Oregano Oil Benefits and How To Use

Among several foods that are high in antioxidants, oregano oil is one of them. The phenolic compounds assist in lowering free radicals, which are dangerous molecules that can damage body cells through oxidation and result in diseases such as cancer, and heart diseases.

These antioxidants are the reason why oregano oil has been discovered to assist a myriad of problems regarding health or organism well-being such as the heart, the nervous system, and generalized redness and inflammation in the body.

One experimental test tube study that used 39 herbs found that oregano has the highest amount of antioxidants than any of the other herbs.

The active compounds can help halt bacterial action and cleanse the intestines thereby preventing diarrhea and stomach upsets. Furthermore, oregano oil can also be employed to control disorders such as small intestinal bacterial overgrowth or SIBO as its use assists with getting rid of the unwanted bacteria in the stomach while it has minimal impact on beneficial bacteria.

Moreover, the effectiveness of oregano oil is incredible when it comes to coping with inflammation in the digestive tract, which is characteristic of most GI disorders.

Oregano oil contains a high percentage of phenolic compounds that act as anti-inflammatories and therefore can be used to cure conditions in people with arthritis pain and those with muscle cramps. However, it is also believed to produce pain-reducing effects like most of the non-prescription pain relievers. A study done in 2013 showed that the oregano extract helped in reducing pain in rats in a dose-related manner which indicates the same could also be true for human beings.

In addition, studies have shown that the consumption of oregano extract can reduce muscle damage resulting from exercise, which is useful for athletes or people with an active lifestyle.

Carvacrol and thymol are two primary active ingredients of oregano oil that possess antifungal properties, making it effective in addressing yeast infections. Some of the recent findings have demonstrated that these compounds are quite useful in the treatment of various Candida fungal infections that affect most people.

Oregano oil can also negatively affect the function of the cell membrane of fungi and thus lead to their death. Yeast infections may always include biofilms, protective layers formed by fungi which makes it hard to eradicate the infection. This oil is effective in damaging the formed biofilms where antifungal drugs cannot penetrate to help eliminate the fungal infections.

Oregano oil contains carvacrol which inhibits the formation of fat tissues, thus helping you shed off those extra pounds. Specifically, a study involving mice showed that those fed with carvacrol supplements had reduced body and fat mass compared to the normal group of mice. 

In addition, oregano oil contains flavonoids that may help to enhance metabolism in the body to an optimal level. These flavonoids may aid in the breakdown of calories and subsequent weight loss by the body. Also, oregano oil is essential for the intestines and this has a close relation with the weight loss process.

In minor skin injuries such as cuts, scrapes or burns, diluted oregano oil applied directly on the affected area may help in preventing the formation of infection and also aid in fast healing. Carvacrol and thymol which form the necessary oil constituent in the plants have highly potent antibacterial effects that assist in preventing bacterial invasion in the wounds.

Besides that, oregano oil is also useful for fungal infections of the body. Thymol can inhibit fungi such as Candida which may be of advantage in the prevention of secondary infection in cases of wounds. Since oregano oil has anti-inflammatory effects, it will also assist in decreasing inflammation and pain connected with injuries, therefore expediting the healing process.

Carvacrol compound found in oregano oil can suppress the proliferation of different types of cancers such as lung, liver and breast cancers. It has also been shown to activate apoptotic pathways in cancer cells. Melanoma cell experiments revealed that the oregano extract triggered reactive oxygen species production and DNA damage which made the melanoma cells undergo apoptosis without damaging the normal cells.

Oregano oil can combat oxidative stress more than fruits and vegetables, through its higher antioxidant level. Cancer is assumed to be closely connected to the phenomenon of chronic inflammation. However, oregano oil has properties that can reduce this risk and thus create an unfavorable situation for cancer formation.

The application of oregano oil as a natural remedy against the occurrence of allergies can be quite effective since the oil contains anti-allergenic and anti-inflammatory compounds. Bioactive compounds in oregano oil have been acknowledged to treat inflammation resulting from allergy manifestations.

In addition, studies have found that this oil has antihistaminic properties that assist in moderating histamine release that occurs during allergies. It can also help to relieve other conditions such as sneezing and itching to a greater extent.

One of the benefits associated with oregano oil is that it can help provide you relief from the cold. Since carvacrol and thymol have been discovered to possess anti-viral properties, they assist in preventing/shortening the length of colds, by neutralizing the viruses.

Apart from that, the antibacterial properties of oregano oil help in reducing bacterial activities and avoid conditions that may develop out of cold like bronchitis. In addition, it’s useful to help get rid of sputum that is produced in the lungs, bronchi, and trachea.

Other than oregano oil, several home remedies can also relieve you from cold and flu.

Because of the characteristics of oregano oil, it can be used to treat some forms of dermatological conditions. The main components especially carvacrol and thymol are used to destroy pathogenic microorganisms for skin welfare. The oil can also work as an anti-inflammatory, effectively helping to address cases of redness and inflammation including in acne breakouts and dermatitis. 

Besides it also has antioxidants that help to rebuild skin tissue and improve fine lines, and visible wrinkles and promote the growth of new skin cells. The oil is also recommendable in controlling sebum that is most needed for oily skin or acne skin type. In addition, the oil contains some vitamins which enhance the skin to regain its elasticity.

Flavonoids and phenolic acids that are present in oregano oil are crucial for the protection of cells against damage. They are effective in decreasing the levels of oxidative stress, which is known to diminish immunity and lead to chronic illnesses. In the same way, constituents such as carvacrol and thymol enable the fight against numerous pathogens and the defense of the immune system against diseases.

This oil also assists in eradicating respiratory infections hence minimizing the workload of the immune system. Furthermore, oregano oil contains chemicals that are effective in suppressing the synthesis of inflammatory mediators and boosting general immunity and health.

Oregano oil can reduce the vulnerability of the liver to toxic substances. One research showed that oregano oil greatly reduced carbon tetrachloride (CCl4) – induced liver injury in rats. This minimized the liver detrimentative enzymes thus enhancing liver efficiency.

The liver has the prime function of detoxifying the organism from any unwanted material. Oregano oil can improve the detoxification activity of the liver through the increase in the enzymes that metabolize toxins and drugs. It may also positively affect lipid metabolism in the body.

Some of the compounds like carvacrol & thymoquinone raise the number of various monoamine neurotransmitters in the brain that influence mood and anxiety. 

Several studies suggest that oregano oil has potential therapeutic effects that are similar to antidepressants. In experimental animal research, changes in behavioral patterns were observed when oregano extract was used and these changes resembled those elicited by clinically established antidepressant agents.

Moreover, oregano oil aromatherapy is potentially useful in the management of mood, stress, and emotional abnormalities. The oil of oregano may also control hormonal changes and can stabilize the mood, especially during the menstrual cycle.

Many spices and herbs such as oregano have been used to preserve and increase the safety of foods. Oregano oil possesses carvacrol and thymol, which prohibit the growth of different bacteria, fungi and viruses. This antimicrobial action does not allow the food to spoil, so as to increase the shelf life of the food products. 

The effectiveness of oregano oil especially toward resistant strains also makes it a good candidate for food protection. Due to the presence of an important compound such as carvacrol, oregano oil is known to be the best natural fungicide that prevents mold and yeast in food. This is especially applicable in the preservation of baked products and other commodities which easily get destroyed by fungi.

Carvacrol and thymol have insect-repellent abilities that inhibit the sensitivity of insects to areas treated with the compounds. Some research has shown that oregano essential oil can give 100 % protection against pests such as bed bugs just after a few hours of application.

Furthermore, oregano oil has a promising larvicidal potential with different studies suggesting a positive correlation between the concentration of the oil and the mortality rate of the larvae. It is effective not only as an insect repellent but also as a way to regulate the number of insects.

Since oregano oil is a natural substance derived from plants, it is hence environmentally friendly as compared to synthetic chemicals that are used in most repellents.

Oregano oil reduces the growth of bacteria that can lead to the formation of plaque and thus promotes healthier teeth and gum conditions. Other than that, it can also help in eliminating or minimizing cases of bad breath.

The menthol in the oil reduces gum sensitivity and inflammation making it effective in situations where the patient has inflamed gums due to gingivitis or other related conditions. 

Oregano oil is easy to get and has several uses for enhancing health. Here are some ways to use oregano oil effectively:

Topical Application 

First, the oregano oil must be well diluted by mixing it with a base oil like coconut oil. You can try diluting 1-2 drops of oregano oil by mixing it with one teaspoon of carrier oil.

Apply the diluted oil gently on the affected area for acne, fungal infection, or aching muscles.

Internal Use

It can just as easily be found in the capsule or soft gel supplement form. You can use this product orally as prescribed on the container of the product. Those who don’t like the taste of oregano should take this since it is something that can be gulped down.  

For liquid oregano oil, first, dilute 2-4 drops in a teaspoon of water or a carrier oil, then administer. It also affects the digestive system and, in some cases, may strengthen immunity.

Aromatherapy

Oregano essential oil can be added to a diffuser to purify the air and increase respiratory health by merely dropping some of it.

A respiratory problem can be eased by dropping some oregano oil into boiling water and then using the steam to inhale.

Food Preservation

To be used as a flavorful antiseptic, add 2-3 drops of oregano oil to sauces, marinades, or dressings that have already been cooked.

Insect Repellent

To repel the insects, you can mix oregano oil with water and apply it on the skin or you can spray it in the different parts of the house.

Homemade Remedies

Combine the diluted oregano oil with clay or other natural products to achieve the paste used to manage small injuries such as cuts and scrapes.

Use oregano oil as a facial solution to the issues of acne or skin inflammation by adding it to other concoctions such as honey or yogurt.

Things To Consider

• Always seek the advice of a doctor before taking any new supplement especially if one has some medical conditions or is pregnant.
• Conduct a patch test before applying oregano oil topically as it causes skin reactions.
• Do not consume oregano essential oil, only use the food-grade ones for consumption.

After considering all these points, you can incorporate oregano oil into your health and wellness routine while maximizing its benefits.