful of honey. If using the oil, Dr. Rona recommends alternating the therapy by taking it for 15 consecutive days and then stopping for 15 days before resuming again.
Precautions
There are no known side effects associated with wild oregano when used as a food substance or the use of wild oregano oil. However, if you are pregnant, nursing, or taking any medications for a chronic condition, consult your health care practitioner before using oregano to treat your allergy symptoms.
References
- "The Cure Is in the Cupboard: How to Use Oregano for Better Health"; Knowledge House Publishers; 2008.
- "The Yeast Connection: A Medical Breakthrough"; Vintage Books; 1986.
- European Respiratory Journal: Eosinophilic Lung Disease Associated with Candida Albicans Allergy.
- The Wolfe Clinic: The Wild Oregano Oil Miracle
- Consumer Health Organization of Canada: The Respiratory Solution: Wild Oregano - The Most Potent Germicide
