Did you know that although oils derived from oregano extract and essential oils of oregano both come from the same plant, they are considered to be two separate products? The best part is that a variety of research and popular experiences say that these oils come up with a cool variety of positive effects on one’s health. Some of the most important things about oregano are also discussed below. Take a look and learn more about the importance of oregano oil when it comes to treating different illnesses or shielding your immune system.
Oregano Oil: Key Facts
Oregano, like mint, is a herb with flowers that belongs to the Lamiaceae family. The fact that it is frequently employed as a herb in the process of imparting flavor to food is both fascinating and lovely. But the thing with oregano essential oil is that it is really generated by air-drying the leaves and shoots of the plant. After they have been dried, the oil is extracted and then concentrated using a process called steam distillation. How amazing is it!
There are also chemical components found in oregano that are referred to as phenols, terpenoids, and terpenes. In addition to possessing high antioxidant qualities, they are also responsible for the fragrance:
- Thymol is a natural antifungal that also helps the immune system and guards against the effects of pollutants.
- Carvacrol is the phenol that is found in the highest concentration in oregano, and research has shown that it inhibits the growth of a wide variety of bacterial species.
- Rosmarinic acid is a potent antioxidant that assists in safeguarding against damage produced by free radicals. Rosmarinic acid is found in rosemary.
Now, let’s talk about the eight fantastic uses and advantages that oregano oil offers. Have a look at them all down below:
1) Antibiotics found in nature
Oregano essential oil may have protective properties against Pseudomonas aeruginosa and E. coli, two bacteria that are prominent reasons for urinary and respiratory tract infections. While many of the purported benefits of essential oils originate from anecdotal sources, limited study shows that oregano essential oil may have these effects.
2) An effective antioxidative agent
Although free radicals are a normal byproduct of metabolism, there is some evidence that they contribute to the aging process and the development of some illnesses, including cancer and heart disease. Exposure to external variables, such as cigarette smoke and air pollution, can also cause them to accumulate in the body. This is another way that they might cause problems.
It takes a lot smaller amount of oregano oil to provide the same level of antioxidant protection that you would get from consuming fresh oregano due to the high concentration of the oregano oil extract.
3) Has the potential to enhance intestinal health
Carvacrol and thymol are two chemicals that have been shown in research to be useful in the treatment of small intestinal bacterial overgrowth.
4) Could contribute to a reduction in cholesterol
Oregano and the oils extracted from it include a wide variety of polyphenols, including thymol and carvacrol. Previous studies have suggested that the use of these active substances can help reduce cholesterol levels. Unfortunately, the portion about the research is missing from here because there wasn’t any of it done.
5) May be useful in the treatment of yeast infections
According to a number of studies, oregano essential oil is an effective treatment for preventing the onset of Candida infections. Some types of the yeast Candida are found naturally on the skin, while other kinds of Candida yeasts have the potential to trigger infections in the mouth, blood, genital area, and internal organs.
6) Could have anti-inflammatory effects on the body
According to the findings of a study that was conducted back in 2017, some of the chemicals that are contained inside oregano essential oil possess anti-inflammatory capabilities. Still, they can also have a harmful effect on specific cells. As a consequence of this, more controlled research is required if its therapeutic application is to be evaluated in its entirety.
7) Could potentially inhibit the growth of cancerous cells
Carvacrol has shown encouraging outcomes against cancer cells in test-tube investigations conducted on liver, lung, and breast cancer cells. It has been demonstrated to both suppress the proliferation of cells and bring about the death of cancer cells.
8) Might be able to provide some pain relief
Oregano essential oils appear to have potential uses in alleviating discomfort when combined with other types of treatment, according to light research conducted on the topic.
How should oregano oil be used?
Oregano oil extract can be found in a variety of forms, including capsules and tablets. It is available for purchase at the majority of health food stores as well as online. In the event that you are already using prescription drugs and are considering adding oregano oil extract to your routine, it is imperative that you first discuss this decision with your primary care physician.
There is also an oregano essential oil that can be purchased, which, after being combined with a carrier oil, may be applied directly to the skin. Because the potency of oregano supplements might differ from one brand to the next, it is essential to follow the instructions provided on the back of each individual package before putting the product to use.
