Oregano is an herb native to both Europe and Asia but especially found in the Mediterranean area, with the scientific name Origanum vulgare. It is mainly used in cooking as a spice but also provides important health benefits. The oil is produced by steam distillation using the plant as raw material. It preserves the potent aroma of the herb and also has a strong antiseptic action. It is a natural agent active against most types of pathogens, mainly due to the presence of two compounds named thymol and carvacrol.
One of these agents, thymol, is commonly included in toothpaste and mouthwash due to its strong antiseptic effect, which is useful against toothache and various gum issues.
Oregano oil is mainly used on the skin, because it provides several benefits. It is rich in vitamin and minerals, has a proven antioxidant effect and can purify the blood. It can reduce itching, treat irritation and fight skin infections when applied on the affected areas as a diluted solution.
Carvacrol, the second powerful active ingredient in oregano oil, is also very effective when applied topically on the skin. It can cure many common skin issues like rashes, acne, fungal infestations or cold sores. It boosts the recovery from acne if applied directly on these common infections. The oregano oil is also a great counter for the herpes virus and causes a tingling sensation that nullifies most of its symptoms. A very weak solution of oregano oil, no more that 2 or 3 drops in a glass of water, can be applied with a cotton ball on acne. Be careful not to continue the treatment if the area becomes irritated.
Like many other essential plant oils, this product is effective against a wide range of pathogens, such as Candida. It serves as a general cure for skin infections and can be used in multiple ways: applied topically, added to food or taken as an oral pill. Athlete’s foot is a very common type of fungal infection that can be countered with this oil. Just put a single drop in your shoes or place your socks in warm water with two drops of oregano oil. An alternative is to simply massage your feet with a diluted solution.
This essential oil is also available in the form of oral capsules. Taking two of these every day can make your skin healthier and younger, since it slows down the aging process and counters some of its symptoms.
Oregano oil has a strong antioxidant action and neutralizes the free radicals that can attack cells and tissues. It can treat psoriasis, acne and fungal nail infections and has a general anti-microbial, anti-viral, anti-fungal, anti-bacterial and anti-inflammatory effect. It is especially powerful against yeast infections. Due to its benefits, it is commonly mixed with other natural products in spa treatments.
This oil is very strong in pure form and should always be diluted before skin application. In low concentration, it can be applied on skin infections, itchy areas and even inflamed gums. It is commonly mixed with a carrier oil in order to dilute it, usually just one drop of oregano oil is added to a teaspoon of olive or coconut oil. It is a good idea to read and follow the instructions found on any commercial bottle of oregano oil before using it.
A mix of oregano oil and coconut oil can also treat calluses. Just massage the area with this mixture and the problem will eventually disappear. The fungi that colonize the space between the nails on both fingers and toes are also killed by the oregano oil and manicurists commonly use it for this purpose.
Similar to other herbal essential oils, this product is also very beneficial for the scalp and hair. You can apply it directly on the scalp or take oral capsules, either way it will boost hair growth. Never use the oil in pure form, since it is too concentrated. Mix it in advance with a carrier oil, good choices include quality olive oil, coconut oil, jojoba oil, tea tree oil and many others. It can treat several hair and scalp conditions.
One of the most common hair issues is dandruff. If ignored, it can become a serious problem but you can get rid of it in only one week with oregano oil. Just add a few drops of oil to your normal shampoo and wash your hair with it. However, you can also prepare a natural ointment and use it as a conditioner after washing your hair. You just have to mix about one ounce of oregano oil with 4 ounces of coconut oil.
There are also other natural oils that can serve as carriers for oregano oil and also provide their own benefits to your hair and scalp. These include jojoba oil, tea tree oil or olive oil. Just apply the mixture on the scalp every one or two weeks and your hair will grow faster.
A constant care routine with oregano oil once or twice per week can prevent and treat many hair issues. These include dandruff, head lice, ringworm, baldness, hair loss, scalp inflammation, dermatitis and scabies.