Oregano Oil: Benefits and How to Use It

In order to maintain health and protect the body from seasonal flu, more and more people are interested in alternative medicine. Oil extracted from oregano, a powerful and time-tested natural antibiotic, takes a special place among natural helpers. It can be used at home at the first signs of a cold, as skin care, and sometimes even as a first aid.

In this piece, we are going to discover what oregano oil is, why it is helpful, how to use it correctly, and where to find a high-quality product.

About Oregano Oil

This is an essential oil extracted from the dried leaves and flowers of Origanum vulgare, also known as oregano or common oregano. This perennial plant of the nightshade family comes from Europe and Asia. In fact, people in Italy and Mexico still use it as a spicy flavor in their cuisine.

What is important is not to get confused: oregano essential oil and cooking oil with oregano are not the same thing. The first one is a concentrate with a high content of active ingredients, obtained by steam distillation. But the second is simply a herbal oil made by infusing dried herbs with vegetable oil. It is commonly used to season dishes, but under no circumstances should you use essential oil instead of cooking oil. Oregano essential oil is not safe to consume orally as is.

Why is it so popular? The answer to this question is in its ability to fight bacteria, viruses, and inflammation. Having antioxidant properties, it also helps the body deal with stress. People often use this product in aromatherapy, home medicine, and cosmetics.

Scientific studies show that it can help with skin infections or maintaining a healthy digestive system. Still, it’s important to keep in mind that most of the research so far has been tested on cell cultures or animals. This means its effects on humans haven’t been thoroughly studied just yet.

If you’re thinking about using oregano oil on your skin, it’s best to mix it with a carrier oil like almond or coconut oil. This can reduce the risk of irritation and make it easier to apply to the skin.

But you must not take oregano oil internally without a specialist’s prescription. It is a strong natural component, which is why it should be consumed with caution. Before taking the oil for treatment, you should consult your general practitioner. A specialist can determine the correct dosage and method of application, especially if you’re going to use it as a treatment for fungal or chronic infections.

Basic Usage of Oregano Oil

As we mentioned before in this article, oregano oil is made by extracting it from the dried leaves and small stems of the Origanum vulgare plant. The raw material goes through the natural steam process, saving the maximum amount of active compounds.

This oil has a very rich composition. It includes powerful natural compounds responsible for its healing effects. One of the main components is carvacrol, a type of phenol. It has strong antioxidant, anti-swelling, and germ-fighting properties. Carvacrol is useful in fighting bacteria and viruses. And it is also considered one of the strongest natural antioxidants of plant origin.

Another important element of oregano oil is thymol. This natural compound helps protect the body from damage and also helps remove toxins.

In addition to carvacrol and thymol, the oil includes other terpenes and organic acids that boost its overall effect on the body.

Since it has such a unique combination of natural components, oregano oil has been used for many years in alternative medicine, aromatherapy, and even cosmetology. In the following sections, we are going to explain the science-based and traditional health benefits it has to offer.

An Alternative Approach to Antibiotic Treatment

Because oregano oil contains carvacrol, it may help combat certain bacteria like Staphylococcus aureus. This type of bacteria is a common cause of staph infections. While some strains naturally live in the body in small amounts, they can sometimes multiply too rapidly.

This is where oregano oil can come to the rescue. In recent studies, the effectiveness of the antimicrobial activity of carvacrol in combination with approved antibiotics against methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA) was revealed. Their results also proved that the combination of carvacrol with antibiotics gave better results than monotherapy.

As a Support for the Immune System

In addition to fighting bacteria, some studies also show that oregano and its components may also protect you against some viral infections. If it is taken at the first symptoms of a cold or flu, it may speed up recovery.

It is two compounds in it, such as carvacrol and thymol, that have antiviral properties. In fact, there is a study on “Antiviral efficacy and mechanisms of action of oregano essential oil and its primary component carvacrol against murine norovirus”. The results of this study showed that carvacrol inactivated norovirus, a viral infection that causes diarrhea, nausea, and abdominal pain, and did so within 1 hour of treatment.

We must say, these conclusions are very promising, but still insufficient. It means more research needs to be done to find out how oregano may affect viral infections in humans.

As a Treatment for Fungal Infections

Another well-known use of oregano oil is in treating fungal infections such as Candida albicans and dermatophytes (which cause skin and nail fungus).

One study found that heat therapy mixed with essential oils and salt could be a promising treatment for Athlete’s Foot when used in foot baths. By testing the fungicidal activity of 11 essential oils against the fungi that cause toenail infections, scientists found that oregano oil was the most effective, followed by thyme, cinnamon bark, lemongrass, and clove.

As a Skin Care

You’ve probably heard that many use oregano oil in dermatology for skin care, as well as treatment for acne, pimples, dermatitis, and eczema. These oils’ effects have been proven by both experience and scientific studies.

When applied topically, the oil can be used as a spot treatment, added to masks, or cleansers. It may help to reduce inflammation, rashes, and clear the skin. If you use it regularly and properly, oregano oil can become an efficient care for your skin.

How Can You Prepare a Home Remedy for Acne Using Oregano Oil?

It’s very simple: mix 1 drop of oregano oil with 1 teaspoon of jojoba oil. Next, you should apply the mixture directly to inflamed areas of the skin in the evening, avoiding healthy skin. Results may appear quickly with consistent use.

Additionally, you can use the oil to treat small wounds on the skin. If you apply diluted oregano oil to your skin, it will protect small cuts and scrapes on your skin while they heal. Indeed, the thymol and carvacrol, the basic components in the oil, may help protect these wounds from bacterial infections.

Another interesting fact about carvacrol and thymol is that they can be effective insect repellents. A few years ago, a study was conducted (including on humans) that showed that these compounds scare off some ticks and mosquitoes.

We can just wait for more studies and wonder about what other benefits oregano oil may bring.

As a Strong Antioxidant for Better Overall Health

If you invest in your health, you probably know about antioxidants. They slow down the aging of skin cells and the body as a whole, protecting it from damage caused by free radicals. These unstable molecules are produced during natural body processes.

But their levels can rise due to polluted air or tobacco smoke, which may lead to diseases like cancer and heart problems. Since oregano oil is rich in antioxidants, it can help protect against these health issues.

To support this, we reference scientific findings. A recent study titled “Potential Effect of Thyme and Oregano Essential Oils on Antimicrobial Activity and the Yeast Enzymatic Antioxidative System” revealed that essential oils can be considered a good source of natural bioactive compounds with antioxidant properties. 

As a Support for the Digestive System

Oregano oil is useful not only for fighting germs, yeast, and viruses, but also for the gut. It may reduce bloating, gas, abdominal pain, diarrhea, or just feeling heavy after eating. 

The fact is that there are different kinds of bacteria inside us, and not all of them are “good”. Sometimes there are too many “bad” ones, and this causes problems. Oregano oil helps to deal with this – it stops harmful bacteria from growing and supports friendly bacteria that are beneficial for your body. It is especially helpful in a condition called SIBO, which is when there is an excess of bacteria in the small intestines. Oregano oil helps to relax the muscles of the stomach by reducing pain, bloating, and intolerance to certain foods, especially sweets and flour.

Two important substances in oregano oil, carvacrol and thymol, act as natural protectors. This means they can fight inflammation, kill harmful bacteria, and even relax the muscles of the stomach and intestines.

Where to Buy High-Quality Oregano Oil

Now that you know all the advantages of oregano oil and learned how to apply it, it’s time to figure out how to choose a quality product. After thoroughly studying the available options, we recommend purchasing only from trusted brands that guarantee high-quality, purity, and organic origins of the product. Here are some of our favorite options from iHerb:

#1. NOW Foods, Oil of Oregano

It can help as an emergency remedy for colds, food poisoning, or parasites. 

Brand: 

This product is worth choosing, at least because NOW Foods is a reputable brand on the market for natural supplements. Founded over half a century ago, it has strict quality control and a scientific approach, and offers affordable prices. When you buy NOW products, you can be sure that you are getting a pure composition with no harmful additives. 

What’s inside:

Oregano essential oil contains carvacrol, a main active ingredient that has germ-fighting and antioxidant effects. It typically contains about 55-65% of carvacrol and is a powerful natural antiseptic. You can use it to boost your body’s defense system, fighting fungi, viruses, and bacteria. 

Since these products are in liquid form (drops), they are mostly used externally (e.g., for skin rashes and fungus). If you want to take them internally, dilute them first, 1-2 drops per teaspoon of base oil.

#2. North American Herb & Spice, Oil of Wild Oregano

It is often used as a milder but more powerful alternative to antibiotics.

Brand:

North American Herb & Spice is a pioneer in the production of wild oregano, and their product Oreganol™ is the result of many years of research and development. The oil is made solely from wild plants harvested in the mountains of Cyprus, where the climate and soil provide the maximum concentration of nutrients. So if environmental friendliness and high quality are important to you, this is one of the best options on the market.

What’s inside:

The high concentration of carvacrol (up to 90%) in the composition makes the product a particularly powerful natural antiseptic. Since it does not contain any additives, chemical modifiers, or flavors, it is considered one of the most powerful products on the market.

Since this essential oil comes in drop bottles, it can be used both internally (in very small quantities and necessarily in diluted form) and externally, for skin treatment or aromatization. The manufacturer recommends instilling 1 drop into the nose or throat for colds, or taking it during illness to enhance immune function.

#3. NOW Foods, Oregano Veg Capsules

Ideal capsules for maintenance therapy or strengthening the immune system. 

Brand: 

As we noted above, NOW Foods guarantees safety, transparency of composition, and high-quality products. However, this type of oregano oil in capsules is ideal for those who want to avoid contact with concentrated essential oils, but still get all its benefits. 

What’s inside:

Each capsule contains 450 mg oregano extract with at least 60% carvacrol. The product is convenient as it is already in a dosed form, so you don’t need to dilute or count the drops yourself. 

It comes in herbal capsules that are easy to swallow and can be used daily. The manufacturer recommends oral use, usually once daily. We recommend consulting a doctor before applying it to treat infections.

FAQ

Can I consume oregano oil orally? 

Yes, you can, but only in the form of capsules specifically designed for internal use. You should not drink essential oil as it is highly concentrated and can damage the mucous membranes.

Which oil is the best: oregano or tea tree?

Both are good, but oregano is stronger, with its antibacterial effects. It’s more aggressive, so it should be applied carefully. If you want a daily-use oil, choose tea tree oil.

Can oregano oil be used on children? 

It should be only used in a highly diluted form from the age of 6. However, before giving it to young children, it’s important to talk to a pediatrician.

How should I store oregano oil? 

All producers recommend keeping it in a cool, dark place as far away from children as possible. The average shelf life is considered to be around 2 years.

Is oregano oil allergenic?

Like any other natural product, it may trigger an allergic reaction in some individuals. That’s why you should do a patch test: apply 1 drop to the skin on your elbow and wait for any reaction over the next 24 hours.

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