© 2009 by Daniel Carter. All rights reserved. Copying or reproducing any portion of this article without permission is illegal and will be prosecuted.

Well, not exactly. Though one thinks of oregano seasoning as something to put in spaghetti sauce or on pizza, concentrated oregano oil becomes a powerful antibiotic, antiviral, anti-fungal, anti-inflamatory remedy in addition to being a powerful anti-allergenic and decongestant. In fact the anecdotal list of miraculous uses gets to be so long, one begins to wonder if this is a magic potion. However, despite some of the more unbelievable claims, the facts still stand effectively on their own regarding the diverse list of aids and cures of this aromatic oil.

It's interesting to note that related herbs such as thyme and marjoram, sold in North American grocery stores, could, in several cases, be labeled incorrectly as oregano! But the focus of this article is on wild oregano from the Mediterranean region, concentrated into an oil with isomeric phenols and carvacrols.

It is a natural phenol (aromatic compound) which kills microbes, viruses, fungi, and more. Flavonoids in oregano oil provide natural antiseptics. Also found is Terpenes (long chain hydrocarbons), a natural anti-inflammatory agent. These three compounds combined create natural antihistamines and decongestants. In addition, another phenol constituent, thymol, boosts the immune system. These compounds also act as free radical scavengers (shielding against toxins) and thus prevent further tissue damage, at the same time encouraging healing.

The list of minerals is extensive and potent, including, calcium, magnesium, zinc, iron, potassium, copper, boron, and manganese. Vitamins C and A (beta carotene) and niacin are also found in oregano.

In addition, oregano oil is a strong antioxidant. It protects tissues from free radical damage by neutralizing it, and promotes repair to damaged cells. As a result, it is an aid in slowing aging and protects from disease.

Candida albicans (yeast infection), the Aspergillus mold, Staphylococcus, Campylobacter, Klebsiella, E.coli, Giardia, Pseudomonas, and Proteus are effectively eliminated. It is used for indigestion, intestinal gas, and digestive problems. It effectively treats diarrhea, insect bites (particularly bee stings), toothache, earache, and is used by some as an effective pain reliever. It can be effective against rheumatism and arthritis. It relieves coughs due to whooping cough and bronchitis (effective primarily for it's antispasmodic effects) asthma, croup, and is often used to treat sore throat and breathing difficulties, as well as sinusitis, post nasal drip, and runny nose. Good for treating internal and external fungi including athlete's foot and other skin conditions such as acne, rosacea, psoriasis and eczema. It can be effective in treating air-born related allergies such as dust and smog particulates, pollen and hay fever. It is found effective in stopping common cold and flu symptoms, including Swine Flu, or H1N1 virus, canker sores, and cold sores, especially when used at first onset of symptoms. Dandruff, fatigue, warts, and more are all cured or improved. Oregano is purported to help reduce the effects of aging and wrinkles, loss of vision and macular degeneration, loss of hearing, and nervous disorders. It is reported to help with menstrual irregularities and menopause.

Externally, oregano oil can be applied topically to treat itch, skin infections, gums and teeth problems, toenail fungus and more. Use great care if you ever use it on genitalia since its potency will cause burning and discomfort for several minutes. For such use it is best mixed with olive oil, coconut oil, or coconut butter. Use about 1 drop of oregano per teaspoon of oil.

Internally, take one to two drops twice daily, working your way up to about four doses per day. Oregano oil taken by mouth is very strong unless taken with some other medium such as olive oil, honey, or maple syrup, which will increase palatability. Recommendations include taking it for 15 days then stop for 15 days, repeating this cycle as necessary.

Internally, take oregano oil as recommended above, and additionally apply it directly on the infected toenails. Apply twice daily, in the morning and before bedtime.

Note that toenail fungus thrives in warm, damp conditions. With this in mind, one should also develop the following routines:

• Make sure your feet are dry after showering or being wet.

• Wear cotton socks, which absorb moisture, rather than socks made of synthetic material.

• Change socks when feet become sweaty for any extended length of time.

• Wear comfortable shoes which do not cramp toes together, helping to reduce the spread of the fungus to other toes.

• Go barefoot when you can, exposing your feet to the sun. Moderate exposure to the sun is beneficial to the body, including assisting in the production of Vitamin D.

• Be patient and consistent in order to see results, usually several months. While some prescription medications can eliminate toenail fungus more quickly, they are often extremely expensive (in some cases, over $400 a month) and include unpleasant side effects.

Oregano oil, taken internally, is processed through the liver. If taken in large quantity over extended periods, it can overload the liver. People who drink quite a bit of alcohol or 3 or more prescription drugs should avoid taking oregano oil internally.

Since oregano oil is highly concentrated, it can be very beneficial even in small quantities. Following recommended dosages of any medicine is important.

Oregano oil contains antioxidants which act as a preservative which will extend shelf life for about 2 years.

There are other antimicrobial/antiviral natural alternatives such as hydrogen peroxide and colloidal silver. This isn't a complete list, but these are good resources when they are needed.