No man ever repented for caring and being healthy. Also, it is an icing on the cake if healthcare ailments come from natural and organic sources. Oregano is one such source. But do you know that the Oregano essential oil extracted by the process of steam distillation of oregano leaves is of great therapeutic value and has mountainous health benefits?
Oregano is indigenous to the elevated mountainous areas of the Mediterranean region and its nomenclature ‘Oregano’ symbolizes “joy of the mountains”. Oregano is a perennial herb with dark green coloured leaves. Taxonomically it belongs to the Labiatae family with a variety of approximately 40 species. However, due to the brimming chemical contents, ‘Origanumvulgare’ is used for extraction of the Oregano essential oil.
Chemical Compounds Of Oregano Essential Oil
The two primary active compounds in the oregano oil are Carvacrol and Thymol. These two phenolic compounds are responsible for the antibacterial and antiseptic oregano essential oil benefits.
The other compounds that make up the oregano oil are terpenes, Linalool, linalyl acetate, cymene, geranyl acetate, pinene, bisabolene, caryophyllene, rosmarinic acid, and borneol. These compounds are present in minute quantities and vouch for the other oregano essential oil benefits like antiviral, anti-parasitic, antioxidant, anxiolytic, anti-allergic and anti-fungal activities. Beta-caryophyllin (E-BCP) present in the oregano oil is an anti-inflammatory agent.
Benefits Of Oregano Oil
Above-stated activities are just the properties of oregano oil benefits. But, the profits of oregano oil uses are immense. Below enlisted are fifteen benefits of oregano oil uses that can help you in maintaining your health.
1. Oregano Oil For Cold
A cough and cold are the most commonly suffered diseases during the entire lifetime. Oregano is one of the best medicines for the treatment of cold due to its antimicrobial and antibacterial activity.
How to take oregano oil?
a. Inhale steam-
Add few drops of oregano essential oil to the boiling water. Cover the head with a towel and inhale vapours of the oregano oil for 5-10 minutes. You can also add few drops of oregano essential oil to the diffuser and then inhale the produced steam.
b. Direct Inhalation-
Opt for this when on the go. Directly inhale minute quantities of oregano oil from the bottle.
c. Gargle-
Add few drops of oregano oil to warm glass of water and gargle with it. Antibacterial activity will cause an end to the germ party happening inside your throat.
d. Sublingual-
This means under the tongue. Add 2-3 drops of oregano oil to the carrier oil viz. coconut oil or olive oil and place it on your tongue. Then allow it to be absorbed in the system. Later, spit it out. Repeat twice or thrice in a day for effective results.
2. Bronchitis Care
Oregano oil is an excellent expectorant that causes thinning of mucus in the respiratory tract. So it is effective in the treatment of Bronchitis, respiratory tract related problems and sinus disorder. Consumption of oregano oil helps build immunity during cold and flu season.
How to take oregano oil?
a. Inhale steam-
Follow the same method for inhaling steam as mentioned for cold treatment.
b. Chest rub-
Rub coconut oil mixed with few drops of oregano oil on the chest to get a relief. For added benefit use it to rub on soles too.
3. Oregano Oil For Herpes
Oregano oil is shown to have a killing effect on the Herpes virus. Oregano oil allows the antibiotics to pass through the cell wall of the bacteria and viruses which otherwise was impermeable to the action of antibiotics.
How to take oregano oil?
a. Topical Application-
Add 3-4 drops of Oregano oil with 1 tbsp of Neem oil. Mix it till it blends well. Apply the prepared mixture on the spine ( site of location of dormant herpes virus)
b. Sublingual-
Follow the same method as mentioned for the treatment of the cold.
4. Ease Of Ear Infection
The extra wax buildup in the ear canal can cause inflammation and bacterial over dominance. More than normal bacterial growth can cause extreme discomfort and pain. Oregano oil use can help subsidize this discomfort.
How to take oregano oil?
a. Topical Use-
Add 2-3 drops of oregano oil to 2-3 drops of the coconut or jojoba oil. Mix well. Apply directly on the outer side of the ear and massage gently.
5. Eliminate Stomach Problems
With the amount of junk food going in our stomach, it is quite obvious that stomach problems are recurrent. Indigestion, acid reflux, bloating and other such related problems can be well treated using Oregano oil.
How to take Oregano oil?
a. Drink as a tonic-
Add 2-3 drops of oregano oil to a warm cup of tea and gulp it down after every meal to avoid an upset stomach.
6. Combat Allergies
The anti-allergic and anti-histamine properties of the oregano oil help ease the allergic symptoms like sneezing, coughing, and itching. Inhaling steam infused with the oregano oil essential vapours can serve the purpose.
7. Skin Care
Oregano oil has antimicrobial properties which help to reduce skin diseases like psoriasis, eczema etc. It is also used in the treatment of acne. The anti-inflammatory effect produced by the oil helps reduce swellings and reduces itchiness to the skin.
How to take Oregano oil?
a. Body Rub-
Add 10-15 drops to the 2-3 tbsp of jojoba, olive or coconut oil. Mix well. Now apply directly to the skin or the infected area
b. Acne treatment
– Add 2-3 drops to water and apply directly to the infected area or acne with cotton. Do not apply without mixing
8. Hair Care
Oregano oil like most of the other essential oils is an absolute treat for the itchy or oily scalp and dandruff.
How to take Oregano oil?
a. Oil-
Add 10- 15 drops of oregano oil to 8-10 drops of tea tree oil and 1 tbsp of coconut of Neem oil. Mix well and apply directly to the scalp after hair wash and let it stay overnight.
b. With shampoo-
Mix 2-3 drops of Oregano oil with 1 tbsp of your choice of shampoo and apply directly to the scalp. Massage well. Leave for 10-15 minutes and then rinse with water.
9. Treatment for Candida
Candida is a fungal disease. Overgrowth of this fungus can cause immense trouble to the body like vaginal infections, whitish coating on tongue and others. The oregano oil use can help in fighting fungal infection due to its antifungal activity.
How to take Oregano oil?
a. Skin rub-
Add 10-15 drops to the 2-3 tbsp of jojoba, olive or coconut oil. Mix well. Now apply directly to the skin or the infected area
b. Sublingual-
Follow the same method as mentioned for the treatment of the cold.
10. Treatment For Athlete’s Foot
Soaking your feet for 10-15 mins in warm water mixed with 1 teaspoon of Oregano oil and ½ cup of Epsom salt will help fight against the fungal virus causing Athlete’s foot and prevent causing nail infection.
11. Against Parasites
Oregano oil can be taken internally, sublingual or as a skin rub to fight the parasitic attacks and the diseases caused by the parasite.
12. Wart Treatment
Oregano oil is an excellent treatment to get rid of warts appearing on the skin and feet.
How to take Oregano oil for wart treatment?
a. Topical use-
Add 3-4 drops of oregano oil to 1 teaspoon of the coconut, neem or jojoba oil. Mix well. Apply to the wart infected area with a clean cotton swab. Keep the area covered with a bandage after application. You’ll see a noticeable difference within a week or two.
13. Reduction Of Cold Sores
Cold sores are the red blisters appearing on the lining of the lips or on the lips. They are caused by the herpes virus. Oregano oil use can prove a blessing to get rid of them.
How to take Oregano oil?
a. Topical use-
Add 3-4 drops of oregano oil to 1 teaspoon of the coconut or neem oil. Mix well. Apply over on the sore with a clean cotton swab. Repeat 3-4 times a day. When using overnight, cover the affected area with the bandage after applying prepared oil mixture.
14. Care for Arthritis, Joint and Muscle pain
5-7 drops of oregano oil mixed with 2-3 drops of moringa oil or peppermint oil when applied on the painful joints can help lessen the muscle pain caused due to Arthritis and aid in relaxation of muscles.
15. Emmenagogue
The problem of an irregular monthly cycle, late periods or no periods can be solved by the use of oregano oil. Oregano oil is responsible for producing contraction in the uterus which in turns helps stimulate the flow.
How to take oregano oil?
a. Topical use-
Mix 6-7 drops of oregano oil in coconut oil. Massage gently on the cramping area to reduce pain.
b. Drink with tea-
Have a ginger or chamomile tea with 2-3 drops of Oregano oil to lessen the menstrual cramps.
Oregano Oil Side Effects
- Oregano essential oil use to certain people can cause allergic reactions. In general, those allergic to the mint and basil leaves should avoid usage of Oregano oil. Oregano, mint, and basil belong to the same taxonomic plant family.
- Oregano oil can induce a miscarriage. A pregnant female should refrain from usage of oregano oil as it is an emmenagogue and stimulates the blood flood by causing changes to the lining of the uterus.
- Oregano essential oil is hot oil and can cause irritation and burning sensation to the skin if applied directly. It is advised to mix it with the carrier oil like coconut or olive oil before application.
Taking into consideration both the benefits and side effects that can be caused by the oregano oil uses, its utilization for benefit should be thought upon. While some of the effects are immediate some of them will come to you tip-toed. Hold on firmly till then. Lastly, keep it natural and organic.
Read Next – 12 Amazing Oregano Benefits For Your Overall Health!
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