Oil of Oregano Benefits, Uses & Safety Guide

Oregano, a member of the mint family of herbs, has been used in Mediterranean cooking for centuries. The oil, extracted from the leaves and flowers of this plant, is used medicinally as an overall health tonic and to treat a variety of specific conditions.Let's take a look at how we can benefit from the medicinal properties of oregano oil.

Beat the Common Cold

Oregano oil is purported to have broad spectrum antibiotic properties. It is effective against common bacterial and viral infections. This oil is naturally high in vitamins C and A.

It is also high in minerals that are essential in combating colds. Oregano is a warming herb, which is soothing to the throat and lungs. Taking a few drops in water 2 or 3 times per day has been shown to reverse the symptoms of a cold.

Overcome Yeast Infections

A yeast infection, also known as Candidiasis or yeast overgrowth, is an annoying and often debilitating condition that affects millions of people. The condition occurs when we take too many antibiotics, killing off our good and beneficial bacteria. Yeast also thrives when our diets are high in overly processed foods and sugar.

According to Lisa Richards, author of The Ultimate Candida Diet Program, oil of oregano contains anti-fungal properties that can effectively reduce yeast microorganisms.

Along with a clean diet of organic vegetables, lean protein, and probiotic rich foods, oil of oregano can help to restore the balance of good bacteria and other micro-organisms in our digestive tracts.

Soothe Eczema and Psoriasis

Eczema and psoriasis can be signs of an autoimmune condition or a fungal infection. Treating these external skin eruptions with oregano oil has been shown to have very positive outcomes. You can place a couple of drops of the oil in a tablespoon of a healing carrier oil.Coconut oil and Extra Virgin olive oil both work well. Massage the oil lightly into the affected skin areas. You can do this daily until the sensitive skin clears up.When used judiciously, oil of oregano is also effective in healing diaper rash in babies.

Expel Parasites

In a study published by PubMed, 14 adults with internal parasites ingested 600 mgs of oil of oregano daily for 6 weeks. The results were promising for the removal of 4 common intestinal parasites and worms. Digestive symptoms improved in most cases.External parasites can be treated with herbal tinctures. Adding a few drops of oregano oil to a small amount of shampoo can help with the removal of lice and scabies on the scalp. This method is also helpful for dandruff, which is often a byproduct of fungal infections.

Boost Immunity

Oil of oregano contains phenols. Phenols have powerful antioxidant properties that help rid our bodies of damaging free radicals. Antioxidants help to slow down the aging process and to boost our immune systems, better equipping our bodies to fight degenerative diseases.

Reduce Inflammation

Those of us with autoimmune disorders often suffer from chronic inflammation. Inflammation of the joints and bowels are common and difficult to control naturally.The nutritional use of oregano has been shown to reduce inflammation due to Arthritis, Chron's Disease, and Colitis. Oregano contains beta-caryophyllin (E-BCP), an active compound that is known to reduce inflammation.Try diluted oil of oregano, both internally and topically, to treat inflammation instead of taking anti-inflammatory medications and pain killers.

Ward Off Attacks from Annoying Insects

The active ingredient in oregano, known as carvacrol, is considered a natural insect repellent. By adding 5 to 10 drops of oil of 0regano to 4 ounces of water in a glass spray or pump bottle, you can have a natural method for keeping bugs at bay. This can be sprayed on your clothes, outdoor furniture, and other plants that are prone to insect attacks.You can add other essential oils, like eucalyptus, peppermint, and lavender to enhance the effectiveness and to make your repellent smell more appealing. This is a plus if you are going to be spraying on your clothing.

Dealing with Exposure to Mold

Mold spores are often present in our environments without us even realizing it until we start having upper respiratory problems.

Allergies and bronchitis can be caused by the inhalation of mold spores, especially the species aspergillus. Oregano oil is effective against mold related illnesses and for use in killing mold spores on surfaces.

Oregano oil diluted in water can be used as a gargle to soothe a sore throat and help with removing infections and inflammation caused by inhaling mold spores. Placing 1 to 4 drops to your neti pot salt water will help to sanitize your sinuses.

Oregano oil can also be used directly on surfaces that you suspect have mold. Add a couple of drops to natural cleaning supplies and wood conditioners to help control mold on furniture, plumbing fixtures, tile floors and showers, glass surfaces, inside your washing machine, etc.

If you use a humidifier, add drops of oregano oil to the water to keep prevent mold from building up.

Take Back your Home from Dust Mites

Dust mites and other small critters that thrive in soft places in our homes can be a real health hazard. A good way to keep the mites, and even bed bugs, from taking control is to make a deodorizing and bug eradicating mixture of 2 cups of baking soda, 2 TBS of food grade diatomaceous earth, a few drops of each essential pine oil, essential lavender oil, essential lemon oil, and oregano oil.

Shake this up in a jar, and then poke some holes in the lid. You can sprinkle this on carpets and let it sit overnight. In the morning, vacuum your carpets. The mites will not survive and your home will smell fresh.Wash linens and pillows with a few drops of oregano oil added to the detergent to help with any mites that are on your bedding.

Calm a Bug Bite or Sting

It is a good idea to carry a small vial of diluted oil of oregano with you while hiking or gardening. Place a few drops in water or a carrier oil, such as jojoba or almond oil, to rub into bites or stings.Oregano can extract venom and reduce inflammation from the bite. Healing will occur more rapidly.

Oil Pulling for Cleansing the Mouth and Throat

Oil pulling is an Ayurvedic practice used to cleanse the mouth and boost immunity. It involves placing pure oil in your mouth and swishing or pulling it back and forth for several minutes.Organic and unrefined coconut oil or extra virgin and cold pressed olive oil are good choices. The oil is spit out and the mouth is rinsed with a salt water solution to wash away bacteria, plaque, and viruses.Adding a drop of oregano oil to the pulling oil has the added benefit of addressing cold and herpes viruses, sore throats, cold sores, mouth ulcers, and swollen glands.

Will You Start Using Oil of Oregano?

We have outlined some of the many benefits of oil of oregano. It is recommended that you look for a high quality, organic oil of oregano to use. Oil of oregano has a strong taste and is a powerful anti-microbial.You may experience some side effects, also referred to as die-off, when first using this oil. Be cautious and start out low and slow until you know how your body responds to the effects.Do not use this for extended periods of time. Be mindful of how you feel and take breaks to give your body time to adjust and recover.

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