Isn’t it funny how the more we learn about holistic wellness, the more that natural solutions seem to offer us? One such example is oregano, something you may have considered mainly as a seasoning for Mexican, Italian and Cuban cuisines.
And yet, this unique herb from the mint family offers us so much more, especially in the form of oregano oil, which is made by drying the leaves and stems of the plant and then steam-distilling to extract as many beneficial compounds as possible. These compounds include:
- Carvacrol—this highly active component of oregano oil offers antimicrobial, antitumor, antimutagenic, analgesic, anti-inflammatory and antiparastic properties,1 with many science-based health applications as a result. In fact, according to Dr. Josh Axe, DC, DMN, CNS, oregano-derived carvacrol has been the focus of over 800 published medical studies!
Among other uses, anti-inflammatory carvacrol may be helpful for those battling chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), an epidemic and progressive health problem which is mainly a consequence of cigarette smoking, and associated with lung inflammation.2
- Thymol, a natural fungicide with antiseptic properties, has been used for centuries in traditional medicine, due to its antioxidant, free radical scavenging, anti-inflammatory, analgesic, antispasmodic, antibacterial, antifungal, antiseptic, and antitumor properties. Thymol also supports a healthy immune system, helping to ward off toxins, prevent tissue damage and promote safe wound healing.
One impressive study in particular details thymol’s “multiple therapeutic actions against various cardiovascular, neurological, rheumatological, gastrointestinal, metabolic and malignant diseases at both biochemical and molecular levels.”3
- Rosmarinic acid, which belongs to the group of polyphenols, has antioxidant, anti-inflammatory and antimicrobial activities. This compound helps protect us against apoptosis (death of our cells) from exposure to dangerous electromagnetic fields from cell phones, computers, hair dryers, and more.4 Rosmarinic acid also supports brain health, demonstrating significant neuroprotective activity in several studies.5
According to Web MD, oil of oregano taken by mouth may help improve a range of conditions, including intestinal parasites, allergies, sinus pain, arthritis, cold and flu, swine flu, earaches, and fatigue. It can also be applied topically for skin conditions including acne, athlete’s foot, oily skin, dandruff, canker sores, warts, ringworm, rosacea, and psoriasis; as well as for insect and spider bites, gum disease, toothaches, muscle pain, and varicose veins.6
How can you use oregano oil safely?
There is no documented standard effective dose of oregano oil, but here are some suggestions from health expert Jami Cooley, RN, CNWC for using it safely:7
Topically: For skin conditions or infections, dilute oregano oil with olive or coconut oil at a concentration of 1 teaspoon (5 ml) of olive oil per drop of oregano oil, then apply to the affected area.
Sublingually: Dilute with olive or coconut oil at a ratio of one drop of oregano oil to one drop of olive oil. Place 1–3 drops of this solution under the tongue, hold it there for a few minutes, then flush with water.
Orally: To take oregano oil by mouth, place a few drops into a cup (237 ml) of water, gargle and then swallow. The capsule form is also highly effective for internal benefits. Choose a high-quality, standardized product for best results.
Additionally, oregano essential oil can be used in steam, as a vapor to be inhaled. This is done by placing a few drops in a vaporizer or bowl of steaming water.
How about culinary uses?
You can also reap many benefits by enjoying organic dried oregano as a seasoning in many foods, while the fresh herb—which is easy to grow in most climates—is a deliciously healthy topper for salads, soups, stews and other entrées.
Along with vibrant flavor, oregano also delivers a beautiful infusion of antioxidants. According to the ORAC scale—which stands for oxygen radical absorbance capacity—oregano is the second most powerful food source of antioxidants, coming in just after cloves.
In fact, on a fresh, per gram weight basis, oregano has demonstrated 42 times more antioxidant activity than apples, 30 times more than potatoes, 12 times more than oranges and 4 times more than blueberries!8
Needless to say, this tasty herb is a power player in the realm of health and wellness. Whether you enjoy it in cooking, growing it fresh, or benefitting from the more therapeutic oil form, oregano clearly has something to offer us all!
References:
1Curr Pharm Des. 2008;14(29):3106-19
2BMC Complement Altern Med. 2015; 15: 39
3Front Pharmacol. 2017; 8: 380
4Afr J Tradit Complement Altern Med. 2013; 10(6): 477–480
5J Neuroinflammation. 2013; 10: 28
6https://www.webmd.com/vitamins/ai/ingredientmono-644/oregano
7https://universityhealthnews.com/daily/nutrition/how-to-take-oregano-oil/
8http://www.whfoods.com/genpage.php?tname=foodspice&dbid=73