Natural oils, such as oregano oil and olive oil, offer benefits that extend beyond the kitchen. In fact, oregano oil is derived from wild oregano, not the type that you use in spaghetti sauce. Oil of oregano is considered a natural remedy for certain infections and allergies. The same olive oil that you use to sauté vegetables contains vitamins that can help protect your skin and hair.
Benefits
Extra virgin olive oil rejuvenates dry skin cells by adding a moisture shield to the skin that lasts longer than lotions and creams. You can also use olive oil on hair and scalp as a conditioner and dandruff reducer. When used consistently, olive oil can soften and smooth wrinkles from the skin around your eyes.
Homeopathic healers believe that oregano oil offers natural healing benefits for skin and blood-borne yeast and fungus; stops infections related to cold and flu; and improves allergy symptoms, sinusitis and hay fever.
Properties
Olive oil is hypoallergenic. Extra virgin olive oil contains vitamins A and E which are strong antioxidants. These antioxidants can protect skin from damage caused by exposure to sun and free radicals. Vitamins can also naturally stimulate skin cells to help repair dry, damaged skin.
Oil of oregano derived from wild, mountain-grown oregano in the Mediterranean is naturally rich in carvacrols flavonoids and terpenes, or long chain hydrocarbons, according to Dr. Cass Ingram, physician and author of "The Cure is in the Cupboard." Flavonoids offer natural antiseptic properties and terpenes contain natural anti-inflammatory properties.
External Applications
To use olive oil as a skin treatment, wet your hands and skin and then apply a few drops of extra virgin olive oil to the damp area. The moisture reduces the greasy feeling that accompanies the oil. You can also make an exfoliating rub with olive oil and sea salt. The salt helps remove dry skin and the oil rejuvenates. To condition your hair and scalp, massage a 50/50 blend of olive oil and water into your hair after shampooing. Wait five minutes, shampoo and rinse. A few drops of olive oil on a cotton pad will gently remove eye make-up without irritating the skin.
Oregano oil may be used topically to relieve psoriasis, fungal infections on nail beds and athlete's foot.
Internal Applications
Wild oregano oil is available in both oil and capsule form. Crush a few capsules to ingest them orally, or allow one to dissolve under your tongue. You can also place two to four drops of oregano oil underneath your tongue.
Precautions
Oregano oil can cause an upset stomach. Dilute oregano oil with virgin olive oil to help digestion. Persons with allergies to oregano, basil thyme, marjoram or similar plants should not consume oregano oil. Oregano oil can cause a hot, burning sensation if you get any in your eyes, mucous membranes and genital area. Always consult a physician before imbibing any oil products.
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