Benefits of Oregano Oil: Nature’s Antibiotic

culled from:http://youqueen.com


Oregano oil is a powerhouse essential oil with the ability to prevent and cure tons of everyday health issues. Now that it is receiving so much attention, more and more studies are showing that oregano oil may even be the answer to some of sciences most pressing questions. Read on to find out just how many benefits of oregano oil there are.

Oregano (essential) oil explained

Oregano oil is made from pressing the leaves and flowers of an oregano plant (part of the mint family). The oil is then distilled and can be used for a variety of different uses. However, not all oregano oil is created equal. Oregano is native to Europe but is grown on many different continents and in many different countries around the world.
In fact, there are over 90 different types of oregano! The best kind for producing oil is wild oregano. This type of oregano is called origanum vulgare. Another good kind is called thymus capitatus, which grows in Spain. So, when buying oregano oil for therapeutic uses, make sure you buy oil made from those types of plants.
Other oils wont have a good amount of nutrients, wont be properly distilled, or will not be made from healthy plants. As always, buy oils that are cold pressed, unrefined, organic and, if you can find it, fair trade.
This powerful oil is antibiotic, antifungal, anti-inflammatory, antiviral, antiseptic, anti-aging, antimicrobial, anti-parasitic… just about everything you can imagine! And with all these great properties come great uses.
Keep on reading to learn how you can put the benefits of oregano oil to good use. (As a side note, oregano oil and many other essential oils are so powerful that they are harmful to pets. Please keep this oil away from your fury friends!)

Oregano oil uses

We would like to note that oregano essential oil is very strong and will need to be diluted for many of its uses as it can destroy some tissues when applied directly. Please take caution when using the essential oil. You will experience a painful burning sensation if this oil is not diluted properly.
If you would like, you can also buy a pre-diluted form of oregano oil, which is already mixed with another carrier oil (usually olive oil) to make sure you don’t damage anything you’re trying to fix!

External uses for oregano oil

Nail and foot fungus: Oregano oil’s amazing antibacterial properties make it perfect for fighting common nail and foot fungal infections.
Recipe: Dilute a few drops of oregano essential oil with 1-2 tablespoons of olive oil or grape seed oil. Simply apply this mixture to the infected area and leave the area unwrapped and in a cool, dry place.
Acne: Oregano oil can be used to treat and cure acne, malasezzia (a yeast infection in the skin that looks like acne), acne scarring, cystic acne or any other acne issue.
Recipe:
For spot treatments: Simply dilute OEO (Oregano Essential Oil) with carrier oil (for this, it is probably best to use a light carrier oil such as grape seed oil because some thick oils may also clog pores) and apply to the area. If you experience burning, remove the oil and further dilute the mixture until you do not experience pain.
For all-over treatments: Dilute the OEO much more and apply with a cotton swab. Again, if there is burning remove the mixture and dilute again. The suggested dilution is 6 parts carrier oil to 1 part OEO. However, everyone’s skin is affected differently. Re-apply this mixture 2-3 times daily.
Warts and moles: Warts and moles can be dangerous and unsightly. Remove them quickly and painlessly with oregano oil. This method is said to have very little to no scarring at all! It also only takes about 2 weeks to fully remove what you want to remove and for many people continues to keep the wart away for years!
Recipe: Apply OEO directly to the warts/moles. You can dilute it if it’s too painful, but most people just apply it directly. Cover the area with a band aid or cotton pad to protect and enclose it. You will feel burning but it should not be unbearable.
If need be, place a cold pack over the cotton pad to cool the burning sensation. You should only need to apply the oil once. The skin will be red, but within a week or two the warts/moles will dry up and fall off!
Cold sores: Oregano oil can also be used as a treatment for cold sores. It can be applied directly and does not have to be diluted, but it is recommended that you dilute it. Its extreme anti-bacterial and anti-inflammatory properties will go to work on the sore to shorten the length of showing time.
You can also take OEO capsules to help treat your herpes infection from the inside out and apply a diluted OEO oil solution to your spine (where the herpes virus lays dormant) to help rid it from your body.
Candida (skin): Yep, it kills candida too. This pesky infection doesn’t stand a chance next to oregano essential oils powers!
Recipe: Dilute the OEO with carrier oil as described above and apply directly to the skin. Keep on reading to find out how to get rid of candida internally!

Internal uses for oregano oil

Candida (internally): Follow these simple instructions by livestrong.com to get rid of your candida issues for good! Naturalfactors says, “In vitro research has shown that oregano oil completely stopped the growth of Candida albicans in culture, inhibiting both its germination and its mycelial growth. This effect was dose-dependent, meaning that the oregano oil was responsible for the effect (monohar).”
Recipe:
You will need:

• Oil of oregano
• Tablespoon measuring spoon
• Extra virgin olive oil
• Water
• Small drinking glass

Step 1: Purchase a high quality oil of oregano, either at a local health food store or online. Choose the type with an attached dropper lid, which is usually in a 1 ounce or smaller glass container.
Step 2: Squeeze one drop of oregano oil into a small glass or cup.
Step 3: Ad half a tablespoon of extra virgin olive oil, and 3 tablespoons of water to the oil of oregano. Mix together.
Step 4: Drink the mixture. Begin with one drop the first day, then two drops the second day and finally three drops the third day.Consume throughout the day at spread-out intervals, ideally at breakfast, lunch and dinnertime.
Step 5: Continue taking oregano oil until candida symptoms completely clear up, usually around two to four months.
It should also be noted here that candida is a pesky thing. Anyone who suffers from it knows this. It takes a lot more than just this to kill off the bad bacteria. It takes time and the right diet to ensure a full recovery.
Balancing gut microbes: If you’re having digestion and stomach issues, that may be a sign that it’s time for you to rebalance your gut microbes. Unhealthy bacteria, infections and viruses can be present in your gut making you tired and achy. Get rid of the bad and replenish the good with these simple steps.
Recipe: Follow the above recipe for curing candida. The oregano oil mixture will get rid of all the bad stuff in your tummy. Follow that recipe for a few weeks and then also begin taking a probiotic. Do not do the treatments on the same day as the oregano oil mixture will get rid of the good and the bad microbes. Start slowly and do it until you feel better. Your body will tell you when you’re all good!
Sinus congestion: Many different sinus issues can be eased and cured with the use of oregano essential oil. Put some oregano oil in a pot of boiling water and breathe in the vapor through your nose. The strong smell will soothe your nose and help to clear your infection.
Tooth and mouth care: Thymol (found in OEO) is an antiseptic that is typically used in many dental care products. It helps to keep gums and teeth clean, and it aids with toothaches.
Recipe: Do not apply OEO directly to gums or inside the mouth. It will ruin the tissues. Dilute OEO with carrier oil and apply with a Q-tip or other one-time-use applicator directly where the issue is occurring. This works for children’s tooth decay, infections, canker sores and many other issues.
Other uses
Farming: Oil of oregano is being used by chicken farmers instead of antibiotics! They don’t call it “Natures Antibiotic” for nothing and, hey, if it works for chickens it will work for you too!
Home cleansing: Get rid of smells, air born bacteria and viruses with OEO.
Recipe: Simply add a few drops of OEO to your home humidifier and place in an open area of your home whenever you use it. It will provide the anti-viral and anti-bacterial help you need as well as make your home smell fresh and clean!
Anti-cancer: Studies are now showing that oregano oil may have the power to kill cancer cells. There’s more research to be done on this, but it’s certainly an interesting thing to keep an eye out for in the future!
Healthy-holistic-living.com says this about the new anti-cancer findings of oregano oil, “Oregano essential oil kills 99% of breast cancer cells in vitro: Researchers have just shown that oregano oil kills >99% of human breast cancer cells at remarkably low concentrations. In fact, oregano was the most powerful of four essential oils (sage, ginseng, stevia) at killing all six different cancer cell lines tested, including cervical, breast, leukemia, lung, and colon cancer. How? It was discovered (surprisingly) that oregano almost completely depletes cancer cells of their glutathione—an antioxidant they need to survive. Without glutathione, cancer cells are highly vulnerable to oxidative stress and quickly die. “

Safety when using OEO

Naturalfactors provides this guide to help you stay safe while using oregano essential oil:
-Pregnancy and lactation: Oil of oregano is not recommended during pregnancy or while breastfeeding.
-Children: Children under two years of age should not use oil of oregano externally or internally. Internal use by children from 2 to 13 years of age should be guided by a health care practitioner.
-Drug interactions: As oil of oregano may contribute to blood thinning, consult a health care practitioner prior to use if you are taking blood-thinning medications, aspirin or NSAIDS.
-Contraindications: Use with caution if you are allergic to the lamia cease family (including basil, sage, mint, hyssop, lavender, thyme, rosemary, and other herbs).
We would also like to note that oregano oil may not be safe to use if you are iron deficient because it may temporarily reduce your ability to absorb iron.

Why is OEO so good?

Now that you’ve read about all its uses, you’re probably wondering, “What is it about oregano essential oil that makes it so powerful and awesome?” This comprehensive list from Naturalnews.com explains exactly why we love oregano oil so much:

• “Carvacrol has been proven in studies to be a powerful antimicrobial, so powerful that it can be used to preserve food and render it self-stable. Research has shown it to be effective against Candida albicans, the aspergillus mold, staphylococcus, campylobacter, klebsiella, e.coli, giardia, pseudomonas, salmonella, and listeria. Carvacrol provides many of the health benefits of oregano oil .
• Thymol is a natural fungicide with antiseptic properties. It is the active ingredient in Listerine mouthwash. Thymol is also an immune system booster and a shield against toxins. It is capable of preventing tissue damage and encouraging healing.
• Terpenes are the source of the word turpentine. Terpenes give off a pine scent and are also produced by pine trees. Terpenes have potent antibacterial properties.
• Rosmarinic acid is a stronger antioxidant than vitamin E. It prevents free radical damage and is instrumental in preventing atherosclerosis and cancer. Rosmarinic acid has shown to be effective in the treatment of allergic asthma. It reduces fluid build up and swelling during an allergy attack, and is an effective natural antihistamine.
• Naringin is the substance that gives grapefruit its bitter taste. It has been shown to inhibit the growth of cancer cells and helps boost the effect of antioxidants.
• Oil of oregano also contains a good amount of the vitamin E complex, as well as calcium, magnesium, zinc, iron, potassium, copper, boron, manganese, vitamins A and C, and niacin.”

You can buy oil of oregano from reputable websites and companies such as mountainroseherbs and Doterra. As always, please do your research when buying essential oils. Not all essential oils are created equal.