Thrush is a yeast infection caused by the fungus Candida albicans. This yeast lives harmlessly on the skin and in the mouth, gut and vagina. Normally it is kept under control by the immune system. However, when the immune system is weak, the fungus can multiply, leading to yeast infections. Oil of oregano is a powerful antifungal agent that is capable of destroying a variety of fungi, including Candida albicans, and is often used as a natural treatment for thrush.
Background
Oregano is an aromatic herb native to Mediterranean regions and Asia but is cultivated worldwide. It is a natural substance that is extracted from the wild oregano plant, Origanum vulgare. These plants grow pollution-free in remote mountainous regions, and the potent oil is extracted naturally, using no chemicals or solvents. Only the leaves of the plant are used, and are picked when the plant is highest in essential oil. Oil of oregano is popular in alternative medicine to treat a wide range of conditions, including fungal infections.
Oil of Oregano Benefits
Oil of oregano is known to be a potent antiviral, antibacterial, antifungal and antimicrobial agent that can effectively fight off infections. In a 2003 review published in ''Current Medicinal Chemistry.'' oil of oregano was found to possess the strongest antimicrobial properties among many essential oils tested. The potent oil contains two key components, carvacrol and thymol, that are responsible for its antimicrobial and antifungal effects. This suggests why it is a popular treatment for killing fungal infections such as thrush. According to a 2005 study in ''Mycopathologica,' researchers revealed the most effective ingredient for destroying Candida albicans to be carvacrol.
Immune System Support
Oregano oil is also a useful source of nutrients important for strengthening the immune system. It contains vitamins A, B, D, E and K as well as healthy amounts of minerals, including calcium, iron, magnesium, copper, manganese and zinc. Thrush infections often occur in people whose immune systems are not functioning well, and these extra nutrients in the diet may aid proper immune function.
Considerations
Oil of oregano can be used both topically and internally. It can be applied directly onto the skin to treat the infection, but only if it has been diluted. Always follow the instructions on the bottle before applying topically on the skin. Oil of oregano capsules, or 3 or 4 drops of oil in water, can also effectively treat the yeast infection.
References
- Women's Health concerns: Thrush
- OreganoPro: Oil of Oregano
- ''Mycopathologica''; The Inhibition of Candida Albicans by Selected Essential Oils and Their Major Components; Maria PaolaTampieri, et al.; April 2005
- PubMed: Current Medicinal Chemistry: Antibacterial and Antifungal Properties of Essential Oils
- Home Remedies Web: Oil of Oregano Health Benefits
- FungusFocus: Oil of Oregano Highlights
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