Oregano is a staple in kitchens around the globe. But there’s more to this classic Mediterranean herb than its pungent aroma, faint bitter taste and astringent mouthfeel.

Oregano essential oil, in particular, has been used since ancient times for medicinal purposes. Hailed for its antiseptic, disinfecting and immune-boosting properties, oregano essential oil is often prescribed to treat skin infections, headaches and gastrointestinal issues, among other ailments.

A long list of benefits

Oregano essential oil contains high concentrations of chemical constituents responsible for its long list of health benefits. These include:

1. Combats harmful bacteria – Existing research indicates that oregano essential oil helps protect against certain bacterial infections. Oregano essential oil, in particular, is often studied because of its reported effects against Staphylococcus bacteria, a group of harmful bacteria that often causes skin infections, abscesses and, sometimes, pneumonia.
2. Reduces oxidative stress – Oregano’s antioxidants are so potent that even small doses of its essential oil are capable of protecting against the harmful effects of oxidative stress. Some of oregano’s most important antioxidant compounds include caffeic acid, p-coumaric acid and rosmarinic acid. Together, these compounds boost immunity and prevent cellular damage.
3. Treats fungal infections – There is also some evidence that oregano essential oil can help inhibit the spread of Candida, the most common cause of fungal infections around the globe. Many species of Candida are harmless. But certain species, like C. albicans, are opportunistic pathogens that might thrive inside the mouth, throat, gut and genitals.
4. Fights inflammation – Thanks to its antioxidants, oregano essential oil is also great at fighting chronic inflammation that could trigger the onset of chronic diseases. For the most part, this anti-inflammatory effect is attributed to carvacrol, the potent compound responsible for oregano’s characteristic pungent odor.
5. Reduces cholesterol – Results of clinical trials indicate that the carvacrol in oregano essential oil can also reduce levels of bad cholesterol and improve lipid profiles in humans. Moreover, oregano essential oil can raise levels of good cholesterol, the beneficial kind of cholesterol that protects against heart disease, heart attack and stroke.
6. Improves gut health – In traditional medicine, oregano essential oil has been used to treat gut problems and improve overall gut health. It can also strengthen the intestinal barrier and kill opportunistic gut microbes that cause infection. Plus, carvacrol aids in healing gastric ulcers.
7. Reduces cancer risk – On top of their role in fighting oxidative stress and inflammation, oregano essential oil’s antioxidants are also promising cancer-fighting agents. In particular, studies suggest that oregano essential oil is most potent against cancers of the breast, stomach and liver.
8. Prevents obesity – Inflammation and high cholesterol are both implicated in the development of obesity. Since oregano essential oil helps in keeping both at a minimum, studies suggest that it might also help in reducing the risk of obesity.
9. Boosts healing – Oregano essential oil’s antioxidants are also thought to speed up the healing process. Experts speculate that oregano essential oil’s healing properties might be because of its effects on inflammation since overactive or prolonged inflammation can impede healing.
10. Relieves pain – Traditional healers have long since used oregano essential oil to relieve pain from various ailments, such as headaches and rheumatoid arthritis. This analgesic effects can be traced back to its high carvacrol content. Moreover, studies found that oregano essential oil’s painkilling properties are dose-dependent. This means that taking higher doses results in greater pain relief.

Because oregano essential oil contains high concentrations of potent compounds, it needs to be diluted in a milder carrier oil before topical use. Some good carrier oils include jojoba, coconut and olive oils. Remember to perform a patch test before using the diluted mixture on the skin.

For treating skin infections, use a one to one ratio of oregano essential oil and carrier oil, then rub the mixture on the affected area as often as needed. You can also mix this diluted mixture in a hot bath or foot bath for treating athlete’s foot.

On the other hand, it’s best to take therapeutic grade oregano oil supplements in capsule form to treat toothaches, gastrointestinal infections and other ailments. But remember: health stores offer different concentrations of oregano essential oil, so it’s best to consult a healthcare professional to get the safest dosage.

Oregano essential oil is hailed in traditional medicine for its health benefits and therapeutic effects. Keep it in the medicine cabinet for a safe and fast-acting treatment for infections, inflammation and other health problems.

Sources:

StyleCraze.com

ScienceDirect.com

MSDManuals.com