5 Reasons Why Oregano Oil Is Good for You

If you love making tomato-based sauces or tasty dishes, you’ve probably used oregano to boost their flavor. Also known as European oregano, wild marjoram or Spanish thyme, oregano is renowned for its culinary and medicinal purposes.

This well-loved herb can also be made into an essential oil, and is often sold as a liquid extract, capsule or tablet. Oregano oil can be a good addition to your health arsenal since it may promote these five health benefits:

Provide relief against respiratory infections – Oregano oil possesses antiviral, anti-inflammatory and antibacterial effects that can help boost your immunity and alleviate respiratory issues like colds, coughs, flu, sore throats and bronchitis. It also induces sweating that can lower body temperature, and helps clear lungs and bronchial passages when applied topically or inhaled.

Two phenols in oregano oil called thymol and carvacrol are responsible for these effects. Thymol, a natural fungicide with antiseptic properties, helps boost your immune system and works as a shield against toxins. Carvacrol may help eliminate bacteria like Candida albicans, Staphylococcus, campylobacter, salmonella, klebsiella, aspergillus mold, pseudomonas and listeria.

Lower urinary tract infection (UTI) risk – Growth of UTI-causing bacteria strains such as Escherichia coli (E.coli) and Proteus may be prevented with the help of oregano oil. Carvacrol helps eliminate the Pseudomonas aeruginosa bacterium, a pathogen responsible for many cases of hospital-acquired UTIs.

Combat fungal and yeast infections – Oregano oil is a powerful antifungal. It may help prevent growth of fungi responsible for athlete’s foot and yeast infection (Candida), and relieve skin and nail fungal infections. One study found that oregano oil may work better than natural supplements in addressing yeast infections resistant to the antifungal prescription drug fluconazole (Diflucan).

Eradicate parasites – This oil can help kill parasites like roundworms and tapeworms inside your body, as well as ward off bed bugs, lice, fleas and mosquitoes in your surroundings. Another study pointed out that oregano extract can be effective against Giardia, a type of parasite that triggers more than 200 million infections yearly.

Fight pathogens responsible for foodborne illnesses and lessen risk for digestive problems – Bacteria strains such as salmonella, E.coli, listeria and Shigella dysenteria, all of which may cause foodborne illnesses, can be eliminated from your body with the help of oregano oil. This herbal remedy may also alleviate symptoms brought on by foodborne illness, such as nausea, vomiting and indigestion. Its thymol and carvacrol content can promote bile flow that may help improve digestion and address stomach upsets.

Oregano oil can also help fight the gastric ulcer-causing Helicobacter pylori bacteria and alleviate bowel problems like constipation, diarrhea, bloating or indigestion.

Adding oregano oil to eggs, salad, or other dishes may even help prevent growth of food poisoning-causing microbes. You can also use oregano oil to prevent food spoilage by simply dabbing a few drops of the oil in leftovers.

Before trying oregano oil, talk to your doctor and take an allergen patch test to see if your skin will react negatively to the substance. Dilute oregano oil in a carrier oil like coconut, olive, sweet almond or jojoba. Take note, however, that children, pregnant women or women planning to get pregnant shouldn’t use oregano oil because it may trigger side effects.

yogaesoteric

January 13, 2020