Oregano essential oil’s usage for the treatment of several health conditions dates back thousands of years. Indeed, its application has, in the past, been used to help those dealing with asthma, colds, skin sores, aching muscles, cramping, and fungal and bacterial infections, amongst others. The components of oregano oil include antioxidants such as thymol, terpinene, limonene, carvacrol, caryophyllene, and ocimene, all of which have great healing properties.
With such a roll call of benefits, oregano oil is used for diverse purposes. Here are the most mainstream; our 5 benefits and uses of oregano essential oil.
BACTERIAL AND FUNGAL TREATMENT
One of the most well-known uses of oregano oil is in the treatment of bacterial and fungus infections. Since the essential oil is loaded with antifungal and antibacterial properties, it is a useful treatment option for fungus infections such as nail fungus.
Nail fungus is one of the most common nail problems, and leads to issues including nail discolouration, nail thickening and cracked nails, as well as the inflammation of the nail bed and surrounding skin.
Prevention is, of course, better than cure and firstly, poor nail hygiene should be addressed. Following that, oregano essential oil is a useful external treatment option for nail fungus. Despite the difficulty common to the treatment of nail fungus, consistent and proper use of essentials oils such as oregano oil, coconut oil and other home remedies, in addition to observation of general nail health, will effectively likely eradicate nail fungus and restore nails to their healthy state, with little or zero chance of recurrence.
The antibacterial properties of oregano oil become exceedingly important in the light of the increasing concerns among professionals about the tendencies of diseases becoming resistant to antibiotics. Some of the infections caused by candida are toenails and fingernails fungus, oral thrush, athlete’s foot, and yeast infections, and thymol found in oregano is proven to be an effective destroyer of common candida fungal infections.
ANTIOXIDANT QUALITIES
When combined with more traditional, medically approved remedies, oregano oil is also sometimes used for the treatment or management of many other issues because of its antioxidant properties. Antioxidants in oregano include vitamin E, vitamin C, vitamin A, lysine, arginine, tryptophan, and valine, and because of this, the essential oil can assist in ridding the body of free radicals that are responsible for several health issues.
NUTRITION
Oregano is rich in nutrients such as calcium, potassium, phosphorus and fibre. Therefore, the essential oil can be used to make up for dietary shortfalls and promote good gut health. Of course, it should be observed that a rich, varied diet is essential to proper nutrition, and oregano oil should only be used to supplement a balanced diet, rather than replace any component of it.
TREATMENT OF SMALL INTESTINE BACTERIAL OVERGROWTH (SIBO)
Chronic bacterial issues such as SIBO are sometimes relieved by the use of oregano oil hence helping to stem gastrointestinal problems caused by the overgrowth of some bacteria in the intestines. Thymol and carvacrol are key elements in herbal remedies of these intestinal problems.
ANTI-INFLAMMATORY PROPERTIES AND PAIN RELIEVER
Oregano oil is said to have great anti-inflammatory properties and when applied topically can have soothing effects on the user. Carvacrol is the key player in the anti-inflammatory effects of oregano, and interestingly, can also be found in thyme oil and wild bergamot oil. A 2013 study also suggested the possible effectiveness of oregano oil at relieving pain; food for thought, indeed.
HOW TO USE OREGANO ESSENTIAL OIL
Oregano oil is sold both as a liquid or in capsules. Both work effectively for specified purposes. However, some people do not like the taste of the oil, and in such cases, they should go for the capsules. It can also be used externally for example in the treatment of skin problems and nail fungus.
IS OREGANO ESSENTIAL OIL SAFE?
Like most essential oils, oregano essential oil is highly concentrated and can elicit varying reactions when used directly. Therefore, it’s recommended that the user dilute the oil properly with a carrier oil before usage. You should also do a skin patch test to check your body’s reaction to oregano essential oil prior to use.
