Oregano is a well-known spice that helps us to give a lot of flavor to all kinds of dishes; for example, it is essential in pizzas and pastas. However, as with so many other products, we can also find it in the form of oregano oil.
This magnificent essential oil not only replicates the properties of oregano but also enhances them. Among some of its compounds are antioxidants that are very beneficial to our health.
You must be clear that oregano essential oil and oregano oil extract are not the same as oregano essential oil. The latter is stronger and is not intended for consumption. I have prepared the following sections so that you can learn all about this interesting natural compound.
What is the Oil of Oregano?
Oregano originally comes from Europe, although it is now cultivated all over the world.
Its existence has been vital in history, and since time immemorial, it has been part of all kinds of medicinal remedies, as well as a spice.
The essential oil of oregano is obtained from the result of air-drying the leaves and shoots of the plant with the same name, botanically Oreganum Vulgare. Once this is done, extraction takes place through steam distillation.
It is a pale yellow, fine oil with an intense, penetrating, and fresh herbaceous aroma.
There have been all kinds of studies related to the interesting properties of oregano oil, proving its wonderful benefits for our health depending on the way it is applied.
Properties of Oregano Oil
- Antibacterial: the reason for this property is an element known as phenol, which is included in the formula of this oil. In fact, it is one of the components that appears in a greater proportion. Studies such as this one have shown that it is capable of acting against the growth of some types of bacteria.
- Antioxidant power: as I have already mentioned, it also stands out for the antioxidant components it provides to the body. The oil compound that offers us this property is rosmarinic acid. Among other functions, it contributes to neutralizing the damage caused in the body by free radicals.
- Antifungal: in addition, it is also a product that would help strengthen the immune system and is a potent remedy against toxins. Thymol is the component responsible for this function.
What Oregano Oil is Good For? Benefits
In order for you to discover all that this oil can do for you, I invite you to continue reading about its main benefits.
Oregano Oil for Skin
It is also a good remedy to help fight bacteria that proliferate in different parts of our skin. For example, Staphylococcus bacteria is involved in skin infections or even food poisoning.
This study has shown that oregano oil could also be used to combat bacteria that have developed a certain tolerance to specific antibiotics.
Its antibacterial properties can help eliminate acne by cleaning pores and preventing its development. Dilute a drop of essential oil in a teaspoon of olive oil or coconut oil and apply with a cotton swab. You can also add two or three drops of oil to your favorite cleanser (gel, foam, lotion, etc.).
A Good Hair Remedy
Oregano oil for hair has many more benefits than you think:
– Combats dandruff: by applying an ointment with one part oregano oil + four parts coconut oil, we could get rid of dandruff in just one week. It can also be effective by mixing it with the usual shampoo.
– Encourages hair growth: mixed with olive oil or jojoba oil and some essential oils, such as lavender oil or rosemary oil, hair will grow faster and stronger.
– Stop itching: Does your scalp itch, and you don’t know how to avoid this problem? An interesting solution is to use oregano oil mixed with almond oil or coconut oil, apply it to the hair, leave it for 45 minutes, and wash it with shampoo. You will see how quickly you will get rid of the problem.
Oregano Oil for Fungus
You can take advantage of its fungicidal properties to kill fungi, especially those concentrated on the toenails.
In addition, the process is very simple to carry out; moisten a cotton swab with a drop of this oil diluted in five ml of carrier oil and apply it directly on the fungal nail.
In case it does not work as it should, you could try combining it with tea tree oil.
May Help You Lose Weight
It can also be a product that helps you lose those extra pounds, combining perfectly with any type of diet.
Apparently, everything would be related to the carvacrol compound.
In a study conducted on mice, one group of subjects received a higher proportion of carvacrol in their diet. This compound has the property of minimizing the formation of fat cells.
However, we will only achieve these results if we do moderate exercise and follow a balanced diet.
Pain Relief
Its anti-inflammatory and analgesic properties have also been tested with considerable success on muscular pain, joint pain, and rashes.
Diluting oregano oil with a carrier oil such as jojoba oil, sweet almond oil, or grapeseed oil makes a massage oil that can be used on the lower back or stomach to promote digestion. Use on irritated skin should be avoided, as it may cause further irritation.
Although many studies have yet to be done, everything seems to indicate that oregano oil could act like some painkillers such as morphine. It easily penetrates deep into the skin, reaching the affected tissues. Mix one drop of this oil with five drops of olive or coconut oil.
Reduces Cold and Flu Symptoms
Thanks to its expectorant and antibacterial properties, inhaling oregano oil can help relieve sinus infections and eliminate mucus buildup, making it much easier to blow your nose.
Carvacrol and thymol, which help to clear the airways, also improve breathing capacity.
You only need a couple of drops in a bowl of hot water and inhale the aromatic vapors for a few minutes.
Prevents Intestinal Problems
Properly applied, oregano oil could be a good solution for those who suffer from intestinal problems, such as pain, diarrhea, and bloating, among other problems.
It has even been shown that it could help those suffering from leaky gut; this occurs when there is damage to the intestinal wall, and this allows bacteria to pass into the blood.
May Prevent the Development of Different Types of Cancer
As we have already seen in the section on the properties of oregano oil, this compound provides our body with antioxidants, which act against the action of free radicals.
Free radicals are thought to cause some diseases, such as cancer and heart disease.
Again, carvacrol would be the compound that could have some positive effects in inhibiting the growth of cancer cells. Here is a study that draws some conclusions, but more research is still needed.
May Lower Bad Cholesterol Levels
A study conducted with 48 people with high cholesterol received 25 ml of oregano oil extract (not essential oil) after each meal.
After three months, it was found that those subjects who had taken oregano oil had seen their LDL cholesterol level reduced in a very significant proportion compared to those who had not consumed it.
In addition, the levels of cholesterol (HDL), which is good cholesterol, were higher.
Thymol and carvacrol are thought to be responsible for reducing these cholesterol levels.
Insect Repellent
The thymol and carvacrol it contains may be effective in repelling some insects, such as ticks and mosquitoes, according to this research.
Rubbing oregano oil diluted in carrier oil on the skin may be a natural way to help keep insects away.
Natural Cleaning Agent
It is a very powerful natural antiseptic cleaner. Oregano oil can be mixed with lemon essential oil in a spray bottle to clean different household surfaces.
If sprayed along the base of walls and inside dark corners of the house, it can effectively keep ants and cockroaches away.
By mixing the oil with water and spraying it in damp areas such as the shower, you can prevent the development of mold and mildew.
How to Use Oregano Oil
Diffused or Inhaled
Following your diffuser manufacturer’s instructions, simply add a few drops to the water to enjoy a fresh scent all day long and energize the atmosphere of your home.
By inhalation, oregano oil can provide benefits for sinus and chest congestion, as well as related respiratory ailments.
Add a couple of drops of the essential oil to a bowl of hot water. Lean back with a towel over your head, protecting your eyes, and inhale the aromatic vapors for a few minutes.
Topical Use
When diluted and used topically, it can help treat fungal and bacterial infections, as well as relieve insect bites and rashes.
It must always be diluted in a carrier or base oil with a solution of less than 1.1%.
It could be applied to the skin for the treatment of acne, athlete’s foot, canker sores, psoriasis, rosacea, varicose veins, and warts.
Before using oregano oil in any of its presentations, always consult your doctor.
Where to Buy and Which to Use?
To buy oregano essential oil, the safest way is to go to a herbalist, natural products stores, pharmacies, and para pharmacies, since they will have almost all the essential oils that exist.
When choosing, always buy a high-quality essential oil:
- Manufactured by prestigious brands.
- It must be pure essential oil, steam distilled, and organic or ecological. It should not be mixed with other oils or products.
- Packaged in a dark, amber, or cobalt-colored bottle.
You can find it with all these requirements and with the convenience of having it delivered to your home on Amazon. Here you can choose different formats and a variety of prices, so you can buy the one that best suits your needs and budget.
In other establishments, such as a supermarket or shopping mall, you will probably find it infused with olive oil, a flavored oil for use, usually in cooking recipes.
Oregano oil is sometimes sold in capsules. In this case, it is mixed with carrier oil to dilute the essential oil and facilitate digestion.
Oregano Essential Oil Precautions: Contraindications
Now that you know what oregano oil is used for, it is important to know some guidelines on its use and consumption, as this will avoid more than one problem.
For the essential oil of oregano:
- Never ingest.
- It is dermo caustic, so it is one of the most irritating oils for the skin. You should always dilute it in a ratio of 0.5% to 1.1% maximum for topical use. Always do a patch test and wait 48 hours before use.
- Some people have manifested allergic reactions to oregano oil. They are usually those who are allergic to plants of the Lamiaceae family, i.e., plants such as thyme, rosemary, sage, oregano, basil, etc.
- Avoid use on hypersensitive, diseased, or damaged skin.
- Do not apply to the skin if you are going to be exposed to direct sunlight or ultraviolet light.
- When used too frequently, oregano essential oil is dangerous for the liver.
- If you are pregnant or nursing, have a medical condition, or are taking any type of medication, a medical professional should be consulted before use.
- Avoid use in infants or very young children.
- Keep out of reach of children and pets.
If it is oregano oil extract, oregano oil, or oregano oil capsules to take, you should also take into account the following:
- Stomach discomfort: too continuous or excessive consumption could lead to significant stomach pains.
- Increases the risk of bleeding in hemorrhagic people: its consumption is not recommended if you are a hemorrhagic person. If you have to undergo surgery, suspend consumption at least two weeks before.
- It has also been proven that it could lower blood sugar levels in those who have diabetes.
Conclusion
The benefits of oregano essential oil are many, from medicinal and fragrance to cosmetic.
Its many uses include massage oils, disinfectant gels or sprays, skin creams, soaps, and shampoos.
For storage, always store in a dark, dry, and cool place.
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