When most people hear the word “Oregano”, they immediately think of Italian food, or the spice blend in their kitchen cupboard. While Oregano is a popular and tasty herb when included in food, the oil distilled from the fresh leaves of the plant is scientifically proven to have medicinal properties and healing benefits.

Oregano Throughout History

Oregano is a common species of Origanum and a relative of the mint family (Lamiaceae). It is native to Europe, particularly the Mediterranean region, although it is cultivated worldwide, and is used as a healing component in many cultures. Aristotle, Dioscorides, Hippocrates, Pliny and Theophrastus – all considered the giants of medical history – all revered Oregano for its powerful ability to heal wounds and treat respiratory illnesses. Throughout the ages, both doctors and folk healers have written about and relied on Oregano’s effectiveness in healing various ailments.

What makes Oregano Essential oil so powerful?

Oregano essential oil is a natural and powerful antiseptic due to the very high level of phenols that it contains. Oregano typically carries approximately 90% of these amazing compounds as carvacrol and thymol. There have been many scientific studies carried out by universities and health institutes which have found that the chemicals in Oregano help reduce coughs and spasms. Oregano can also aid digestion by increasing bile flow, and is effective against dangerous bacteria, viruses, fungi and parasites, on and within the body, and within the environment such as on surfaces. Researchers have even found the compounds in Oregano effective in fighting various cancers and other diseases.

Are you ready to learn about some helpful and easy ways you can use Oregano essential oil to improve your health and treat common conditions?

First, dilute it!

Because of the potency of pure essential oils in general and specifically Oregano Essential oil, and the likelihood of irritation if it is used neat, it is necessary to dilute it in a carrier oil before use on the body. Aside from safety, using a carrier oil also allows even distribution of the essential oils over a broad surface as well as facilitating absorption. Dilute 15-20 drops of Oregano Essential oil to 100 ml of a carrier oil such as coconut, olive or sweet almond oil.

Skin and nails

Oregano essential oil is used to treat cuts and scratches, and relieve insect bites, stings and reactions to poisonous plants. When used on cold sores and herpes blisters it stops the virus from replicating, which aids in healing and also soothes the irritation of the outbreak. Because of its antiviral properties, it can be helpful in gradually removing warts which are generally caused by the Human Papillomavirus.

You can use Oregano essential oil to treat dandruff and scalp conditions by adding a few drops to your shampoo, or massaging a diluted preparation into your scalp.  As an antifungal agent, use Oregano essential oil to effectively treat Candida and fungal infections of the feet and nails. For use on the feet, you can add the Oregano Essential oil directly to a basin of warm water. If you’re using it directly on your nails, dilute it in your chosen carrier oil then massage it onto the affected area.

Oral Health

Instead of only relying on commercially produced mouthwash, you can use Oregano Essential oil to help heal gum infections, canker sores and oral thrush, as well as to soothe toothaches. Add a few drops to a cup of warm water for an oral rinse, or dab the painful tooth with a few drops of the diluted oil. If you practice Ayurvedic oil pulling, a drop in coconut oil or your preferred carrier oil is an excellent way to maintain a healthy mouth.

Boost immunity & improve respiration

At the first sign of coming down with the cold or flu, don’t panic, reach for Oregano Essential oil instead! You actually don’t need to swallow the oil as its potency enables it to be quickly absorbed. Dilute in a carrier oil such as coconut oil and place a few drops under your tongue a few times a day. Let it sit for a few moments then rinse it out. You can also rub this mixture on the soles of your feet or use under the tongue to boost your immunity during cold and flu season, or before airline travel.

If you unfortunately become quite sick with the cold or flu before you have a chance to stave it off, you can ease your misery by adding a few drops of undiluted Oregano essential oil to a bowl of hot water and inhaling the steam for a few minutes. This is a very simple yet extremely effective method for loosening mucus, clearing a stuffy nose and helping to clear up bronchitis or a heavy chest cold. Not only will the steam alleviate your symptoms, the steam-propelled droplets of Oregano oil will fight the virus in your body as well as any bacteria in your respiratory passages.

Treatment for parasites

Let’s face it, most people are currently, or have been hosts to internal parasites, either protozoa (single-celled organisms) or helminths (worms). It’s a very common situation, given that many of us eat different types of foods that can carry these organisms. If you eat pork, shellfish, sushi, even raw and organically grown fruits and vegetables, chances are you’ve ingested a parasite in one stage of its life cycle or another. While most of us don’t suffer any major health catastrophes because of them, no one really wants to be an extended host for parasites! Civilizations both ancient and modern have relied on natural treatments, including Oregano essential oil, and mainstream medicine has shown it to be a successful remedy. So how can you terminate your unwelcome guests? Simply follow the same instructions above as for an immunity booster – dilute the Oregano essential oil in a carrier oil, place a few drops under your tongue for a few minutes, then rinse out. Do this three times daily to gently inhibit and remove the organisms without the possible side effects of taking an anti-parasite pill.

Now that you know the benefits of using Oregano essential oil in your daily life, why not begin using it to kick start better health and well-being naturally and without great expense? Also be sure to read our previous blog posts to see how other essential oils can improve your life!