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Health Benefits Of Oregano Essential Oil Explained

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I’m quite sure that at some point in your life you’ve encountered antibiotics. Most doctors and GP’s are quick to prescribe them for a variety of ailments from the flu to more serious bacterial infections. 

Antibiotics have been around since the early 20th century and were discovered by a chemist called Alexander Fleming in 1928 when he managed to create Penicillin from naturally occurring mold. The drug marked the creation of a new era of medication. Bacteria and bacterial growth are no longer left to our body’s white blood cells but can be treated with external medication.

We tend to forget that bacteria are living organisms and can adapt to the conditions that they experience. So this meant that in the past, viruses and bacteria developed at a slower, more natural rate than today. In turn this meant that our bodies could adapt to the viruses and treat them internally – with our own internal defense system. This also meant that natural treatments were more effective on their own.

The other downside of using antibiotics is that they not only kill off bad bacteria and prevent bacterial growth, they also kill off most of the good bacteria that we need to stay healthy. Too much of certain bacteria can be bad. But, just enough is actually good for your bodily functions and general health.

Fast forward to Oregano oil and you’ve found nature’s most well-balanced antibacterial treatment. Oregano oil effectively treats the formation and spread of bacteria whilst boosting your body’s overall immune system. It’s the perfect natural substitute to conventional antibiotics and is far better to use for common ailments like the flu or minor wounds than antibiotics. Keep reading to find out all the benefits of oregano essential oil!

What Is Oregano Essential Oil?

Wooden spoon filled with green flakes.

Oregano flakes.

Oregano essential oil has been a natural antibacterial and immune booster for centuries. In fact, the oil dates as far back as the times of the ancient Greek. During this time it treated general pain, minor wounds and fevers. The plant itself is native to most parts of Eurasia and certain regions around the Mediterranean.

The oil is rich in polyphenols, flavones and a variety of phytochemicals such as Carvacrol, Thymol, Pinene, Geranyl and Linalyl Acetate. Carvacrol is generally extracted and utilized in various pharmaceutical products or as its own  medicinal product. It’s quite a potent natural antibacterial and should be used in small doses if used on a regular basis.

Like most leaf-based essential oils, Oregano oil is produced from the leaves of the plant through steam distillation. Steam distillation is an old method of distillation, and the basic principle originates in the time of Pliny – the ancient Greek historian.  

The leaves are harvested and dried in order to make it easier to break down the cells during the extraction process and then brewed in a boiling vat for five to six hours. The steam produced by the boiling water helps to remove the phytochemicals and bioactive compounds from the organic matter by means of evaporation.

Now the nutrient-rich steam goes into a cooling chamber that’s separate, where it gathers and condenses. As the steam condenses, it forms droplets that then gather at the bottom of the chamber. These gather again to form what we know as an essential oil – the final product. Steam distillation is still regarded as the best method of producing essential oil. It produces the highest grade of oil free from any chemical or environmental impurities. It is the recommended method for producing medical grade essential oils.

Oregano Essential Oil For Skin

Pouring essential oil from bottle into palm of hand.

Oregano is hailed as a natural anti-inflammatory, making it suitable for treating general skin irritation.

Because of the rich phytochemical content found within the essential oil, it is perfectly suited for skin treatment. The oil is non-comedogenic, so it won’t block up your pores or leave a layer on your skin once applied.

This also means that it can penetrate beneath the layers of your skin and help to clear toxins and bacteria from within, as well as keeping your skin nourished and hydrated for a longer period of time i.e. less risk of being evaporated.

Oregano oil can easily be used to treat minor wounds and works as a natural disinfectant. Unlike conventional disinfectants, one does not have to worry about harsh skin discoloration or irritation. It is a safe, colorless and pleasant-smelling alternative. I highly recommended it for outdoor enthusiasts or for any first-aid kit/cabinet in your home, office or car for that matter. 

Oregano is widely hailed as a natural anti-inflammatory. It is suitable for treating general skin irritation, redness, or  inflamed joints or muscles. So if you’re a keen athlete, keep a vial of Oregano oil on hand for when pain or aches strike.

The oil seeps deep into your skin and has natural pain-relieving properties which help to alleviate immediate pain in the affected area, whilst relaxing your muscles and helping to soothe joints. Finally, the oil also helps to treat and get rid of fungal infections – such as athlete’s foot.

One of the many benefits is that it’s effective and easy to apply and helps to nourish your skin whilst treating the infection. Yet another reason why athlete’s or outdoor enthusiasts should keep a vial of this amazing oil on hand.

Oregano Essential Oil For Hair Treatment

Oregano oil for hair.

Many of the same phytochemicals and bioactive compounds that make this essential oil so good for treating your skin also make it effective as a natural hair and scalp treatment. Most conventional hair treatments contain a wide variety of harmful chemical ingredients such as alcohol-based solvents, parabens, and sulfates. While the inclusion of these chemicals makes the products effective, they also make them incredibly toxic with extended use.

Because the chemicals seep through the pores in your scalp and into your blood, they can ultimately increase your blood toxicity levels – leading to a variety of illnesses and ailments both physical and mental. On top of this, they generally tend to strip your hair of their natural oils and protein overtime, leading to dry, frizzy and damaged hair.

Using natural skin and hair treatments has gained popularity in recent years because of this and Oregano Essential oil is definitely one of the best in this category. The oil is easy to apply and has a delightful smell. I would recommend adding it to your herbal shampoo or blending it with Ylang Ylang, Rosemary or Almond oil for maximum effect and a better, more lasting odor.

The oil helps to reduce the level of sebum oil in your hair. Best part is that it won’t strip your hair of its oil completely. Thus it leaves you with stronger more controllable hair in general. When massaged into your scalp, the oil helps to reduce inflammation and can remove dead skin cells from. This allows it to combat signs of dandruff from the root of the issue – pun intended!

I also love the fact that by massaging the oil into your scalp, you actively stimulate the flow of blood cells to your scalp which ultimately stimulates hair growth and increases your pores grip on individual follicles. With extended use you can also remove and help prevent the buildup of free-radicals with oregano’s high level of antioxidants. These help to entrap and get rid of free-radicals before they connect with your cells and cause any further damage.

Oregano Essential Oil For Cold Treatment

Woman blowing her nose wearing a hat.

Everyone has experienced a cold at some point in their life.

Everyone has experienced a cold or flu at some point in their life. It’s really one of the few inevitabilities of being a human. I’m also quite sure that many of us have come across the conventional cold or flu remedies. They come in the form of medications, effervescent pills or tonics. They may work, but they often make you feel drowsy or have other side-effects depending on your personal makeup.

So with time I’ve learned to avoid them and stick to natural remedies instead. I generally prefer using Orange oil, Lemon oil (and a bit of lemon juice) and some German Chamomile oil in a warm tea to help relieve the symptoms of the flu and cold. However, because of Oregano essential oil’s amazing anti-inflammatory and antibacterial properties, using it as the flu and cold treatment is just as effective on its own – it’s just not as easy to consume.

So I would recommend adding a few drops to a warm bowl of water and covering your head with a towel whilst you inhale the steam. Do this for at least 5 minutes and repeat the process if you feel the need to do so. This will help flush toxins out of your body and stop the congestion you may be experiencing in your sinuses.

DIY Oregano Essential Oil Recipe

Pile of green flakes next to leaves.

DIY Oregano Essential Oil Recipe.

I looked through loads of recipes and experimented with a few until I found this one. It’s the most natural way to produce an essential oil extract, effective for home use and minor medicinal uses.

However, it’s important to state that an oil extract is different from an essential oil. It’s less refined and therefore more of a supplement than medicinal treatment.

They’re great to experiment with and can help increase your supply – note that there are other recipes online that can produce a product in a much shorter space of time. I went with this essential oil recipe because it’s eco-friendly, cheap and easy. You will need:

  • At least 500g of pure Oregano.
  • A glass mason jar (with a sealable lid).
  • A large pot or saucepan (preferably a pot, as you have to fit ¾ of your glass jar inside it).
  • 500ml – 750ml of almond oil, sunflower oil or olive oil.

First, chop the Oregano into smaller pieces and add them to the glass jar. Fill the jar halfway with leaves. Then simply fill the rest of the jar with your oil of choice and seal the lid.

Now boil water in your pot or pan. Once the water starts to boil, bring it off the heat and place the sealed jar in the water. Leave it in the water for 10 minutes. Now remove the jar from the lid and place it in a sunny windowsill. Simply leave it there for 2 weeks straight. Allow it to get sunlight (through clouds or directly) as often as possible for at least 2 weeks.

Once this is done, simply store the oil in a cool, dry place and shake well before use. It’s as easy as that.

Oregano Essential Oil Capsules

Hand holding small vial being filled by pipette next to brown bottle.

They are used as daily supplements to help boost your immune system.

Essential oils can be stored in capsules for long periods of time. They are commonly found in the health food aisle in supermarkets and pharmacies. 

Oregano Essential oil capsules are generally manufactured in large-scale batches and come in a light lining that dissolves when ingested. This is one of the easiest ways to ingest raw oregano oil. Consuming the essential oil raw can be dangerous and won’t taste that great either.

They can be used as daily supplements to help boost your general immune system or to treat colds and flu. However, it’s important to stick to the recommended dosage when using essential oil capsules. Using too much can have negative effects on your overall health.

It’s advisable to consult your doctor or pharmacist before using them regularly as you may suffer from an allergy.

 

Where To Buy Oregano Essential Oil

Thankfully, Oregano essential oil is one of the more commonly found essential oils on the market today. The first place I would generally recommend browsing for the oil is online, as most online health stores sell their products for cheaper than what they’d cost in store.

If you buy enough products, you generally get a discount on your shipping – if not free shipping. So it’s really the trouble and hassle-free alternative when it comes to shopping for health natural products.

However, whether you buy the oil online or in a physical store, it’s always advisable to ask how it was produced – as steam distilled essential oils are what you should look for. They’re more suitable for medicinal use and are generally free of chemical or environmental contaminants – and therefore more healthy in general.

Oregano Essential Oil Side-Effects Explained

Side view of pregnant woman's torso holding stomach.

It can have negative effects on the hormonal balance of pregnant women.

Like everything in life – too much of something can be bad for you regardless of how healthy or natural it is. The same goes for essential oils – if not more so. Although they are natural and organic products, they’re still rich in a variety of bioactive compounds and phytochemicals. So overuse or abusing them can still lead to skin irritations and general health issues in both the short and long terms.

As a general rule of thumb – I would avoid using Oregano oil during pregnancy or on young children usually under the age of eight years old. Although the oil is generally safe, it can have negative effects on the hormonal balance of pregnant women. Oregano oil can affect your unborn child’s health directly. The same applies to women who are breastfeeding.

I’d also recommend patch testing the oil on the surface of your skin before applying in large amounts or using regularly. This will help to identify whether you have an allergy for Oregano or any of its chemical compounds. Unfortunately, we generally only find out about allergies once we physically have a reaction – so it’s always better to be on the safe side.

Conclusion

Ultimately, most of us are familiar with Oregano for its culinary use. I say this because I feel that we’re generally more willing to try things that we’re familiar with. If you are not one to experiment, using Oregano for medicinal practices is not too far out your comfort zone. 

Oregano oil is a much better alternative to antibiotics and should be used in their place whenever possible. Many in the healthcare profession believe that other healthcare professionals are too quick to prescribe antibiotics, and this is in turn leading to unforeseen consequences. So I’d recommend trying Oregano oil for minor wounds, colds and the flu instead of nuking your system with antibiotics.

Like most things in life – the results speak for themselves and  Oregano oil is definitely a game changer in terms of natural medicines. Its affordable, effective and incredibly healthy. Oregano oil has so many benefits. You will definitely struggle to find in conventional medicine a product boosts your health, energy levels, and heals. You don’t have anything to lose and a lifetime of affordable and natural health to gain.