6 health benefits of oregano essential oil
Oregano essential oil has been traditionally used for its therapeutic properties, and it is believed to have a range of health benefits. Some of the potential health benefits of using oregano essential oil include:
Anti-inflammatory properties: Oregano essential oil contains compounds such as carvacrol and thymol, which have anti-inflammatory properties. It may help reduce inflammation and swelling in the body.
Anti-bacterial properties: Oregano essential oil has strong anti-bacterial properties, which may help fight against bacterial infections.
Antioxidant properties: Oregano essential oil is rich in antioxidants, which may help protect the body against damage from free radicals.
Digestive health: Oregano essential oil may help improve digestion and relieve digestive issues such as bloating, indigestion, and constipation.
Respiratory health: Oregano essential oil may help improve respiratory health by relieving symptoms such as coughing and congestion.
Immune system support: Oregano essential oil may help support the immune system by boosting its ability to fight against pathogens.
How can I use oregano essential oil safely?
There are two ways you can use oregano essential oil. Externally and internally.
Let’s start with some tips for external use:
- Use a diffuser or oil burner to inhale. This can help with respiratory health issues.
- Diluted form: Always dilute oregano essential oil with a carrier oil such as coconut oil or jojoba oil before applying it to your skin. The recommended dilution ratio is usually 1-2 drops of oregano essential oil per tablespoon of carrier oil.
You can dilute 1 drop of oregano essential oil to a teaspoon of carrier oil and rub it on your feet. This is one of the safest ways to use oregano oil externally for children, when they have the flu, or bacterial infection. This way, the oil is absorbed by the skin and antibacterial, antiviral and antioxidant properties will enter the bloodstream.
The internal use of oregano essential oil must be done with caution, especially if you have serious health conditions or if you are already taking medication. Ask your GP and local Herbalist for advice.
If you want to use oregano essential oil internally, you can do so by diluting 2 drops of oregano essential oil in 2 tablespoons of yoghurt (you can use an alternative plant based yoghurt if you are vegan or lactose intolerant) and mix really well before taking it.
Can i use oregano oil everyday?
You can safely use oregano essential oil externally, when it is diluted in carrier oil. However, it is important to remember that Oregano essential oil is very concentrated and can be toxic in high doses. Ingesting large amounts of oregano essential oil can cause gastrointestinal upset, nausea, vomiting, and other adverse effects.
It’s important to note that oregano essential oil should always be used with caution, and it should never be ingested without the guidance of a healthcare professional. It can be used topically in diluted form or inhaled through a diffuser. It’s also important to do a patch test before using oregano essential oil on your skin to make sure you don’t have an adverse reaction.
Is oregano essential oil a natural antibiotic?
Oregano essential oil has been shown to have antimicrobial properties, which means it can inhibit the growth of microorganisms such as bacteria, fungi, and viruses. This has led some people to refer to oregano essential oil as a natural antibiotic.
Research has shown that oregano essential oil is particularly effective against certain strains of bacteria, including some that are resistant to conventional antibiotics. For example, a study published in the Journal of Medicinal Food found that oregano essential oil was effective against several strains of antibiotic-resistant bacteria, including MRSA (methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus).
However, it’s important to note that oregano essential oil should not be used as a substitute for conventional antibiotics prescribed by a healthcare professional. Oregano essential oil is not a cure-all and should not be relied upon to treat serious infections. If you have a bacterial infection or other serious health condition, it’s important to seek medical attention from a qualified healthcare professional. They can advise you on the appropriate treatment options for your specific condition.