Oregano is a plant found in Europe, Asia and North Africa. The first mentions of the unique properties of oregano come from ancient Greece, where oregano was used to treat diarrhea, rheumatic pain and skin problems.
The Romans also benefited from the beneficial effects of oregano by applying its leaves to the bites of scorpions or spiders. Currently, oregano is known mainly as a spice. However, it is worth knowing that oregano leaves contain oil with health-promoting properties.
The power of essential oils lies in their concentration. Over 450 kilograms of leaves are used to produce half a litre of oregano oil. The production process itself involves boiling fresh or dried oregano in distilled water and collecting the steam with a special system of pipes, and then condensing it by lowering the temperature.
The liquid thus obtained is left to stand, and after some time the oil separates from the water fraction on its own. After careful separation, a ready-to-use essential oil with optimal concentration is obtained.
From a pharmacological point of view, the most important components of oregano oil are carvacrol and thymol. These ethereal substances belong to the group of phenols and are associated not only with a strong aroma, but above all with bactericidal and antifungal properties. According to scientists, carvacrol effectively destroys a wide range of microorganisms, including human and plant parasites.
Additionally, oregano oil contains small amounts of tannins, flavonoids with antioxidant properties, and caffeic acid, rosmarinic acid and ursolic acid. Also noteworthy is the presence of beta-caryophyllene - a compound with a strong anti-inflammatory effect.
Oregano oil has exceptionally high levels of free radical-fighting antioxidants. It perfectly supports immunity and is very helpful when used topically in the case of skin infections, parasites and fungi.
It also helps with digestion and can relieve allergies and menstrual symptoms. Oregano oil is a very effective antifungal and antibacterial agent. Therefore, it is particularly useful in the fight against Staphylococcus aureus bacteria and in the treatment of mycosis caused by the Candida fungus.
Oregano oil has played an important role in natural medicine for over three thousand years! Its properties were used by, among others: ancient Greeks. The famous Aristotle recommended treatment with oregano oil for snake bites, and Hippocrates used it to treat coughs and stomach problems.
It is believed that the beneficial properties of oregano are due to phenolic components such as carvacrol and thymol, also found in thyme (as mentioned before). Studies show that these ingredients kill bacteria by weakening the integrity of their membranes and cell walls.
This feature is useful in the treatment of bacterial dysbiosis, i.e. disturbance of the balance of bacterial flora in the intestines. It may occur with abdominal bloating, irritable bowel syndrome and other digestive system diseases.
Using oregano oil may be a way to eliminate pathogenic bacteria. What is particularly important, the preparation does not have a negative impact on the level of good bacteria. The best results are achieved with simultaneous use of probiotic therapy.
The practice of use also shows that oregano herb has a beneficial effect on the secretion of saliva, gastric juice and bile. This improves the digestion and absorption of food. It can also be used in case of indigestion, diarrhea and gastritis. In addition, oregano contains essential oils with antispasmodic properties. Thanks to this, the plant can help with smooth muscle spasms that often occur in the digestive system.
Oregano oil is a real treasure trove, especially of ingredients such as zinc, magnesium, vitamins C and E. It also provides significant amounts of potassium, calcium, copper, manganese, and vitamin B3 (niacin).
Taking into account the very common deficiencies of these substances in the body, easily digestible sources such as oregano oil can be much more appreciated. By including it in our daily diet, we can not only provide ourselves with much better energy, but also protect against many ailments and diseases.
Oregano combines antibacterial, antifungal and antispasmodic properties. In addition, it is able to support the secretion of mucus from the mucous membranes of the upper respiratory tract. The combination of these features makes the oregano herb a very useful aid in lung and sinus infections, as well as diseases such as upper respiratory tract infections or expectoration problems.
This is because a large proportion of chronic sinus problems are caused by fungi, often with bacterial complications.
Oregano oil fights fungal nail infections. Simply combine 2-3 drops of oregano oil with the same amount of carrier oil as jojoba oil or coconut oil. Neem oil is also excellent base oil that enhances the antifungal nature of the blend. To fight infection, soak a cotton pad in the oil mixture and apply to infected nails or flaky and itchy skin between the toes. Repeat the treatment every day until the infection subsides and completely disappears.
Depending on the purpose, the dosage of oregano oil may be slightly different. When it comes to oregano oil for sinuses in the form of inhalation, it is recommended to add 20-30 drops of the oil to the diffuser/inhaler.
If we use oregano oil for food, it is best to add a few drops to a tablespoon of oil. The number of drops recommended for consumption varies depending on the concentration of the oil in the preparation. Most often, you can use oregano oil 2 to 3 times a day.
According to researchers from Washington, it is able to defeat even the infamous Staphylococcus aureus, which is resistant to most antibiotics. Moreover, it has been proven to have a destructive effect on the E. coli bacteria, responsible for a large part of the digestive system infections, as well as bacteria associated with e.g. typhus, cholera, urinary tract inflammation and dermatoses.
Oregano oil can be used to cure athlete's foot, fungal infections of the scalp, and even systemic candidiasis. The oil also has a strong antiviral effect, stimulating the production of white blood cells and increasing the body's resistance to infections such as measles, smallpox and the common cold. It is hardly surprising that it has been used effectively for hundreds of years to disinfect wounds after injuries and surgeries.
Finally, oregano oil is also a powerful antiparasitic agent. When administered orally, oregano oil can help get rid of tapeworms, pinworms, as well as the protozoan Blastocystis hominis, which causes blastocystosis, or dysentery. When used externally, it is a powerful weapon in the fight against lice, fleas, and bothersome insects such as mosquitoes and bedbugs.
Oregano oil is an intense substance that may cause irritation of the skin or mucous membranes. Hence, appropriate dosage and dilution are so important.
Pregnant and breastfeeding women should also be careful when consuming oregano - too much of it may reduce the ability to absorb iron, as well as people with known allergies to basil, mint, marjoram or sage. It is also not recommended to use oregano oil in diabetics and people expecting surgery within the next two weeks.
In addition, oregano oil is considered a safe natural medicine, the few side effects of which (stomach irritation, nausea) are incomparable to the negative consequences of using antibiotics and other anti-inflammatory drugs.
Due to the risk of allergic reactions and irritation of the digestive system, oregano oil should not be used by people who struggle with digestive problems. If you are taking other medications, it is worth consulting your doctor before using oregano oil. In turn, oregano oil can only be given to children in diluted form - with water or other oil.
