Sprinkling oregano on dishes is a delicious way to enjoy its aromatic touch. But to take advantage of its medicinal properties, it is more effective to use oregano essential oilwhere volatile compounds are concentrated.
The essential oil, which is obtained from wild oregano (Origanum vulgare) and other varieties, it is highly appreciated in aromatherapy as a remedy for infections.
Some of its compounds, such as carvacrol, exert a powerful action against bacteria, viruses and fungi.
Oregano oil against fungal infections
Oregano oil has an extreme antifungal effect, which is why it is used in fungal infections. A study recently published in ASM Journals confirms that Candida albicans infections can be treated very successfully (internally and externally).
Since coconut oil also has a fungicidal effect, The combination of coconut oil and oregano oil is a powerful solution for fungal diseases. Next, we propose a natural treatment based on oregano oil, although you should not apply it without first consulting with a specialist, since its use has some important contraindications.
Anti-candida program with oregano oil
Oregano oil is particularly helpful for specific symptoms of a Candida infection (flatulence, tiredness, rash, etc.).
Put a drop of oregano oil in a teaspoon of organic coconut oil and drink this mixture one to three times a day for at least 10 days. (Start by taking it once a day and, depending on your tolerance, slowly increase to three times a day.)
If the symptoms have not disappeared after these 10 daystake a break for two days and then start taking it again for 10 days (this time you can start taking it three times right away).
Alternatively you can take oregano oil capsules. Its use is less complicated than that described above and the active ingredient dosage of the required antioxidants is standardized in high quality preparations.
At the same time that you use oregano you should drink plenty of water to help the body detoxify. Oregano oil kills bacteria, viruses and fungi. This releases toxins that can be excreted better and faster the more you drink.
Besidesit is advisable to take a teaspoon of bentonite once or twice a day, since this mineral soil absorbs dead microorganisms and thus facilitates their excretion.
The Oregano Oil/Coconut Oil Blend It can also be applied externally in the case of fungal skin problems.
Oregano essential oil can also be added to water (1 to 5 drops per glass of water) and then drink. Always consult with the specialist.
Oregano oil against bacteria
Oregano essential oil It is an exceptionally powerful natural antibiotic. One study even found that oregano can be used significantly better than any of the 18 antibiotics used to treat MRSA staph infections.
MRSA staphylococci (methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus) are multi-resistant bacteria that have already developed resistance to conventional antibiotics and therefore cause thousands of deaths each year.
The polyphenols (antioxidants) contained in oregano, on the other hand, also They destroy bacteria that are resistant to conventional antibiotics.
Therefore, Oregano oil may be helpful for bacterial infections of the ears and respiratory tract.
However, oregano doesn’t just kill pathogens. It is also said that inhibits the formation of inflammatory messengers, indicating that it fights diseases on several levels.
Other uses of oregano oil
Oregano not only acts as an antibiotic but also stimulates the immune system thanks to its antioxidants. It is indicated for skin, respiratory, digestive and urinary infections.
Chinese doctors have been using oregano for centuries to treat fever, vomiting, diarrhea and skin problems.
Since oregano has an expectorant effect, among other things, it is also prescribed for respiratory diseases. Oregano is also so hostile to parasites that it is said to be able to drive away intestinal parasites.
Oregano oil: contraindications and precautions
On the skin it is advisable to use it well diluted to avoid burns. Although it can be taken orally, you should always consult with a specialist due to its ability to irritate the mucous membranes, as well as opt for its presentation in capsules. It should be avoided during pregnancy, lactation and children under six years of age.
- Oregano oil It should not be used during pregnancy and lactation.
- Babies and children should also not be treated with oregano oil, since it is a very powerful natural remedy.
- If you suffer from iron deficiency, Oregano oil should be taken two hours before or after meals, as oregano could interfere with iron absorption.
- As an undesirable side effect, oregano oil is said to have an anticoagulant effect. «Undesirable» because oregano oil may increase the effects of blood-thinning medications.
How to use fresh oregano
Oregano contains such large amounts of antioxidants (flavonoids and phenolic acids) that for this reason It ranks third on the list of the most powerful antioxidant foods.
Its ORAC value is an impressive 200,219. The ORAC value (oxygen radical absorption capacity) indicates the antioxidant power of a food/dietary supplement, that is, its ability to eliminate free radicals.
Of course, oregano can be used very well as a culinary herb. A few sprigs of fresh oregano are also very effective when used in a green smoothie.
Oregano infusion is also recommendedyou may need a little time to get used to its taste, as it is reminiscent of Italian delicacies.
Sources:
M Taha et al., «Antifungal effect of thymol, thymoquinone and thymohydroquinone against yeasts, dermatophytes and non-dermatophyte molds isolated from skin and nails fungal infections» Egyptian Journal of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology Vol 28, No 2 (2010)
ScienceDaily «Oregano Oil May Protect Against Drug-Resistant Bacteria, Georgetown Researcher Finds» Oct. 11, 2001