Oregano oil is widely known as nature’s powerful defense against harmful organisms. Not only is it highly respected within the natural health care community, it is also extensively studied by the scientific community for medical uses.
The research and analysis of oregano oil covers many topics. Oregano oil contains extremely high levels of antioxidants that fight free radicals – substances that protect the body. Oregano oil also provides vitamins and minerals such as vitamin AC and E complex, as well as zinc, magnesium, iron, calcium, potassium, copper, manganese and niacin.
Oregano oil can support respiratory health, skin health, athlete’s foot, fungal infections and harmful organisms.
Research on oregano oil
Studies have shown its usefulness against Candida albicans, Aspergillus fungus, staph, vaginal imbalance, pseudomonas and listeria. A study by the United States Department of Agriculture found that oregano essential oils were potent against Salmonella and E.coli.[1] Other research makes the same claim, stating that oregano oil is such a powerful agent that it can be used to preserve food. Research from the Department of Food Sciences at the University of Tennessee and the University of the Algarve has shown similar results for the power of oregano against pathogenic germs[2]
A recent study from the Department of Physiology and Biophysics at Georgetown University Medical Center stated the following about the role of essential oils in infections:
“New, safe agents are needed to prevent and overcome serious bacterial, viral, and fungal infections. Based on our previous experiences and those of others, we have postulated that herbal essential oils, such as that of origanum (oil of oregano)… offer such opportunities.”[3]
In an article published by Science Daily, oregano oil was found to be effective in killing staphylococcal bacteria.[4]
Another study published in the journal, Experimental and toxicological pathology found that oregano oil could reduce the negative effects of induced colitis in rats, opening the door to new ideas about its benefits for the colon and liver.
More health benefits of oregano oil
- Resistant to redness and swelling
- It could help alleviate traffic congestion
- Supports regular menstruation and reduces the effects of menopause
- Soothes sensitivity to environmental irritants
- Powerful antioxidant capacity – by neutralizing free radicals, oregano oil slows down the process of cellular deterioration, thereby slowing down the aging process
- Rosmarinic acid, a component of oregano oil, is an antihistamine and a more powerful antioxidant than vitamin E
- Promotes digestion by stimulating bile flow in the digestive organs
- Supports normal fungal balance
Action against harmful organisms
A recent study on the activity of several essential oils against harmful organisms found that both oregano and thyme oils showed the strongest activity.
Oregano oil can help discourage the growth of intestinal organisms[5]. A six-week study in subjects with organisms showed that supplementation with 600 mg of oregano oil per day led to complete disappearance of the harmful organisms. It can also protect us from a wide variety of infiltrations into the body and physical environment. This includes roundworms, tapeworms, bed bugs, lice, fleas and mosquitoes.
Which oregano oil is best?
I have used oregano oil for many different things over the years and highly recommend keeping some in your natural medicine cabinet. When researching oregano oil products to purchase, pay attention to the amount of carvacrol it contains, and also try to buy organic if possible. Oregatrex™ is the oregano oil product that I use and recommend to everyone.
†Results may vary. The information and explanations provided are for educational purposes and are not intended to replace the advice of your doctor. If you have a serious medical condition or health problem, consult your doctor.