Oregano is an evergreen plant with purple flowers and shovel-shaped, olive-green leaves. Its leaves are used as a culinary condiment, either dry or fresh, providing sensations like spicy, pleasantly bitter, and aromatic.
Oregano essential oil has a variety of health benefits. Here are a few published at medicalhealthnewstoday.com:
- Thanks to the high levels of carvacrol, oregano oil may help fight certain bacteria. For instance, it is a common type of bacteria that causes staph infection. Some strains occur naturally in the body, but when the bacteria grow too quickly, it can cause bothersome symptoms. Research shows that carvacrol effectively eliminates the bacteria staphylococcus aureus and staphylococcus epidermidis, two common causes of infection. Taking oregano oil supplements or rubbing it on the skin may help a person utilize these antibacterial effects.
- Oregano oil also appears to be a potent antifungal agent thanks to the high levels of thymol. Research from 2015 found thymol to be an effective treatment for common candida fungal infections. Candida causes several diseases, including oral thrush, yeast infections, infected toenails or fingernails, and athlete’s foot. However, the research was conducted in test tubes, and determining the effectiveness of oregano oils will require more studies on humans.
- Oregano oil is also a potent antioxidant. Antioxidants help protect the body from damage caused by oxidative stress and free radicals. Oxidative stress may lead to increased DNA damage and cell death. Oxidation may also play a role in other issues, such as arthritis, atherosclerosis, and some cancers. Thymol and carvacrol are potent antioxidants.
- Some sources claim that oregano oil may help reduce inflammation. The compound carvacrol shows anti-inflammatory effects in both animal models and in vitro studies. Research from 2017 looked at a variety of investigations into carvacrol’s anti-inflammatory effects. In one study on mice, the compound prevented obesity by affecting the genes involved in inflammation. In another animal study, the compound reduced swelling.
- Applying diluted oregano oil to the skin may help protect more minor cuts and scrapes as they heal. Compounds like thymol and carvacrol could also protect these wound types from bacterial infections.
- Both carvacrol and thymol may be effective insect repellents. In 2017, researchers found that these components repelled some ticks and mosquitoes. The research included test tube studies and those with human participants.
- There is some evidence that oregano may be an effective pain reliever. An animal study found that an extract of oregano provided pain relief. These results were dose-dependent; the more the animals took, the more pain relief they felt. Importantly, the researchers used a water-based extract, so the oil may not provide the same results.
Here are a few ideas and uses for oregano essential oil that I had not even thought of, published@youngliving.com.
Oregano essential oil is particularly fantastic when used as a massage oil on fatigued muscles. Whether it’s the end of a busy week or you’ve been working particularly hard at the gym, massaging oregano essential oil into your neck, shoulders, and back is sure to leave you feeling refreshed.
Try adding a few drops of oregano oil to your favorite shampoo. Not only does it carry a fantastic fragrance, but it also cleanses and nourishes your hair and scalp.
Although oregano essential oil offers countless benefits, undoubtedly, our favorite thing about it is its incredible scent. Warm and welcoming, oreganos fragrance is particularly potent as the oil is steam distilled from the plant, and we love combining it with other essential oils to create a beautiful signature perfume.
To make your ultimate aroma, combine oregano with complementary oils such as lemon essential oil and Patchouli, and apply your pulse points for a scent that will leave you feeling soothed all day.
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