Ok, I have to admit, I did not know a lot about Oregano essential Oil. I thought it was just for food flavoring.....but BOY WAS I WRONG!
I recently read an article published by Epoch Times on 9/19 written by Joseph Mercola. The title of the article was "This Herb Can Do Wonders for Your Immune System".! The first section of the article grabbed my attention as to how much this oil can help your immune system! As a sufferer of Rheumatoid Arthritis, I was amazed I could use Oregano to help with inflammation.
WHO KNEW? Well, I didn't so I want to share this article with you as well. Below are just a few key points in Dr. Mercola's article!
Your immune system is a complex network responsible for defending your body against pathogens. Consider including this herb to fight the common cold and support your gut microbiome.
STORY AT-A-GLANCE
- Oregano is an herb with a potent antioxidant capacity that not only is high in the phytonutrients carvacrol and thymol, but has one of the higher Oxygen Radical Absorbance Capacity (ORAC) measurements in the herb family
- Oregano oil can be purchased as an essential oil. Take care when purchasing oils since some manufacturers sell adulterated products. THIS is where Young Living's "Seed to Seal" is very important!
- The extract and essential oil can be used topically to help treat fungal infections, such as athlete’s foot or ringworm. Data show diluted oil can be used in wound care dressings to prevent infections and topically to treat pain and swelling
- Oil of oregano is a popular treatment for the common cold and can be used to support beneficial bacteria in your small intestines by treating bacterial overgrowth and norovirus that triggers gastroenteritis
Oregano essential oils have been studied extensively as the plant and oil has a rich history in traditional medicine,[6] beginning in the Middle Ages when the leaves were chewed to help reduce the pain of rheumatism, toothache, and indigestion. The ancient Greeks used it to treat skin conditions and the herb was used in China for fever and upset stomach.
One lab analysis of the antioxidant ability of foods is called the Oxygen Radical Absorbance Capacity (ORAC). The measurement was used to demonstrate that foods high in antioxidant capacity could help slow the process of aging in the brain and body.[9]
The U.S. Department of Agriculture[10] reported studies published in 1999 that showed high-ORAC foods could help prevent long-term memory loss, raise antioxidant serum levels, and protect capillaries in an animal model against oxygen damage.
Have You Considered Oil of Oregano for the Common Cold?
A few studies have evaluated the efficacy of oregano essential oil or oregano oil extract against upper respiratory infections. One 2019 study[21] looked at a blend of oregano, thyme and salvia oils against upper respiratory tract viruses, including adenovirus 5, rhinovirus, influenza and RSV. The blend showed strong antiviral activity against rhinovirus and two of the three strains of influenza.
Oregano Supports Your GI Tract
Your immune system is largely supported by the beneficial bacteria in your gastrointestinal tract, referred to as your gut microbiome. Oregano oil can have an impact on supporting your gut microbiome and treating bacterial overgrowth.
Oregano oil and carvacrol are also active against bacterial agents in the kitchen that can lead to food poisoning. For example, another study[29] found oregano essential oil could remove staphylococcus aureus biofilms on stainless steel.
Finally, oregano oil also shows activity against small intestinal bacterial overgrowth (SIBO). This condition can develop after surgery, disease or medications have slowed the intestinal tract, which then sets up a breeding ground for harmful bacteria.[30] Excess harmful bacteria can cause malnutrition, diarrhea, and weight loss.
Oregano Oil Treats Several Skin Conditions
Nearly 25% of all fungal infections worldwide are caused by dermatophytes.[35] Skin infections are difficult to treat and are growing resistant to conventional medications.
One study[36] published in 2020 evaluated the efficacy of a wide range of essential oils against Microsporum and Trichophyton, two common fungi responsible for athlete’s foot and ringworm. They found that of the 65 essential oils tested, oregano was in the top five most potent.
The anti-inflammatory and antimicrobial properties of oregano oil make it an option for treating acne and eczema.
Wound infections present a significant health care challenge, costing Medicare up to $96.8 billion every year.[40] One study[41] demonstrated that the combination of turmeric and oregano extracts may be an effective addition to wound care dressings for diabetics and non-diabetics. Using relatively low concentrations, it demonstrated antibacterial and anti-inflammatory properties.
A second study[42] incorporated oregano essential oil into antimicrobial wound dressings and found concentrations of 5% inhibited all the tested strains of bacteria, including Staphylococcus aureus, MRSA, and E coli.
Pain and Swelling Respond to Oregano Oil
A chronic inflammatory response is a characteristic symptom of rheumatoid arthritis. By 2018, researchers[45] were looking at the effect carvacrol had on fibroblast-like synoviocytes, which play a role in the chronic inflammatory process found in rheumatoid arthritis. Note: This is what got my attention the most!
The anti-inflammatory and antimicrobial properties of oregano oil have made it a popular addition to skincare products. One study[46] looked at the biological activity in a human skin cell model and found evidence that suggests oregano essential oil not only is a promising candidate as an anti-inflammatory but one with anticancer properties as well.
Take Care When Choosing Your Oil
The essential oil is made from dried shoots and leaves and is extracted using steam distillation. The essential oil can then be mixed with carrier oil and used on the skin. Take care to check the label to make sure it’s made by a trusted manufacturer (queue Young Living) that sells pure, organic oils, as many “bargain” brands can be adulterated! That is all Young Living does is sell pure 100% essential oils!
Clinical herbalist Michelle Lynde writes[49] that the ideal ratio when diluting oregano oil for topical use is one part oregano oil to three parts carrier oil. A few drops of essential oil can also be added to a vaporizer or diffuser to help relieve the symptoms of allergies, sinusitis, chronic bronchitis, and coughs.
YOUNG LIVING OFFERS OREGANO
Oregano essential oil is one of the most powerful and versatile antioxidant essential oils. It may help stimulate the immune and digestive systems, strengthen the energy centers of the body, and enhance the flavor of food.*
Summary
If you thought Oregano oil was just used for cooking as I did, you are missing out on what it can do for you. Now I do warn you, the smell can lead people to think you had pasta all day long. But really, I can't do without it!
If you want to order a bottle of Young Livings Oregano, the retail cost is about $42 for a 15ml bottle. However, I can show you how to get 25% off (about $32) by becoming a Loyalty member of Young Living.
Interested? Visit my website: www.garyrathbun.com to learn how. Or just get in touch with me and I will walk you through the process!
Anyway, Miss you guys, Candi