Classical medicine provides us with many drugs for the treatment of numerous diseases. We well know how human life has changed (for the better) after the advent of antibiotics. However, according to the most recent scientific studies there are some products that have virtues almost comparable to commonly used medicines. In pole position are essential oils that boast highly respectable antibiotic and anti-viral properties. Here is the reason why a simple oil of oregano could improve – not a little – your state of health. What is the essential oil of oregano
It is a product extracted by steam distillation from leaves, flowers and sprigs of oregano (Origanum vulgare). Years and years of studies have confirmed its high bactericidal, antiviral and antifungal power. Despite having these properties, it does not cause the same damage as traditional antibiotics but should still be used with care. Improper use or abuse can cause damage to the body. The plant has been used for health purposes for over 2,500 years. Popular tradition has it that it is effective against colds, indigestion and stomach problems. But in reality the list of ailments it can cure is much broader. The properties of the essential oil of oregano
To obtain 450 grams of oregano essential oil, about 500 kilograms of vegetable are needed. The ratio is about 1 to 1000. From here we can see the incredible concentration of vegetables that are available in a few drops of essential oil. After steam distillation, the product obtained – depending on the origin of the plant and the time of harvest – contains various active ingredients: cravacrol and thymol (research has shown powerful antibacterial and antifungal action). But also phenols, triterpenes, rosmarinic acid, ursolic acid, oleanolic acid and natural antioxidants. According to recent studies conducted by the Faculty of Pharmacy of the University of Messina, carvacrol (a monoterpenic phenol) is active against food spoilage, yeasts, fungi, bacteria and many of the pathogenic microorganisms for humans and animals. This substance has been the subject of over 800 international studies which have confirmed its curative virtues. These include allergies, candida, indigestion, infections of various kinds, inflammations, parasites, viruses and even some cancers.The diseases that oregano essential oil treats
Investigations conducted on oregano essential oil give us that it can be used successfully in a wide variety of diseases. Here is a non-exhaustive list:
Allergy
Candida
Colon cancer
Gingivitis
Toothache
Earache
Digestive problems
Heartburn
SIBO (bacterial overgrowth of the small intestine)
Colds
Fungal infections
The essential oil of oregano can therefore be considered an alternative – to be followed under medical supervision – to the use of antibiotics in some specific cases. A study published in the Journal of Medicinal Food has in fact declared that the essential oil of oregano “represents an inexpensive source of natural antibacterial substances that have shown a potential use in pathogenic systems”. The essential oil of oregano to fight infections
As mentioned, the essential oil of oregano is particularly active against infections. Another article published in the Journal of Medicinal Food has highlighted the antibacterial virtues of the essential oil of oregano against five different bacterial strains. It seems to have a particularly high activity against Escherichia Coli – a bacterium that causes gastro-intestinal disorders (even severe) and food poisoning. Research reported in the Journal of the Science of Food and Agriculture has shown that “the essential oil extracts of oregano are excellent candidates to replace the synthetic chemicals used by industry.” During the study, oregano was able to inhibit the growth of over seven bacterial strains. In the end,Oregano essential oil reduces inflammation
Thanks to the presence of antioxidants, oregano essential oil helps reduce free radicals. Several studies have shown anti-inflammatory effects in cases of intestinal inflammation, tumors, rheumatoid arthritis and recurrent respiratory disorders. Scientists from the Universidad Nacional de Cordoba (Argentina) believe that the essential oil of Oregano possesses “antibacterial, antioxidant and chemopreventive properties and could play an important role as a bioprotective agent”. The essential oil of oregano against digestive problems
Essential oil of oregano helps to relax soft tissues, including those of the stomach and – at the same time – reduce heartburn and tightness after meals. It is a good treatment in cases of candida and intestinal bacterial proliferations that cause swelling and intolerances to carbohydrates. According to some studies it can be used in a similar way to rifaximin (Xifaxan). Essential oil of oregano fights parasites
One study examined volunteers with stool positive for enteric parasites, including the much feared Blastocystis hominis. Patients who took 600 milligrams of oregano for six weeks reported “complete disappearance of Entamoeba hartmanni (four cases), Endolimax nana (one case) and Blastocystis hominis in eight cases”. Symptoms improved in seven of 11 patients who were Blastocystis hominis positive. The parasite causes symptoms such as bloating, abdominal tension, and sometimes even nausea. Essential oil of oregano against athlete’s foot and other fungal infections
Recent studies have shown that oregano essential oil helps fight T. rubrum mycelia and T. mentagrophytes conidia, strains associated with a fairly common infection known as athlete’s foot. For better and good results, perform thermotherapy with essential oil and salt. Of all the essential oils, oregano has proven to be the most effective. Others with slightly lower effects are thyme, cinnamon, cloves and lemongrass. The essential oil of oregano against colon cancer
Research has highlighted the potential anti-carcinogenic effect of oregano essential oil in high amounts of cravacrol: “When administered orally, oregano oil inhibited the growth of colon cancer tumors in mice. Our findings suggest that oregano oil could be used as a dietary nutraceutical for colon cancer prevention. Considering the lack of relevant in vivo studies on the potential anticancer activity of Origanospecie essential oils and based on our findings, we strongly believe that future work should focus on the in vivo evaluation of the antitumor potential of the oils and their constituents. As for oregano oil in particular,How to use oregano essential oil
Orally essential oils should be used under the supervision of an expert. It can be taken 2-4 drops 2-3 times a day placed inside a capsule or mixed with a vegetable oil such as, for example, coconut oil.
Sources scientific
Extraction, Chemical Composition, and Anticancer Potential of Origanum onites L. Essential Oil – PUBMED
Antiviral efficacy and mechanisms of action of oregano essential oil and its primary component carvacrol against murine norovirus – PUBMED
Essential Oil Composition and Antibacterial Activity of Origanum vulgare subsp. glandulosum Desf. at Different Phenological Stages – JOURNAL OF MEDICAL FOOD
Herbal Therapy Is Equivalent to Rifaximin for the Treatment of Small Intestinal Bacterial Overgrowth -PUBMED
Inhibition of enteric parasites by emulsified oil of oregano in vivo – PUBMED
Effects of a Combination of Thyme and Oregano Essential Oils on TNBS-Induced Colitis in Mice – PUBMED
Oregano Oil Benefits for Infections, Fungus & Even the Common Cold – Dottor Josh Axe
