Oregano, also known as Origanum vulgare, is a flowering plant that is used as a herb to flavor food. Even though it is native to Europe, now it grows all over the world.
Oregano oil represents a potent natural antibiotic. It is rich in vitamins and minerals, including potassium, manganese, magnesium, calcium, iron, zinc, copper, niacin, boron, vitamin A and C. Moreover, it contains 4 groups of chemicals, such as borneol, linalool, geranyl acetate, and linalyl acetate, which possess powerful anti-inflammatory, antiviral, antifungal, antioxidant, antiseptic, and anesthetic properties.
Moreover, in alternative medicine, oregano oil represents a natural remedy that can treat a wide range of health issues. It can be taken in several ways:
- When it is taken orally, oregano oil can help treat gastrointestinal illnesses, indigestion, and respiratory issues.
- When it is used topically, oregano oil can help treat bacterial and fungal infections. Also, it can be applied to the skin for the treatment of sores, psoriasis, acne, warts, varicose veins, and rosacea.
- When it is inhaled, oregano oil can provide benefits for chest and sinus congestion, as well as respiratory illnesses.
8 Health benefits of oregano oil
Oregano oil can offer numerous health benefits, including:
1. Treats colitis
Oregano oil in combination with thyme can help treat colitis, a type of inflammatory bowel disease. Studies also show that this combination treatment can reduce inflammation.
2. Fights Candida
Oregano oil can prevent candida growth. Candida, the most common yeast infection that resides in the digestive tract, can lead to numerous infections, such as skin infections, oral thrush, and vaginal infections.
3. Treats bacterial infections
Oregano oil can help fight against some bacterial infections. A study showed that oregano oil can help in the treatment of Staphylococcus aureus.
4. Reduces cholesterol
According to studies, oregano oil can reduce high levels of cholesterol. Carvacrol and thymol, the active compounds of oregano, help reduce cholesterol.
5. Powerful antioxidant
Antioxidants help the body protect from free radical damage. Free radicals have a major role in premature aging and the development of certain diseases, such as heart disease and cancer. Free radicals can build up in the body through increased exposure to environmental factors, such as air pollutants and smoke.
Moreover, according to studies, oregano has the highest concentration of antioxidants.
6. Improves gut health
Oregano oil is very beneficial for gut health. Symptoms of the gut, such as diarrhea, bloating, and pain are common and can be caused by gut parasites.
However, studies show that oregano oil can reduce parasites and treat tiredness and gut symptoms. Moreover, oregano oil can help treat leaky gut, another gut disorder. Leaky gut occurs when the walls of the gut are damaged and allow toxins and bacteria to enter the bloodstream. Oregano oil can benefit gut health by eliminating gut parasites and treating the leaky gut syndrome.
7. Relieves pain
Oregano oil possesses potent pain-relieving properties. Studies show that oregano oil can reduce pain, showing the same effects as those of common painkillers, such as morphine and fenoprofen.
8. Aids in weight loss
Due to the carvacrol content of oregano, oregano oil can aid in weight loss. Carvacrol is also useful for reversing the chain of events, which can lead to the formation of fat cells.
