You may have never heard of the many benefits of oregano oil, or you may be a veteran user. Either way, it’s a good bet this article is going to teach you something. Like so many of nature’s creations, there are seemingly endless uses for the oil of this plant.
Naturally, we are going to focus on the health benefits of oregano oil in this post.
A brief history
Oregano grows naturally in the Mediterranean region of Europe and North Africa and the Middle East. But since the East and West connected with the Silk Road during the time of the Roman Empire, it has been traded throughout Africa, Asia and Europe.
The Greeks are the earliest civilization to mention oregano for its medicinal properties, and the father of medicine himself, Hippocrates, singled oregano oil out as a remedy for skin conditions, digestive problems and lung issues.
The power of oregano oil
In modern times, researchers have identified two compounds primarily responsible for oregano oil’s healing properties: carvacrol and thymol.
While both compounds have powerful healing and germ-fighting properties, the real warrior is carvacrol. It has been found to be anti-inflammatory, anti-bacterial, anti-viral and anti-fungal.
Carvacrol helps lower blood sugar–which is great for diabetics–as does another compound found in oregano oil called beta-caryophyllin.
Some early-stage research is suggesting carvacrol can kill breast, lung and brain cancer cells. Two other compounds in oregano oil have been shown to have anti-cancer properties as well: naringin and rosmarinic acid.
Thymol is already used in many OTC anti-bacterial, anti-viral and anti-fungal products. It is particularly useful in fighting nail fungus and ringworm.
The combination of these compounds makes oregano oil a versatile and endlessly useful agent in defense of your health. Below are just a few of the more impressive ways to use oregano oil to live a healthy life–and avoid the doctor’s office.
Oregano oil health recipes
Ringworm – Put a few drops of oregano oil on affected area. Three drops a day, every day, until it’s gone.
Eczema – Add three drops of oregano oil to an ounce of olive oil. Spray mixture onto the affected area once per day.
Mouth or upper throat infection – Add four drops of oregano oil to four ounces of water. Swish the mixture around in your mouth and gargle four times per day until the problem clears up. You will feel a slight burning sensation that will last for a few minutes. This is natural.
Sore throat – Put two drops of oregano oil into a glass of water and drink.
Nail fungus/Athlete’s foot – Add two teaspoons of oregano oil to a gallon of warm water in a container suitable for soaking the affected area. Soak for five minutes. Once finished soaking, rub a solution of one drop oregano oil + one teaspoon coconut oil on the affected area.
Acne – Dab a small amount of oregano oil directly to the acne. It kills the bacteria and reduces inflammation simultaneously. Do it once in the morning and once before bed.
Sinus infection – Add three drops to a glass of water and drink. Also, dab into a handkerchief and breathe through the handkerchief.
Bronchitis – Add three drops to a glass of water and drink.
A technique for most internal bacterial infections – Fill nine veggie capsules with oregano oil. Take three/day for three days.
Gingivitis – Combine three drops of oregano oil with one ounce of coconut oil, swish around in your mouth for 20 minutes, once per day.
Diaper rash – Three drops of oregano oil and an ounce of coconut oil applied to the affected area.
Arthritis pain and/or sore muscle pain – Mix a few drops of oregano oil with an ounce of coconut oil and apply topically.
Warnings
You will notice that using oregano oil topically or in your mouth will often create a burning sensation. This is normal and natural. That is why it is often diluted with other oils or in water.
It is a very powerful oil. If you are new to using it, the best policy is to err on the side of too little rather than too much.
Don’t use it if you are pregnant, as it can contribute to the risk of miscarriage.
For irritative effects–either on the skin or internally, the antidote (so to speak) is milk or almond milk. If the skin becomes too irritated after using oregano oil topically, wash the area with milk or almond milk. If there is a burning sensation in your esophegus or you have an upset stomach after ingesting oregano oil, drink milk or almond milk and consider lowering your dosage.
That being said, using this amazing oil in place of prescriptions and OTC medications will lower your medical bills, help keep your gut bacteria intact, lower your exposure to toxins and simply make you a healthier person. Enjoy!
