Medicinal Uses Of Oregano

The medicinal uses of oregano are many, although many people are only aware of its use in cooking. However, this wonderful herb’s attributes go way beyond culinary flavorings, and it’s well worth learning about the vast health benefits of oregano oil.

Here we will discuss some oil of oregano facts so you will know how essential it is to have this powerful herb in your herbal medicine cabinet.

Benefits of Oregano Oil
Oregano has many beneficial properties for health. Properties of oregano include antiviral, anti-inflammatory, antibacterial, antioxidant, anti-fungal, anti-microbial, and anti-parasitic.

Its expectorant and decongestant properties make it a good choice for respiratory problems involving congestion. A natural antihistamine, it is also very effective in treating allergies. Scientific studies have found that it may inhibit growth of cancer cells and aid in lowering cholesterol levels as well.

Oil of Oregano Uses
The medicinal uses of oregano include treating viral infections, digestive upsets, coughs, urinary problems, and headaches. Oregano tea can also promote menstruation when it is delayed due to illness or stress. Other oregano oil uses include treatment for fungal infections such as candida or athlete’s foot.

A useful anti-inflammatory treatment using oregano leaves can be made by pounding oregano leaves and mixing with a little water to form a soothing paste. Use to relieve swelling and itching. For sore muscles, place a handful of leaves into a mesh bag and add it to a warm bath. Oregano oil can also be used to numb a toothache.

Oil of Oregano Facts

  • Oil of oregano is made from the flowers and leaves of wild oregano plants.
  • Constituents of oregano oil include carvacrol, thymol, terpenes, and rosmarinic acid. In research studies, carvacrol has been found effective against bacteria such as salmonella and can eliminate parasitic infections. Thymol, a natural fungicide, is one of the ingredients in Listerine mouthwash. Terpenes is a powerful remedy against bacteria. Studies have shown that rosmarinic acid is an effective treatment for allergic asthma.
  • Oregano oil provides calcium, iron, zinc, magnesium, niacin, copper, potassium, manganese, boron, and vitamins A, C and E.
  • Oil of oregano is a very effective antiviral herb.
  • Oregano oil can be used to treat acne and candida infections.
  • Oil of oregano can be purchased as an oil or in capsule form.
  • A study published in the Journal of Applied Microbiology stated that oregano oil is effective against 25 different bacteria.
  • In a clinical trial published in 2000, oregano oil eliminated an intestinal parasite in nearly 73% of the participants in the trial. The symptoms and amount of parasites were reduced in the remaining participants.

Oregano Side Effects & Precautions
As a general rule, if used in appropriate doses, oregano side effects are very rare with oregano being considered a safe herb. In high doses, however, it may affect the liver.

Skin reactions and chest discomfort have been reported by some users as well. However, these reactions tend to occur in individuals with existing allergies to herbs.

Due to the lack of available research, it is recommended that children and pregnant or nursing women do not use oregano medicinally. Oregano oil may potentially decrease milk supply in nursing women.

Individuals with heart disease or high blood pressure should do so only under the supervision of a physician.

As you can see, the medicinal uses of oregano are many, but use caution if you have any of the above-named conditions.

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