Oil of Oregano - Nature's Antibiotic and Anti-septic
Oregano is a perennial herb, a genus in the mint family. It is native to warm-temperate western and southwestern Eurasia and the Mediterranean region. There are many different varieties of Oregano, the most well known of which - Origanum vulgare - is a common spice on dishes, such as pizza.
The oil of Oregano has been gaining a lot of attention for its powerful anti-septic qualities. Research strongly suggests that oil pressed from oregano leaves can be as effective as pharmaceutical antibiotics and that it also may be an effective treatment against sometimes drug-resistant bacterial infection.
The active ingredient in Oregano oil is Carvacrol. Carvacrol is clinically shown to inhibit the growth of 25 different bacteria species including E. coli, Staphylococcus and Bacillus cereus. Who are known to cause many health problems in humans. It's mechanism of action is by disruptng the bacteria membrane and thus effectively killing it. The strong cytotoxic ability of carvacrol make it an effective anti-septic and anti-microbial agent. Carvacrol is also an effective anti-fungal.
The body of positive evidence for oregano oil as a major antibiotic is growing. Among 52 plant oils tested, oregano was considered to have "pharmacologic" action against common bugs such as Candida albicans (yeast), E. coli, Salmonella enterica and Pseudomonas aeruginosa. And the list is also growing.
Oregano oil can also be used to treat:
- colds
- influenza
- Mild fevers
- indigestion and upset stomach
- menstrual cramps
Used topically, Oregano is one of the best herbal antiseptics available. It is a very mild painkiller, can be used to soothe sore and aching muscles, and helps one with an itchy scalp if rubbed into the head daily.
Oil of Oregano has many positive reviews from women and men alike suffering from chronic yeast infections, most commonly Candida Albicans. Read more on
Oil of Oregano can be taken in daily doses from 60 mg to 800 mg. The higher dose is for intensive treatment of bacterial, viral or fungal infections. It is recommended that you don't use Oregano oil continuously, but use it for 2-3 months and take 1 month brake. To ease your liver and mostly not to give chance of any bugs to build resistance.
When you buy Oregano oil supplements, look for the amount of carvacrol. The higher the better. Also, depending on your body, you may need a higher dose in order to feel its effects. For example, I found that for me doses below 400 mg a day were not effective.
If you are taking blood thinning drugs, oil of oregano acts similarly in thinning the blood. So if you take Oregano oil with blood thinning drugs your blood pressure may drop too low. Be careful. This also means that if you like Garlic, or you want to add it up to enhance your battle against pathogens, mind how much you eat, because garlic also has blood thinning effect, as well as anti-septic.
Oil of Oregano is not recommended during pregnancy or while breastfeeding. And, of course, don't forget to dilute oil of oregano, if you are using pure oil (not capsules), with unrefined coconut oil or extra virgin olive oil. The usual mixture is 50/50. Read the labels for instructions.
Here is a list with Oregano oil supplements. Some of the best prices you can find are in iherb. If you are a new customer, use this discount code at check out - DOB496 - for 5$ Off + free samples. There is also free shipping for orders above 40$ if you live in USA.
Be well and be healthy!
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