Oregano scientifically known as Origanum Vulgare is a well-known culinary herb that is often used in tomato sauces, fried vegetables, and grilled meat. However, there are other uses and benefits of this herb. Oregano essential oil is known for its ability to slow food spoilage through its antibacterial, antifungal, antiparasitic, and antioxidant activity, but it doesn’t stop there. Oregano essential oil also offers health benefits such as treating colds, influenza, mild fevers, fungal infections, indigestion, upset stomach, enteric parasites, and painful menstruation.
Herbal remedy oil of oregano is one of the most powerful broad-spectrum herbal supplements available. Many of us have enjoyed oregano with our food at one time or another. However, how much more would you enjoy it if you knew how beneficial oregano could be for your health? Historically, Greek physicians used oregano essential oil for wounds, headaches, and poisonous bites and even hemlock poisoning. Its medicinal benefits were used to treat lung conditions, bronchitis, sinusitis, and cold symptoms including cough. During the 17th century, it was considered throughout Europe as an effective remedy for colds. Used by doctors to induce menstruation as early as the 19th century, the benefits of using oregano essential oil have now caught the interest of modern researchers. Alternative medicine practitioners often recommend oregano as an essential herb to aid in recovery from a variety of ailments.
The active compounds in oregano essential oil are thymol and carvacrol. These natural plant chemicals are also used in products like Listerine, which was originally used as a surgical antiseptic. I even understand that these compounds have been found in the Gold Bond Powder. As you can see, modern society is recognizing the uses and health benefits of these compounds in oregano essential oil. However, these are not the only beneficial compounds in oregano essential oil. I am going to list some of the components of this essential oil starting with Carvacrol.
Carvacrol: This volatile oil was shown in studies to be a powerful antimicrobial and food preservative. Research shows that it is effective against bacteria such as:
Escherichia coli
Salmonella enterica
Listeria monocytogenes
Carvacrol also works as an antifungal. A recent study showed that you can use Carvacrol to eliminate parasitic infections.
Thymol: Thymol is widely used as an antibacterial, antimicrobial, and antifungal. Thymol has antiseptic properties and is a very effective disinfectant even better than carbolic acid. Thymol has been used to successfully control varroa mites and prevent fermentation and mold growth in bee colonies. There is also evidence to support the belief that thymol is also a natural fungicide, when applied two to three times a day, it can eliminate certain types of fungal infections affecting the fingernails and toenails and for the treatment of sores. ringworm infections (ringworm). It is related to Carvacrol, which means it has the same molecular formula but the atoms are arranged differently. Some over-the-counter medications use thymol for acne, hemorrhoids, and athlete’s foot. It is the active antiseptic ingredient in Euthymol toothpaste, a component of Vicks Vapor rub, which has brought relief to many people. Thymol inhibits the ability of E.coli and Staphylococcus aureus to adhere to human cells. The antimicrobial mechanism of thymol disrupts the bacterial cell wall and causes the contents or cytoplasm to leak.
Terpenes have antibacterial properties. The name, terpene, comes from the word ‘turpentine’. While turpentine is known as a common paint stripping solvent, this ingredient plays a healthier role in oregano oil. Tea tree oil is another healthy oil that contains terpenes.
Rosmarinic acid has antioxidant, anti-inflammatory and antimicrobial activities. The antioxidant activity of rosmarinic acid is said to be stronger than that of vitamin E. It has been shown to prevent cell damage from free radicals, thus reducing the risk of atherosclerosis and cancer. It is currently being studied for its effects on Alzheimer’s disease.
Naringin has antioxidant, anticancer and cholesterol-lowering activity. It was shown to inhibit the growth of cancer cells. It is a major flavonoid in grapefruit that gives grapefruit juice its bitter taste. Herbal remedy oil of oregano not only helps fight germs, but also helps fight oxidation and reduces the risk of cancer. Research shows that Naringin stimulates the effect of caffeine and therefore may increase its fat-burning action.
Tocopherols: The most popular tocopherol is vitamin E, a powerful antioxidant.
Other ingredients found in oregano essential oil include calcium, magnesium, zinc, iron, potassium, copper, boron, and manganese, vitamins C, A, and niacin.
