What is oregano oil?
Belonging to the mint family, oregano is a fragrant herb that is popularly used as a culinary spice. Oregano oil is a powerful plant derivative with numerous health benefits. It is loaded with antiviral, antibacterial, and antifungal properties. Oregano oil is considered a natural alternative to some prescription medicines as well. It can be applied topically as well as consumed (Rowles, 2020). Oregano oil supplement is available in the form of capsules and pills.
The use of oregano to treat certain health conditions is not new. Oregano was considered a valuable product in traditional folk medicine. We have yet to see what else this miracle herb has to offer concerning healthcare.
What are the benefits of oregano oil?
The following benefits are associated with taking oregano oil (Rowles, 2020):
• It has an antibiotic effect: Research shows that it is effective against potential antibiotic-resistant bacteria that cause urinary tract and respiratory tract infections.
• Cholesterol management effect: Studies show that patients who received oregano oil showed a significant decrease in LDL (bad cholesterol) and increased HDL (good cholesterol) when compared to the control group. Therefore, oregano oil may help in cholesterol level management.
• Antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties: Oregano oil is loaded with antioxidants that can decrease your odds of developing diseases that occur because of free radical damage, such as cancer and heart diseases. Oregano oil can reduce inflammatory cytokines thereby reducing inflammation associated with several types of arthritis, including rheumatoid arthritis.
• Helps relieve bowel conditions: Oregano oil is commonly used to treat bowel discomforts such as bloating, cramps, and irritable bowel. People who took oregano oil supplements reported significant improvement.
• Antifungal effect: The antifungal property in oregano oil is imparted by the presence of an organic compound called thymol. Oregano oil can work against fungal infections caused by yeast and in treating athlete’s foot infections (Radhakrishnan, 2022).
How much oregano oil is safe for consumption?
The dosage depends on the condition for which you are taking the oil. Around 600mg of oregano oil in the form of a capsule can be taken orally once or twice daily (Axe, 2022).
It is always best to consult with your healthcare provider first as the oil may interfere with medicines that you are already taking.
Self-Care Tips:
Oregano oil is a powerful herb with known antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, and antimicrobial properties. If taken internally, consider one or two drops on tongue, once or twice a week. You may also use it topically but would need to combine it with carrier oils like coconut oil or olive oil as oregano oil could result in some skin irritation initially. There is also a pre-made oregano tea.
Disclaimer: These statements have not been evaluated by the Food and Drug Administration. The contents of this website are based upon the views of Dr. Walker and his experience. This product is not intended as medical advice nor to diagnose, treat, cure or prevent any disease. The information is likewise not to replace the advice of a qualified health care provider. The information provided herein is intended as a sharing of general knowledge only and is not intended to be, nor is it, medical advice or a substitute for medical advice. That being said, please consult your healthcare provider before using supplements or providing supplements to children under the age of 18. If you have or suspect you have, a specific medical condition or disease, please consult your healthcare provider.
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