In research done on the oil, it has been found that it could supercede many commonly-used pain killers, such as aspirin and even morphine. Oregano oil also has extremely high levels of free-radical-fighting antioxidants, agents that protect the body from the development of chronic conditions over time.
Oregano oil may also aid in the prevention and treatment of a variety of common infectious ailments including the common flu, psoriasis, eczema, Athlete’s foot, and bacterial infections.
Research on Oregano Oil
Studies have shown its usefulness against the prevention of candida albicans, aspergillus mold, staph infections, vaginal infections, pseudomonas and listeria. Certain studies reveal that it is as powerful a painkiller as the best ones on the market, with the added benefit that it is has little to zero side effects.
A study from the US Dept of Agriculture showed that oregano essential oils presented antimicrobial activities against Salmonella and E.coli. Other research holds the same, stating that oregano oil is such a powerful antimicrobial that it can be used to preserve food. Studies from the Department of Food Science at the University of Tennessee and the University of the Algarve found that similar results for oregano’s antibacterial action on pathogenic germs.
A recent study from the Department of Physiology & Biophysics at Georgetown University Medical Center, stated the following in regard to the use of essential oils for preventing infections:
“New, safe antimicrobial agents are needed to prevent and overcome severe bacterial, viral, and fungal infections. Based on our previous experience and that of others, we postulated that herbal essential oils, such as those of origanum (oregano oil)…offer such possibilities.”
Oil of oregano was found to be effective in killing Staphylococcus bacteria. It was also equally as effective in its germ-killing abilities as common prescription antibiotics like streptomycin, penicillin and vancomycin.
Another study published in the journal Experimental and Toxicologic Pathology found that oregano oil could lower the negative effects of induced colitis in rats. This use suggests it may be beneficial to the colon and liver.
More Health Benefits of Oregano Oil
- Acts as an anti-viral agent — Oregano oil can aid in protecting us against the common cold.
- Powerful anti-inflammatory
- Can help relieve congestion
- Emmenagogue — Oregano oil can aid in healing irregular menstruation and reducing the negative effects of menopause.
- Anti-allergen — Oregano oils produce a sedating effect on the hyper-sensitivity of allergies, offering relief for allergic reactions.
- Potent anti-oxidant capacity — Through neutralizing free-radicals, oregano oil helps us slow the process of cellular deterioration, thus slowing the process of aging. Anti-oxidants aid in protecting us from cancer, eye-diseases, muscle degeneration, as well as many nervous-system disorders. Rosmarinic acid, a component of oil of oregano, is an antihistimine, and a more powerful antioxidant than vitamin E.
- Digestive aid — Stimulates the flow of bile in the digestive organs
- Possesses powerful anti-fungal properties — With regular use, oregano oil can help protect us against fungal infections.
Anti-microbial capacities:
- Holds anti-bacterial properties — This essential oil may aid in the prevention of common bacterial infections, including urinary tract infections, skin infections and even food poisoning. A recent study on the antibacterial qualities of multiple essential oils found that both oregano and thyme oils showed the strongest levels of antibacterial activity.
- Inhibition of the growth of enteric parasites. A 6-weeks study on individuals with parasites found that supplementation with 600 mg of oregano oil daily led to a complete disappearance of the harmful organism. It may also protect us against a wide variety of different parasitic infiltration, both within the body, as well as the physical environment. This includes round worms, tape worms, bed bugs, lice, fleas and mosquitoes.
Oregano oil is also a excellent source of vitamins and minerals. It is high in the vitamins A C, and E complex, as well as zinc, magnesium, iron, calcium, potassium, copper, manganese and niacin.
