About Oregano Oil

Oregano oil comes from the leaves of oregano plants (Origanum vulgare). Native to Asia and the Mediterranean regions, people have long used this mint plant family member (Lamiaceae) for both culinary and medicinal purposes. Also known as Mediterranean oregano, mountain mint and wild marjoram, oregano plants bear clusters of small, purple flowers from July through October.

Properties

According to "The Cure Is in the Cupboard," oil of oregano contains the primary compounds of carvacrol and thymol. These two phenols have antiseptic, antibiotic, antispasmodic and antimicrobial properties. Oregano oil also contains tannins, oleanolic acid, caffeic acid and flavonoids. Oregano oil is also a rich source of various vitamins, including vitamins B, B-12, D, A, E and K. This oil also contains healthy amounts of magnesium, iron, copper, manganese, calcium and zinc.

History

According to the OreganoPro website, oregano was so valued by ancient medical practitioners that the word itself means "joy of the mountains." Italian, Mexican and Spanish cultures have long used oregano in their food dishes because the herb contains stimulating, warming and food-preserving properties. The ancient Greeks recognized the healing properties of oregano oil and often used it to treat wounds, lung problems, seizures, poisonings and venomous bites. The Wolfe Clinic relates that Hippocrates was a fan of oregano oil and wrote quite a bit about its healing capabilities and usage. North Americans did not recognize oregano oil's health benefits until about 1900.

Benefits

Oregano oil contains potent active ingredients that offer numerous health benefits. According to the Shepherd's Purse, oregano oil contains antibiotic properties that effectively reduce infection. Drugs.com adds that oregano oil also seems to kill off various bacteria, including listeria, candida albicans, E. coli, salmonella and helicobater pylori. According to Medical News Today, research indicates oregano oil can even inhibit the growth of the persistent staph bacteria that causes methicillin-resistant staphylococcus aureus (MRSA). Drugs.com adds that oregano oil seems to inhibit the growth of various fungi, including penicillium and aspergillus. Oil of oregano also seems to help kill off parasites, stop muscle spasms and regulate blood sugar levels in diabetic individuals. HomeRemediesWeb.com states that oregano oil can naturally relieve sinus congestion, sore throats and mild gastrointestinal distress.

Other Uses

HomeRemediesWeb.com suggests applying oregano oil directly onto your skin to treat rashes, acne flare-ups, rosacea, athlete's foot and minor skin infections. If you find pure oregano oil to be too strong, try diluting it slightly with coconut oil or olive oil. Another option is to mix oregano oil into your soaps or skin cleansers. Oil of oregano can also be directly applied to sore or bleeding gums. The Shepherd's Purse reports that oregano oil effectively treats scabies, skin mites and lice.

Side Effects

Oregano oil might cause allergic reactions or rashes in some individuals when used topically. HomeRedmediesWeb.com reports that oil of oregano might reduce your body's capability to absorb iron properly. If you are allergic to other members of the mint family, such as sage, thyme or basil, you might also be sensitive to oregano oil.