If you like to spice up your meals, you have many options to add flavor. Basil, mint and oregano are just a few examples of flavor-enhancing herbs. Aside from their flavor, herbs are often touted for their health benefits as well.
Oregano – commonly used in Italian, Greek and Spanish cuisine – also contains many properties to help keep us healthy. Oregano can come in herb form or as an essential oil (often referred to as oil of oregano), but regardless of how you use it you can be sure to improve your overall health. Let’s examine the health benefits of oregano oil in further detail.
7 Amazing health benefits of oregano oil
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Anti-inflammatory: Oregano oil can be used as an effective anti-inflammatory, whether ingested or used topically. When applied topically to an affected area, it works to reduce soreness and redness of the specific area. When ingested, although it can still combat inflammation, it will travel throughout the body without pinpointing an exact area.
Antibacterial: Ingesting oregano oil can help ward of bacterial illnesses. Furthermore, the antibacterial properties in oregano oil do not impact healthy bacteria like many other antibacterial do, so you don’t have to worry about compromising your immune system.
Antifungal: Oregano oil can be applied topically or ingested to help protect against fungal infections. Fungal infections can be caused by viruses, bacteria, fungus or protozoa, which oregano can help fight against.
Antioxidant: As an antioxidant, oregano oil can help fight-off free radicals. Free radicals are what lead to oxidative stress, contributing to wrinkles, vision loss and nervous disorders.
Anti-allergenic: If you suffer from allergies, whether seasonal or year round, opt for some oregano as part of your allergy-fighting routine. Oregano oil sedates the hypersensitivity to stimuli – which is what allergies are – to offer relief from allergy symptoms.
Digestion: Oregano oil works to promote the secretion of digestive juices and helps boost nutrient absorption, meaning you’ll get more out of the foods you eat to promote good health.
Cold-fighter: If you begin to get the sniffles or a sore throat, reach for oregano oil as your first line of defense against a cold. Although not a cure, oregano oils helps to boost your immune system and shorten the duration of the cold.
How to use oregano and oregano oil
To get the many benefits of oregano and oregano oil it’s imperative you are aware how to consume it. Below are the different ways to use oregano and oregano oil in order to apply them to particular ailments.
- Consumed in herb form while cooking or steeped in hot water to make tea
- Dilute a few drops of oregano oil in water (the taste is quite strong in oil form)
- Oregano oil can be combines with coconut oil to treat skin infections
- Mix oregano oil with olive oil as an oil pulling routine for teeth and gums
- Drops can be added directly on the tongue
Side effects and caution of oregano oil
Generally, oregano oil is safe to consume, but it does come with some warning. If taken in high dosages or applied directly onto the skin – without being diluted – it can lead to irritation or the breakdown of the mucus membrane. As a natural herb there is an allergic potential, so check with your doctor prior to use. Some individuals develop an upset stomach from the consumption of oregano. Pregnant and nursing women should avoid oregano as it can impede hormone levels. Lastly, if you have heart problems or high blood pressure, ensure you consult with your physician before use.
Keep in mind that in pure form oregano oil is very pungent in taste and should not be consumed regularly. Therefore, always dilute pure oregano oil before ingesting or applying topically.
Related Reading:
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Sources:
https://www.organicfacts.net/health-benefits/essential-oils/health-benefits-of-oregano-essential-oil.html
http://www.webmd.com/vitamins-supplements/ingredientmono-644-oregano.aspx?activeingredientid=644&activeingredientname=oregano
http://wellnessmama.com/8409/oregano-herb-profile/
http://www.medicalnewstoday.com/articles/266259.php
http://www.globalhealingcenter.com/natural-health/10-uses-organic-oregano-oil/
http://www.huffingtonpost.ca/2013/11/14/oil-of-oregano-benefits_n_4274795.html
