Oregano oil is the ultimate antibiotic. Oregano is a powerful herb with unique healing properties. Did you know that oregano has eight times more antioxidants than apples and three times as much as blueberries? Antioxidants are needed to protect our body against free radical damage. They boost the immune system naturally.[1] Oregano Oil is the most potent plant oil in the world!
The distribution of oregano oil started in Ancient Greece. In Greek, the word oregano is translated as the joy of the mountains. The Greeks were first to use oil for medicinal purposes, such as a powerful antiviral, antibacterial, antiseptic, antifungal agent and also as a remedy for pain, and inflammation.[2] It was the main antibacterial tool used by Hippocrates.[3] Oregano leaves were traditionally used to treat illnesses related to the respiratory and digestive systems.
Oregano Oil Benefits
Main Ingredients Oregano Essential Oil is a mineral density powerhouse. It contains calcium, magnesium, zinc, iron, potassium, copper, boron, manganese, vitamins C, A (beta-carotene), Niacin.[4]
Oregano oil contains four main groups of chemicals which are active healing agents.
Phenols including carvacrol and thymol. They act as antiseptics and antioxidants. Terpenes including pinene and terpinene. They possess antiseptic, antiviral, anti-inflammatory and anesthetic properties. Linalool and borneol are two long-chain alcohols found in oregano oil. They exhibit antiviral and antiseptic properties. Esters include linalyl acetate and geranyl acetate. They exhibit antifungal properties. Although all these compounds possess healing properties, the most significant primary compound found in oregano oil is carvacrol.[5] Scientific research has proved carvacrol to be one of the most effective antibiotics known to science.[6]
Not All Oregano Oil is Created Equal
Real wild Mediterranean Oregano needs to be either of Origanum vulgare kind or Thymus capitatus, which mostly grows in Spain. It is very important to make sure the Oil of Oregano is derived from these two kinds. It also has to have a carvacrol concentration of 70% or more. Most importantly, oregano essential oil does not create harmful strains in the body and does not have side effects the pharmaceutical antibiotics do. Moreover, it is effective against a dangerous and even deadly bacteria but does not produce biological changes in the body. Oregano essential oil nourishes the body and doesn’t deplete it of nutrients like conventional antibiotics do. And if you look at the statistics, people in the Mediterranean live longer for the most part. Maybe partly because of oregano which is added to most Mediterranean dishes![7,8]
How To Use Oregano Oil
For dosage information, look at each manufacturer’s recommended daily dose of oregano oil. The recommended dose may vary depending on the manufacturer’s extraction process and each product’s exact concentration. Pregnant women should avoid ingesting oregano oil because high doses can be a uterine stimulant, causing contractions. Nursing mothers should not use oregano oil on their nipples where their babies might ingest it. Thymol oils can be unhealthy for an infant’s immature gastrointestinal system. [9]
For most people, the safest way to use oregano oil that is also effective is through diffusing it in the air. You can find essential oil diffusers just about anywhere. Follow manufacturer instructions for how to diffuse the oil.
Note: oregano oil is highly potent, and one should use caution if ingesting. I prefer to only use oregano oil aromatically or diluted topically. You should not allow children to ingest oregano oil, or use topically unless extremely diluted. Aromatically is a great way for everyone in the home to enjoy the benefits of oregano oil.
There is much controversy about what essential oils are safe for children, especially age 2 and under. There is no consensus on the safety of using oregano oil with children. [10]
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Originally posted on Living Traditionally republished with permission.
