Oregano Oil and Asthma

Asthma, which is based on the Greek word for “panting,” is a common chronic inflammatory disease of the airways which is increasing in prevalence in many countries of the world including the United States. The causes of asthma attacks are numerous and generally classified as a mixture of genetic and environmental factors. Environmental factors include viral, bacterial and fungal infections of the lungs and airways. Oregano oil displays antimicrobial properties and may help with asthma attacks that are caused by pathogenic microbes, although scientific research is lacking. Consult with your doctor about medications and natural remedies for asthma.

Asthma

Asthma is characterized by short-term airflow obstruction and bronchospasm, which leads to symptoms of shortness of breath, gasping, wheezing, dry coughing, chest tightness and anxiety, according to the University of Maryland Medical Center. Exposure to air pollution, allergens and toxins are all common triggers or causes of asthma, although chronic, low-grade respiratory infections also play an important role. Asthma is diagnosed based on frequency of symptoms and measuring certain breathing parameters, which are called forced expiratory volume and peak expiratory flow rate. Asthma symptoms are controlled with corticosteroid drugs that dilate or relax your airways and are usually administered via inhalers. However, according to an Australian survey published in a 2002 edition of the “Journal of Paediatrics and Child Health,” up to 50 percent of children with asthma try alternative treatments or unconventional therapy for their symptoms.

Prevalence

The prevalence of asthma has increased significantly in many countries since the 1970s, and as of 2009, nearly 300 million people are affected worldwide, which leads to about 250,000 deaths yearly, according to the “Compendium of Pharmaceuticals and Specialties." In the United States, rates of childhood asthma nearly tripled between 1980 and 2001, although death rates are much lower compared to “third-world” countries and medical management is effective at controlling symptoms.

Oregano Oil

Oregano oil is derived from the leaves of the Origanum vulgare shrub, which is native to Mediterranean countries. The most active biological compound in oregano oil is carvacrol, which displays broad-spectrum antimicrobial properties and can kill or inhibit the growth of many viruses, bacteria, parasites and fungi, according to “The New Healing Herbs” by Michael Castleman. Oregano oil also contains thymol, a weaker antimicrobial and quercetin, which displays strong anti-inflammatory activity by inhibiting the production and release of histamine and other inflammatory mediators. Carvacrol and quercetin also exhibit strong antioxidant activity, which protects tissues from damage and inflammation.

Oregano Oil and Asthma

Scientific studies investigating the effects of oregano oil on asthma within people are lacking, but oregano oil contains compounds that may be beneficial if your asthma attacks are caused by a low-grade, chronic respiratory infection. Oregano oil is usually taken orally, but it can also be added to an infuser and inhaled. Wild oregano oil is regarded as the most powerful variety. The antimicrobial, antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties of oregano oil should be helpful for any infection, although oregano oil should not be regarded as a replacement for your asthma medication and inhaler. Consult with your doctor about the potential respiratory benefits of oregano oil and the likelihood of your asthma attacks being related to pathogenic microorganisms.