Oregano oil, is the essential oil that’s derived from the herb Oreganum Vulgare and is one of nature’s most potent antibiotics.
Not to confuse it with the herb that you use in your cooking, oregano oil, while it comes from the same plant is very different. Oregano oil offers medicinal properties that have been used for ages.
Here are our top five uses for Oregano.
1. Cold
Cold season comes around every year and for many of us, that means multiple cold infections throughout the season. Taking oregano oil at the onset of cold symptoms can help to reduce the duration of your cold as some studies concluded and may also help lessen the chance of developing a bacterial co-infection. A co-infection can happen when a cold is left untreated and bacteria enters, causing a bacterial infection. In studies, oregano oil is an effective treatment against several types of bacteria. It’s worth pointing out that oregano oil should only be used for 5-7 days at the onset of an infection as its antibiotic properties may harm gut flora.
2. Flu
Just as cold season comes around each year, so does the flu. Since oregano oil possesses antiviral and antibacterial properties, it is a great supplement to take when feeling under the weather or when you have the dreaded flu. One study found that Mexican oregano helped participants better fight the flu. The concluded that oregano oil prevented the flu virus from replicating and its active ingredient carvacrol inhibited rotavirus replication which is the virus that can cause gastro upset.
3. Candida
Candida, more formally known as candida albicans is a parasitic fungus. While it’s present in the body and under normal circumstances doesn’t spread, when certain lifestyle factors come into play such as, diet, stress or toxins, candida can grow and spread causing an infection. Oregano oil may help act as an antibiotic and kill candida cells when this happens. In one in-vitro (test tube) study, it was found that oregano oil was effective against candida and a second study found that it’s a good protocol for oral candida.
4. Parasites
Parasitic infections of the digestive tract are more common than you think. Did you know that up to 80% of North Americans could have a parasite in their digestive tract? Oregano oil’s antimicrobial and antibacterial properties make it a helpful addition to your parasite treatment protocol. One study found that oregano oil reduced the infectivity of Cryptosporidium parvum, a parasite that causes persistent diarrhea in children.
5. Respiratory Health
It is estimated that adults and children will have an average of two to three upper respiratory infections (URIs) each year. Both viruses and bacteria can cause upper respiratory infections. In addition to preventing microbes from infecting the respiratory system, oregano oil can also help to relieve coughing and expel mucous.
In one randomized double-blind study (participants are randomly assigned to a group and neither the participant nor researcher knows which group participants are in), researchers investigated an oregano oil spray combined with eucalyptus, rosemary and peppermint essential oils on upper respiratory infections. Participants reported greater symptom relief after using the spray. While these findings don’t necessarily suggest that oregano oil can speed the healing process, they do suggest that oregano oil can provide symptom relief during times of upper respiratory infections.
The reason behind using oregano oil for various health afflictions is simple: it works! This natural herb is a well-known treatment for common flu symptoms as well as a powerful anti-fungal that attacks candida and parasitic infections. As an antioxidant, this versatile herb can also be used to boost your immune system and help fight off infections without the need for additional drugs or chemicals.
Just remember that due to its strong antibacterial properties, it is best to only take oregano oil for five to seven days to ensure that you don’t upset the delicate balance of bacteria in your gut (gut flora).
What Oregano Oil Is Best?
When shopping for oregano oil, it’s best to look for one that’s organic and potent. Wild Oregano Oil by Naturopathic Labs is a Canadian-made organic oregano oil that’s made with wild Mediterranean 80% carvacrol in a base of black cumin seed and olive oil.
Disclaimer: The information in this article is intended for educational and informational purposes only and should not be considered as a substitute for medical advice. Please consult your practitioner prior to taking herbs or nutritional supplements.
