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Oregano, as a herb and as oil is one of the prime ingredients used in Italian cooking. It not only enhances the flavor but also improves the color and texture of dishes. However, not many people are aware of the fact that apart from being a prime ingredient in Italian dishes, Oregano is also one of those little herbs that can prove to be miraculous for the human body.
Oregano Oil Benefits
Research has proved that oregano oil is very beneficial, especially when it comes to fighting infections. It is the most powerful home remedy that can either be consumed or can be applied to the skin for health benefits.
Some interesting facts about oregano oil are that it serves both as an antifungal and antibiotic agent, helps you lose weight and brings down cholesterol levels.
What is Oregano used to treat ?
Oregano oil has a number of health benefits and is used to treat the following.
1. Respiratory problems
Oregano oil is really effective in treating respiratory problems like cough, cold,flu, sore throat, and even bronchitis.
Oregano oil helps to fight against the viruses and bacteria responsible for such respiratory problems. The presence of thymol and carvacrol compounds prevents the growth of bacteria and virus-like pneumonia. Also, oregano oil promotes sweating that helps to bring down fever.
One can either rub this oil on the chest, palms, and feet or it can also be added to boiling water for inhaling the steam.
2. Fungal yeast infections
Apart from acting as an anti-bacterial agent, oregano is also an effective antifungal herb. Oregano oil is effective in treating fungal infections than any other medicine available in the market. Athletes worldwide use oregano oil to treat fungal infections. The oil effectively prevents the growth of Candida fungi commonly known as yeast.
Researches have shown that applying oregano oil regularly on the affected area can bring relief from such irritation and discomforting fungal infections.
3. Urinary tract infection
Urinary tract infection is one of the most common problems faced by women all over the world. Oregano oil is extremely effective in curbing the ill effects of Pseudomonas aeruginosa, the most common pathogen causing Urinary tract infection. The carvacrol compound helps in getting rid of bacteria causing UTI.
However, it is recommended to use wild oregano extract as it contains higher amounts of carvacrol.
4. Foodborne diseases
The antibacterial properties of oregano oil help in fighting against pathogens causing foodborne diseases. Adding oregano oil to eggs, meat, seafood, salad or any other meal can prevent bacteria from growing. Also, adding a few drops of oregano oil to leftover food can prevent the same from getting spoilt.
5. Small Intestine Bacterial Overgrowth
Oregano oil also helps to fight against the growth of bacteria in the small intestine. People facing such chronic issues may have a gastrointestinal problem. Researchers have shown that herbs containing a high level of carvacrol and thymol help in treating Small Intestinal Bacterial Overgrowth effectively and instantly.
6. Healing wounds
Applying oregano oil to wounds can help in healing them effectively. Also, when applied to the skin, it can help to prevent small cuts and scrapes.
7. Repel insects
Carvacrol and thymol both have insect repelling properties. Applying oregano oil on the skin before heading out can help to keep insects and mosquitoes away. However, it is recommended to dilute the same before using it.
8. Pain reliever
Oregano oil is also a pain reliever that can help to soothe muscle and joint pain. Researches show that it is also effective in reducing pain and gives quick relief.
9. Cancer-fighting properties
Initial studies on cancer cells have shown that carvacrol is an effective compound that fights against cancer-causing cells. According to some studies, carvacrol present in oregano oil can help to prevent lung, liver and breast cancer. Though research on the cancer-fighting properties of oregano oil is still in a nascent stage, preliminary results have shown positive effects.
10. Lose Weight
Thanks to the presence of carvacrol in oregano oil, daily consumption of the same can help you to lose weight. Initial studies have given positive results, however further studies are required to demonstrate the role of oregano on human fat cells. But there is no harm in making this healthy herb a part of your lifestyle.
How does oregano help with inflammation?
Inflammation is one of the most common ways of the body’s response to illness or injuries. There is nothing to worry about in the case of minor inflammation, but chronic inflammation can contribute to some major diseases like diabetes, cardiovascular disease, and autoimmune conditions.
Oregano is an effective herb that curbs down the effect of inflammation. It helps to neutralize the effect of radicals which in turn helps to reduce inflammation. Also, the presence of carvacrol and thyme help to decrease swelling and pain.
Some studies have shown how a mixture of oregano essential oil and thyme has helps to reduce inflammation and swelling in mice. However, studies are still going on to determine the right dosage for the human body.
Apart from all these benefits, there are few other benefits which many people are not aware of – curing tooth infection is one of them. Oregano oil helps in providing instant relief from toothache.
How can oregano help to cure tooth infection?
Out of all infections, tooth infection is the most painful and discomforting. Apart from restricting us from eating anything, it also hampers all our day to day activities.
Many people have used oregano oil for treating tooth decay and infection. As it helps in preventing and curbing down the effect of all other infections, oregano is equally effective in preventing tooth infection as well. The antibacterial and antioxidant properties of oregano oil help to reduce the pain and swelling of an affected tooth. You can also use this oil on a regular basis to prevent any tooth infection.
How to use it ?
Applying and rubbing oregano oil on the affected tooth for about 10 minutes can prove to be really soothing. One can rub this oil using a cotton swab or use a dropper to apply it directly onto the affected area. You can also rub the oil with your finger. However, if the infection is severe then it is recommended to talk to your dentist before using any herbal remedy.
Can oregano oil be taken every day?
There is no doubt about the fact that oregano oil is one of the most effective ways to treat infections naturally, but it is really important to use it in an efficient way. It can be taken both sublingually as well as can be applied on the skin.
Here are some ways to consume oregano oil every day.
- Dilute the oil and then put one to two drops under the tongue. Hold the same for about two minutes and then flush with water.
- Another way to use oregano oil daily is by gargling. It is recommended to gargle oregano oil with water for a few seconds and then swallow it down.
- A dose of around 500 mg, twice or thrice a day is sufficient to enjoy the benefits of this amazing oil.
Oregano Oil is one of the rarest yet most effective herbal oils out there. Now that you know about the numerous health benefits associated with using oregano oil, we are sure that it will find a place in your medicine box. But for getting effective benefits, it is important to know how and when to take oregano oil.
