Learn about oregano essential oil and how it works on the immune system
Learn about oregano essential oil and its role in important systems of our body
Oregano is an aromatic plant often used in the preparation of dishes with Mediterranean flavours, such as Spanish, Italian and Greek. It is, in fact, a shrub that grows up to 80 cm in height and whose purple leaves reach about 1-4 cm in length.
It was the Greeks who used this plant for various medicinal purposes, hence its name ( óros ) meaning “mountain” and ( gános ) meaning “brightness”. Its name would allude to something like the “glow of the mountain” and it was a revered symbol of happiness whose branches were used to crown the bride and groom at their wedding.
There are many subspecies of oregano that have been developed by humans over the centuries due to their unique characteristics and flavors. The flavors range from spicy or refreshing to more complicated and sweet. The one we usually find to season our meals and the one used in the preparation of the essential oil is Origanum vulgare , from which the leaves and small stems of the plant are used and then steam distilled.
What does oregano oil contain that makes it so beneficial?
Oregano has a high content of phenols, which are natural phytochemical compounds with antioxidant effects. The two most abundant phenols are thymol and carvacrol, although it also contains terpenes, rosmarinic acid, naringin and beta-caryophyllin.
Thymol : is a natural fungicide with antiseptic properties. It helps strengthen the immune system, protects against toxins, prevents tissue damage by promoting healing.
Carvracol is an antimicrobial, analgesic, anti-inflammatory, antitumor, antiprotozoal and antimutagenic agent. It is one of the most active components of oregano.
Terpenes are synonymous with anti-bacteria
Rosmarinic acid is an antioxidant that prevents damage from free radicals and although studies are still being done, it promises results against allergic asthma and in the prevention of atherosclerosis and cancer.
It also works as a natural antihistamine, reducing the build-up of discharge and swelling during allergy attacks.
Naringin is a flavonoid present in the peel of some citrus fruits that helps strengthen the antioxidant action of oregano oil.
Beta-caryophyllin present in oregano oil inhibits inflammation and has benefits against osteoporosis.
The roots contain stachyose (a tetrasaccharide) and the stems contain tannic substances (secondary metabolites, phenolic, non-nitrogenous, water-soluble).
Properties and uses of oregano
For the respiratory system as an expectorant . Oregano acts directly on the bronchial epithelium, exerting an irritating effect and increasing the production of secretions from the bronchi. It has been used to treat respiratory conditions such as bronchitis, the common cold, dry cough, laryngitis and whooping cough.
Antispasmodic . Oregano causes relaxation of smooth muscle, believed to be due to its content of thymol and carvacrol which have sedative and antispasmodic action.
Carminative (helps eliminate gases from the digestive tract). Oregano helps digestion and, due to its antispasmodic action, is useful for treating dyspepsia, flatulence, spasms and digestive colic.
Muscle relaxant . It is used topically to relieve torticollis, muscle pain and lumbago.
Antioxidant . Due to the presence of flavonoids, rosmarinic acid and polyphenols (26) in oregano, it has been proven that its extract helps inhibit the oxidation of LDL (low-density lipoproteins) or "bad cholesterol" and prevent DNA damage caused by hydrogen peroxide radicals, although more studies are needed to corroborate these claims.
Antimicrobial . Thanks to the presence of carvacrol and thymol, oregano oil has demonstrated its antimicrobial function against Listeria monocytogenes and antifungal against Candida albicans . It has also been proven to have an antibiotic effect against Pseudomonas aetuginosa, E. Coli and methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA). The latter, achieved with Himalayan oregano, which is ultra-concentrated. ( study )
Anti-inflammatory . On the one hand, studies have been conducted that confirm that oregano extract inhibits lipoxygenase (an enzyme present in various diseases such as asthma, arteriosclerosis and cancer) due to the action of carvacrol.
Anti-diabetic . The anti-diabetic properties of oregano essential oil are related to its constituents carvacrol and thymol. Caution is advised in patients with diabetes or hypoglycemia and in those taking medications, herbs, or supplements that affect blood sugar levels. Serum glucose levels may need to be monitored by a medical provider. Medication adjustments may be needed. A protective effect on liver enzyme function has been found in studies. ( study )
Mouthwash . Due to its antibacterial properties, it can be a good ingredient for oral hygiene and care. If used as a mouthwash, it should be taken in small doses (4-6 drops a day) for a maximum of 7 days.
Premenstrual syndrome . In the studies carried out, the first thing that has been detected is a considerable reduction in pain with the use of oregano essential oil. ( study )
Oliguria, urinary retention, edema . Thanks to the presence of carvacrol in oregano essential oil, edema formation could be reduced by up to 60% in experiments. ( study )
Ways to use oregano essential oil.
Topic
Because oregano essential oil is quite strong, it can be irritating to both the skin and internal organs. It is recommended to dissolve a few drops in a carrier oil such as fractionated coconut oil or jojoba oil if using it for massage or rubbing on any part of the skin.
Internal by ingestion
Oregano essential oil is very effective in relieving throat congestion, but it is extremely irritating so it is recommended to take 2 or 3 drops dissolved in ¼ glass of water or in a capsule. It can be taken directly or gargled to soothe the throat, for example.
Diffusion
With the help of a diffuser and/or mixed with other oils to be inhaled, helping to relieve respiratory infections, pneumonia and as an antifungal.
Recipes with oregano essential oil for infusions and topical use
As an antibiotic:
Dilute oregano essential oil in a carrier oil and apply topically to the soles of your feet or take 2-4 drops with a little water or in an empty capsule for 10 days in a row, then rest for another 10 days.
Against methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA):
Take three drops of oregano essential oil in an empty capsule or in a drink, twice a day for 10 days.
Against parasites:
Take oregano oil in capsule or drink form twice a day for 10 days.
To remove mold from the house:
Add 5-7 drops of oregano essential oil to a homemade bath product along with a few drops of tea tree oil and lavender oil.
Talcum powder to eliminate foot fungus:
Mix ½ cup white clay (bentonite), 2 tablespoons cornstarch, ½ teaspoon cayenne pepper, 4 drops oregano essential oil, 2 drops Frankincense essential oil.
Mix everything in a glass jar, if possible.
Sprinkle twice daily on the affected area for 10-12 days.
Oregano oil infusion
Obtaining oregano essential oil requires a distillation process. However, here is an alternative recipe for making your own oregano oil infusion provided by Mrs. Barbara Schuetz ( * ):
Ingredients:
Dried oregano leaves, chopped
Olive oil, almond oil or grape seed oil
A sterilized glass jar with a lid
Preparation
- Fill the jar with oregano leaves up to half.
- Pour in the oil until the leaves are completely covered. Stir with a spoon and remove any bubbles that may have accumulated.
- Make sure the leaves are covered with oil by carefully shaking the covered jar.
- Store the bottle in a warm place. Make sure, however, to keep it away from sunlight, if possible by placing it in a paper bag.
- Allow the mixture to steep for 4-6 weeks. Shake the jar every other day.
- After all the ingredients are incorporated, strain the contents through a cheesecloth to remove the leaves. Pour the oil into another sterilized jar.
- Seal the jar and store in a cool, dry place. This preparation can last up to a year.
Precautions with oregano essential oil
Some people may experience stomach irritation when ingesting oregano essential oil. People who have allergic reactions to mint, lavender, sage or basil are best advised to refrain from using it.
Because oregano essential oil is very concentrated, it is not recommended for ingestion by young children.
Pregnant women should avoid using oregano essential oil as it may cause miscarriage or premature birth. Likewise, nursing mothers should avoid using it as there are currently no studies that corroborate its safe use.
Maximum amount of oregano to ingest
The amount of oregano used depends on the condition being treated. Whether in capsule form or in oral supplement form, emulsified oregano should not exceed 600 mg per day.
Another way is to prepare an infusion with 15 grams of oregano (3 tablespoons) in 250 ml of filtered water to be used to aid digestion.
Adverse effects
Oregano oil is safe to use as long as it is dissolved in water or a carrier oil such as fractionated coconut oil, almond oil, or olive oil. The ideal ratio is to use one part oregano oil to three parts carrier oil.
Since some skin is more sensitive than others, test on one arm first and see if any irritation occurs.
Be careful when purchasing oregano essential oil, some producers sell adulterated oils made from thyme or cultivated oregano that do not provide the benefits mentioned above.
Where to get therapeutic grade A oregano essential oil
Buy here
Enter to
http://mydoterra.com/ johannakoelle1 to learn more about DoTerra essential oils
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