Oregano oil was one of my first encounters with essential oils. At the time, I was using it for the acne with pretty good success. Today i’m using to better my digestion and to treat my current (soon to be gone please) SIBO. Let me be real with you; this is one of the strongest and most potent herbs out there.
What ailments can oregano essential oil help treat?
- Bacterial infections
- Fungal infections such as athlete’s foot and nail fungus
- Parasites
- Viruses
- Inflammation
- Allergies
- Tumors
- Indigestion
- Candida
- Because it has antimicrobial properties, oregano is also used to preserve food quality during storage
Natural Alternative to Antibiotics
Pretty extensive list, don’t you think? To me, the most incredible aspect of oregano is that it can be used as a natural alternative to antibiotics! There’s evidence that oregano oil can help to fight at least several strains of bacteria that cause health problems that are commonly treated with antibiotics.
Conventional broad-spectrum antibiotics are dangerous because they don’t only kill bacteria that are responsible for infections, they also kill good bacteria that we need for optimal health. I have had severe health problems due to an overuse of antibiotics, so I know what I am talking about here..
Helps Treat Digestive Issues
Some of the active compounds found in Origanum vulgare helps to aid digestion by relaxing the muscles of the GI tract among with balancing the ratio of good-to-bad bacteria in the gut.
Because it helps balance bacteria and fights yeast overgrowth, oregano oil is also a popular natural treatment for Candida and SIBO, or small intestine bacterial overgrowth. SIBO is a common digestive problem that causes gas, bloating and intolerances to many carbohydrate-containing foods (especially FODMAPs).
I was diagnosed with SIBO a few months back, and have been drinking a small mouthful of oregano juice everyday. It has been working wonders for my digestion!
Putting out Inflammation Fires
Oregano retains its strong antioxidant capacity in both fresh and dry form. Due to its high concentration of antioxidants oregano essential oil can help reduce oxidative damage and help in preventing mutagenesis, carcinogenesis, and aging due its free radical scavenging activities. Pretty good deal, don’t you think?
Aiding Weight Loss
Oregano oil may also be a helpful tool for people looking to lose weight. Researchers have found that carvacrol, the main compound in oregano oil, disrupts part of the process that leads to the creation and accumulation of fat tissue.
How to Use Oregano Oil:
Oregano oil can be used topically, diffused or taken internally (only if it’s 100 percent therapeutic grade oil).
Before using oregano oil on your skin always mix it with a carrier oil. This helps to reduce the risk for irritation and burns. Mix 3 drops of oregano oil with a small amount of your carrier oil then apply topically by rubbing into the skin over the affected area.
Some words of caution:
Be sure not to take too much oregano oil, as it is very potent.
There is significant risk of burning internal tissue if a person takes the oil orally. Always follow the manufacturer’s guidelines.
Do not use oregano oil on children or infants. Pregnant or breastfeeding women and people with diabetes should also refrain from using it.
Oregano oil can interfere with some medications, including lithium and diuretics. Also, it is possible to be allergic to the oil (although I never heard of it with my own ears).
ALWAYS dilute it with a carrier oil before applying to your skin. Otherwise you will burn. Trust me, I have been there and it hurts.