Oregano is one such herb that has innumerable benefits in essential oil form. Oregano oil is steam distilled from the blossom, stem, and root portions of the oregano plant. It has a middle perfumery note and the aroma is warm, sharp, and spicy. The oregano plant is native to Greece, but is now grown all over the world.
Often people think of using dry or fresh Oregano herb in the kitchen, as it offers a wonderful depth of flavor and a delicious aroma, but Oregano oil can be used in this same way with better results! One tiny drop of oregano oil in place of dried oregano can add a burst of delicious flavor to your savory dishes, which is much better than using dry oregano because the flavor is more intense.
In the process of drying herbs, many molecules of oils found in plants evaporate, which means dry herbs have less therapeutic benefits than oils, which are the concentrated essence of the plant. So it's suffice to say, you'll get more health benefits by using the Oregano oil instead of the herb-dry or fresh since it's a LOT more concentrated. So just dilute it first with olive oil or coconut oil to ensure the flavor gets dispersed throughout the whole dish.
Make sure though you only ingest USDA Certified Organic essential oils, otherwise you may risk getting intoxicated with traces of pesticides and chemical fertilizers sprayed on non-organic plants. Only USDA organic oils have been deemed as safe for ingestion by FDA.
Beyond the kitchen here are some other amazing health benefits you get from consuming Oregano oil on a weekly basis.
1 & 2. Natural antibiotic and antiviral agent
The problem with using antibiotic medication is that they kill not only the bad bacteria but also the good bacteria in our gut, which protects our immune system according to Mayo Clinic research studies. Overuse or misuse of antibiotics when it's not required promotes antibiotic resistance, which is dangerous, resulting in 35,000 deaths every year in the US.
Viral infections which are caused by viruses such as colds, flu, bronchitis, most coughs, stomach flu, covid-19 are not helped by taking antibiotics at all. Antibiotics should be taken only in the case of a serious bacterial infection, such as strep throat, which is caused by bacteria. But it's not the right treatment for most sore throats, which are caused by viruses.
This is where Oregano oil can be extremely effective against many clinical strains of bacteria, including Escherichia coli (E. coli) and Pseudomonas aeruginosa. It contains carvacrol and thymol, two antibacterial and antifungal compounds.
Other studies show that oregano oil is successful at fighting off Staphylococcus aureus, a bacteria that is known to cause upper respiratory infections. Besides it doesn't create antibiotic resistance like the broad spectrum antibiotics. And there's a lot more scientific evidence that proves the power of Oregano as a natural antibiotic powerhouse.
To use is an antibiotic, you can add 1-2 drops of Oregano to your water, tea, smoothie, soups, salads, pasta or other favorite dishes. Oregano oil should not be taken for more than 14 consecutive days. Or you can use it as mentioned above - pro-actively- 2 times a week to protect your immune system from viral and bacterial infections. Probably the most effective use in case of any respiratory infection or issue is to diffuse it with a nebulizer.
Oregano antibacterial and antiviral benefits range from helping the body protect and heal itself of common illnesses such as cold and flu, coughs and other respiratory infections to using it as a household cleaner. As a cleaner you can add several drops to your sanitizer, laundry detergent, as well as your dish soap, counter top and floor cleaning solutions.
EXTRA TIPS: If you're still wearing a mask while in public or during your flight, just add 1-2 drops of Oregano oil to your mask to stay protected against viruses and germs. Also, make sure you pack a little bottle with you when you travel. You can add 1-2 drops it to your sanitizer, and also to your water as a mouth wash. Your breath will also smell nice and prevent cavities.
If you're sick with a cold or have allergy and must be in public, then wearing a mask with a few drops of Oregano oil on it will help you breath better and recover faster.
3. Anti-inflamatory
The main components in oregano oil are carvacrol, thymol, and y-terpinene. In a study done on a human skin cell disease model, the components in oregano oil showed a major effect on the growth of new diseased cells and also inhibited inflammatory markers. This study concluded, “These findings along with existing studies largely support the anti-inflammatory, tissue remodeling, immunomodulatory, and anticancer activities of OEO .” (oregano essential oil)
The carvacrol found in oregano essential oil is so potent that it has been been the focus of over 800 studies referenced in PubMed, the world’s No. 1 database for scientific evidence-based literature, shown to be treat a large variety of medical problems:
- Allergies
- Bacterial infections
- Candida
- Fungal infections
- Indigestion Parasites
- Inflammation
- Tumors
- Viruses
The presence of carvacrol in Oregano oil is responsible for making this oils such a powerhouse when it comes to treating all kinds of infections as carvacrol seems to be especially helpful for controlling the growth of bad microbes in the body.
Diluted, oregano oil can be used topically to soothe skin conditions due to eczema, acne, or other minor skin irritations.
The anti-inflammatory effect can also help to soothe an irritated throat and ease coughing, or other issues by using it a nebulizing diffuser, which is the most efficient way to treat any respiratory conditions including allergies, and sinus infections, in which case you can also add 1-2 drops to your drinks: water, tea, smoothies, and your food.
EXTRA TIP: If you don't have a nebulizer or a diffuser, you can still benefit from this amazing oil. Put a drop of USDA organic Oregano oil in your water, smoothie or tea to prevent respiratory infection and to fight against germs and viruses. We only recommend using USDA organic oils which are the only ones deemed as safe by FDA for ingestion.
4. Supports the heart
In addition to its anti-inflammatory action, oregano oil is known to support a healthy heart. In a study of individuals with mildly high cholesterol, all of the participants were given the same diet and exercise advice but the study group was also told to use oregano oil. These participants had a decrease in ‘bad’ cholesterol (LDL) and an increase of ‘good’ cholesterol (HDL). The conclusion: Oregano had a positive effect on the lipid profile. Another study found the compounds thymol and carvacrol were responsible for the effects on LDL. For the heart, you can add 1-2 drops of Oregano to your favorite drinks and foods.
The benefits of thymol found in Oregano don’t stop there. Thymol was studied to be antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, antiseptic, antiparasitic, antibacterial, antifungal and more! This means there are numerous uses and benefits from oregano oil, which is highly comprised of thymol.
5. Antiparasitic
Oregano’s antiparasitic factor makes it a great ingredient to use in natural insect repellants. It also makes oregano oil a wonderful natural option to treat and prevent internal parasites. In fact, a study was done on fourteen adults who tested positive for internal parasites. In the majority of participants, there was a total disappearance of parasitic activity and an improvement in gastrointestinal symptoms. As a repelant, you can add a few drops in a spray bottle or jojoba oil and apply it on your skin.
6. Antifungal
Oregano oil can deliver benefits from fighting off a yeast infection to preventing and fighting dangerous fungal infections that can invade the organs. You can use it to treat toenail fungus and athletes foot by applying directly onto the affected area twice/daily.
Conclusion
Oregano oil is a powerful natural medicine that mother nature has gifted us. There are so many possible uses, even beyond what is outlined above! Consider using 1-2 drops pro-actively on a weekly basis in your foods and diffusing it 1-2 times per week to prevent all infections, allergies, cold and flu and all respiratory ailments. Prevention is much easier and less painful than treating a problem.
Please take a look at the product page for Oregano Oil to find out what oils it blends well with, safety considerations, and more. Herba Vera is proud to offer only USDA Certified Organic essential oils, which is the highest quality you can trust.
Checkout the recipes with Oregano oil below which you should try at home by replacing the Oregano herb with the Oregano oil which is a lot more powerful than the herb itself. Of course, besides these recipes below you can add 1-2 drops to your water, tea, smoothies, soups, pasta, pizza sauce, salad dressing and any other recipes you like.
RECIPES WITH ORGANIC OREGANO OIL
HEALTHIEST Tahini Dressing with Thyme and Oregano Essential Oils
The Tastiest Baked Sweet Potatoes with Oregano and Lemon Oils
The Healthiest, Gluten-Free Quinoa Hummus with Lemon and Oregano Oils
Grab this amazing oil or other Oregano Bundles below:
Oregano Essential Oil Wellness Bundle