Oregano oil’s potential benefits span from digestive help to congestion relief, with significant implications for health and wellness in the food, pharmaceutical, and cosmetic sectors. Furthermore, current research suggests it may contain significant antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, and cancer-fighting properties. But don’t go shaking all of your oregano flakes into your olive oil just yet; in reality, oregano essential oil isn’t oil with oregano in it, as surprising as that may sound.
It’s really an essential oil derived from the oregano plant, with a greater concentration of the plant’s naturally occurring beneficial components. It is safe to drink, unlike certain essential oils, which are only used for aromatherapy and not consumption.
Oregano oil is often marketed as an oil or pill among other vitamins and health supplements. When purchasing, make sure the label indicates it’s 100% pure essential oil and cites the species: Origanum Vulgare (technical name). If “fragrance” is stated, it suggests there are other additives, therefore opt for one that does not include fragrance.
Oregano essential oil is commonly seen in the medical cabinets of holistically inclined people and naturopathic practitioners. But hey, they’re onto something! This herbal supplement can do a lot of good; learn about its possible benefits here.
It is naturally antibacterial.
Oregano oil, like lemongrass, eucalyptus, peppermint, and other essential oils, contains inherent antimicrobial properties. It includes carvacrol and thymol, both antimicrobial chemicals. Oregano essential oil has been demonstrated to be effective against clinical strains of bacteria such as E. coli and Pseudomonas aeruginosa (which can cause pneumonia).
Oregano Oil Has Antifungal Properties.
Thymol is also recognized to have antifungal qualities, and its presence in oregano oil has resulted in antifungal usage. Thymol affects Candida, a fungal infection produced by yeast that can lead to oral or yeast infections. Doctors prescribe coated capsules of oregano essential oil to treat this annoying illness.
To cure fungal infections on the skin, combine one to two drops of 100% therapeutic-grade essential oil with water or coconut oil and apply topically. Before usage, you should consult with a doctor to guarantee that it will not negatively interact with other medications.
It’s anti-inflammatory.
In addition to carvacrol, which has powerful anti-inflammatory qualities, oregano oil has a lot of antioxidants, which can help reduce inflammation. Studies have found that this essential oil inhibited inflammatory biomarkers (a chemical that promotes inflammation in the body). Because of these qualities, oregano essential oil is a potential ingredient for anti-inflammatory skincare products.
It is full of antioxidants.
As previously said, oregano essential oil is high in antioxidants, and findings suggest that it is a great contender to replace synthetic antioxidants. Antioxidants prevent oxidation, a chemical reaction that generates free radicals and chain reactions that can harm cells.
Oxidation (caused by oxidative stress) has harmful impacts such as heart disease, cancer, and Alzheimer’s. Vitamins C and E, selenium, carotenoids, and other essential oils are all natural sources of antioxidants.
It may help your skin’s health.
Oregano oil is becoming increasingly popular in skincare products and has several advantages, whether it is purchased as a topical face oil or in its basic form and swallowed for skin health. While there is no data on the usage of oregano essential oil for these purposes, several influencers swear by it for both overall skin health and acne treatment.
They advocate taking it in capsule form, adding a few drops to a glass of water, or using it as a spot treatment. If you choose the topical therapy option, make sure the oil is diluted with another oil, as it might burn your skin if applied straight.
It may help with dandruff
The advantages of oregano essential oil on hair have not been well investigated; nevertheless, some people have used it as a dandruff treatment due to its antibacterial qualities, which can serve to eradicate the fungus from the scalp. Combine a few drops with a spoonful of shampoo and apply. Wash off after 10 minutes, and keep it out of your eyes.
Oregano Oil for Cold and Flu Season
Oregano essential oil might be therapeutic throughout the cold and flu season. Wild Origanum vulgare or Thymus capitatus, is one of the most effective cures for a cold or flu. You get the potential advantages of this oil, make sure you acquire it from a reputable supplier.
Rosmarinic acid, thymol, beta-caryophyllin, and naringin are among the key components in oregano oil, which contribute to its potency. These chemicals possess antihistamine, antibacterial, immune-boosting, healing, and cooling effects.
There are a few simple methods to use oregano essential oil for a cold or flu that will help you feel better quickly. You may mix a few drops with some orange juice or a spoonful of coconut or olive oil.
The standard dose for colds and flu is 2 to 3 drops three or four times per day. For the best benefits, one expert recommends keeping a few drops under your tongue for roughly 5 minutes.
You may also get oregano pills. Take them according to the instructions on the bottle. There is oregano oil syrup designed specifically for small children.
Before using oregano essential oil, consult your doctor. It is generally not indicated for those with heart disease or high blood pressure, pregnant and breastfeeding women, or babies.
Oregano Oil FAQs
Is it safe to consume oregano essential oil with any medication?
While oregano oil is usually safe to consume, it should not be taken with some drugs. For example, if you are on blood thinners, nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory medicines, or diabetic medications, consult your doctor before using oregano essential oil.
Is there a restriction on who can use oregano oil?
Women who are pregnant or breastfeeding should consult their doctor before diffusing or using oregano oil, since there may be certain hazards. If you are allergic to lavender, basil, marjoram, mint, sage, thyme, or hyssop, you should not use oregano.
Will oregano essential oil help me sleep better?
While the research is primarily anecdotal, some people feel that oregano essential oil can help with specific sleep disorders. This is due to the oil’s relaxing scent, which pairs nicely with lavender when diffused before bedtime.
