The benefits and uses of the common herb oregano have been known for centuries, with its first documented use dating back to the ancient Egyptians. Widely renowned for its presence in Italian cuisine, including salads, soups, and pizzas, oregano has also become prominent in medicine.
However, not many people are aware of the medical properties related to oregano oil. So what makes oregano stand apart from other herbs?
Read on to learn about the health benefits associated with oregano oil and its uses.
Table of Contents
What Is Oregano Oil?
Origanum vulgare, or oregano oil as it is most commonly known, is an oil made from the oregano plant. You can find it in medical and vitamin shops in different forms, including pills and oral drops. Unlike the oregano essential oil, you can consume oregano oil orally.
Health Benefits of Oregano Oil
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Anti-inflammatory properties
Oregano oil is known to help reduce inflammation in the body, and recent studies have shown that its main component, Carvacrol, is actually responsible for this effect. Free radicals are often to blame for swelling and soreness in the body, but luckily, Oregano oil is rich in antioxidants which can help neutralize these harmful molecules. So not only does Oregano oil help reduce inflammation, but it can also help prevent it in the first place!
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Effective in treating yeast infections
Oregano essential oil has been shown to be quite effective in fighting off yeast infections, including those of the mouth and . The most common form of yeast, Candida, is linked to Crohn’s disease and ulcerative colitis.
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Strong antioxidant properties
Antioxidants are substances that inhibit oxidation and neutralize free radicals in the body. Furthermore, an accumulation of free radicals in the body is linked with chronic diseases like cancer and heart disease. Oregano is a natural antioxidant that contains carvacrol and thymol, which help protect cells from damage.
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Provides pain relief
The pain-relieving properties of oregano oil are similar to those of morphine, according to test-tube studies on rats. The rats were given oregano extracts, and the results showed that the more extract they consumed, the less pain they felt.
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Fights cancer
The existence of carvacrol in oregano oil also indicates cancer-fighting properties. Oregano oil has the ability to selectively target cancer cells while leaving healthy cells unharmed.
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Aids in weight loss
Carvacrol has been shown to be an effective ingredient for weight loss. In a study on mice, those given a high-fat diet containing carvacrol gained significantly less weight than those on a high-fat diet without carvacrol. Additionally, carvacrol was found to change the composition of fat cells. You can use oregano oil for your weight loss programs as part of a healthy lifestyle.
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Prevents viral infection
Recent studies have shown that oregano oil can help prevent viral replication. Carvacrol and Thymol, two well-known compounds found in oregano oil, are thought to be responsible for its health benefits. Oregano oil seems to work by blocking the entry of the virus, thereby strengthening the body’s antiviral potential. Although proponents of oregano demonstrate that it is indeed plausible to prevent or reduce sinus infections with oregano oil, more research needs to be done. Therefore, oregano oil dosage for sinus treatment must be determined with a healthcare professional’s help.
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Lower cholesterol levels
High-fat diets have been shown to lower cholesterol levels in the body, but a new study suggests that adding oregano oil to your diet may help reduce bad cholesterol levels even further.
Researchers found that people who added oregano oil to their high-fat diet had lower levels of low-density lipoprotein (LDL) cholesterol, the “bad” cholesterol that can clog arteries. They also had higher levels of high-density lipoprotein (HDL) cholesterol, the “good” cholesterol that helps remove LDL from the bloodstream.
The findings suggest that oregano oil may be a useful addition to a high-fat diet for people who are looking to lower their LDL cholesterol levels.
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Antibiotic
The carvacrol in oregano oil is a natural antibiotic. Much research has shown that it can effectively treat bacterial infections and common ailments such as colds, flu, and skin infections. Additionally, oregano oil can also be used to treat ear infections. This natural remedy has been found to be just as effective as pharmaceutical antibiotics.
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Cleanses your gut
Oregano oil can help improve your gut function, especially if you have a condition like a leaky gut. A leaky gut occurs when the wall of your gut is damaged, allowing bacteria and other toxins to enter the bloodstream. Oregano oil can help protect your gut wall and prevent a leaky gut.
Oregano Oil Uses
Oregano oil has been used for centuries to treat ailments, nutritional value, and tendency to add flavor to food. Some of these uses include:
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Adding flavor
Oregano oil, often mixed with dried leaves of the plant, tends to add a special seasoning for sauces and other food. Can you imagine not having oregano sprinkled over pizza?
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Treating fungal infections
Oregano oil has been used as a medium to treat fungal infections in your body and improve your home’s air quality.
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Treating wounds
The application of oregano oil in its diluted form directly onto the injured part can prevent bacterial infections and help the wound heal faster.
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Used to treat cold and cough
Using oregano oil to steam yourself or the room can also help with treating common cold and cough.
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Painkiller
Researchers have found that oregano oil can also act as a pain-relieving mechanism upon experimentation, although the dosage for humans is not yet confirmed.
What Is the Difference Between Oregano Oil and Oregano Essential Oil?
The oil of oregano is derived from the oregano plant through its leaves. Oregano oil has been widely known as a culinary herb that belongs to the herb classification. The manufacturers extract the oil from the plant and then steam-distill the plant matter to get the most out of the compound. Oregano consists of:
- Carvacrol – which is the most active component found in oregano oil
- Thymol – Carvacol’s isomer thymol battles the toxins and infections in your body.
Concentrated oregano essential oil is used in aromatherapy and is effective in treating sinuses and other minor health issues. You should not take oregano essential oil orally and must instead dilute it.
Although the health benefits and uses of oregano oil are backed by research, more extensive studies need to be conducted in order to better understand how its components work. Even if you use oregano essential oil, make sure to follow the recommended dosage from the manufacturer to avoid any adverse effects. If you are unsure, it is always safer to consult with a doctor or medical professional for advice on proper supplementation and dosage.
