Oregano is a member of the mint family. The whole herb extract has over 30 active compounds; the most active compounds being carvacrol and thymol. I consider Oregano Oil to be the king of essential oils because of its many beneficial healing properties.
Oregano oil is a potent and effective antibacterial, antifungal, antiviral, antiparasitic and even an antioxidant.
It can help heal your body in numerous ways.
A team of British and Indian researchers discovered that oil of oregano is such a potent antibacterial that it is more effective at killing MRSA than 18 other antibiotics(1)
Respiratory:
Oil of Oregano helps heal viral and bacterial infections such as colds, sinusitis, bronchitis and even staphylococcal pneumonia.
Fungal:
Oregano Oil can help kill Candida, which is a yeast overgrowth in your gut and can also heal toenail fungus.
Parasites:
It is effective in eliminating amoeba giardia in the gut which is a microscopic parasite and it even kills lice when applied topically.
Food Borne Illnesses:
Oregano oil can kill bacteria that causes food poisoning such as e-coli, salmonella and listeria.
Skin:
It helps to cure contact dermatitis such as rashes like poison Ivy and it helps to alleviate bug bites. You can even use it as a mosquito repellent. Simply mix a few drops with a carrier oil such as coconut oil and rub it on. You might smell like oregano, but it's better than smelling like DEET, if you ask me!
Oregano Oil effectively heals cold sores and even acne.
Mouth:
Oil pulling with a few drops of oil of oregano mixed with coconut oil helps to alleviate gingivitis, tooth infections and bad breath caused by bacteria in your mouth. Swish the oils in your mouth for about 5 minutes, then spit it out and rinse. Never swallow the oil as it will be full of the bacteria that it absorbed from your mouth.
Immune System:
Oregano oil is an antioxidant. It has been shown to increase glutathione(3) levels which is the bodies master antioxidant that helps to boost your immune system, eliminate toxins, eliminate free radicals and increase energy levels.
Cancer:
Research has shown that Oregano oil is even effective at inhibiting cancer cell growth.(2)
What kind of Oil of Oregano should you get?
There are several kinds on the market, there are Spanish or Mexican oregano oils or cultivated oils, you don't want those oils, they do not have any medicinal properties. There are standardized oils, and normally those won't be any good either because they usually have added synthetic carvacrol. You want to buy a brand that is wild Mediterranean, handpicked and steam distilled.
How do you use Oregano Oil?
There are several ways you can take Oregano oil. You can rub a few drops with a carrier oil (i.e. coconut oil or olive oil) on the bottom of your feet or on your chest if you have a respiratory ailment. You can put a few drops under your tongue which helps it get into your blood stream quicker, but it will burn! You can take oregano oil capsules and you can add 5 or 6 drops to some water and drink it. You can also mix a few drops with a carrier oil and apply topically to the various skin ailments mentioned.
As good Oil of Oregano is a food, it is safe to take daily for health maintenance. If you are taking large doses, you should also consider taking a good probiotic as it may also kill some good bacteria in your gut.
Sources and References:
1) Medical News Today, November 2008
2) Pubmed, October 2014
3) Journal of Agriculture and Food Chemistry, April 1991
Petrea Dishman at [http://www.inspirehealth365.com]InspireHealth365.com
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