Oregano oil is widely known as a potent germ-killer, anti-inflammatory and pain reliever. Not only is it highly respected within the natural health community, it is also being widely studied within the scientific community for its vast medical uses.
In research done on the oil, it has been found that it could supercede many commonly-used pain killers, such as aspirin and even morphine. Oregano oil also has extremely high levels of free-radical-fighting antioxidants, agents that protect the body from the development of chronic conditions over time.
Oregano oil may also aid in the prevention and treatment of a variety of common infectious ailments including the common flu, psoriasis, eczema, Athlete’s foot, yeast infections and bacterial infections.
Research on Oregano Oil
Studies have shown its usefulness against the prevention of candida albicans, aspergillus mold, staph infections, vaginal infections, pseudomonas and listeria. Certain studies reveal that it is as powerful a painkiller as the best ones on the market, with the added benefit that it is has little to zero side effects.
A study from the US Dept of Agriculture showed that oregano essential oils presented antimicrobial activities against Salmonella and E.coli. Other research holds the same, stating that oregano oil is such a powerful antimicrobial that it can be used to preserve food. Studies from the Department of Food Science at the University of Tennessee and the University of the Algarve found that similar results for oregano’s antibacterial action on pathogenic germs.
A recent study from the Department of Physiology & Biophysics at Georgetown University Medical Center, stated the following in regard to the use of essential oils for preventing infections:
In an article published on Science Daily, oil of oregano was found to be effective in killing Staphylococcus bacteria. It was also equally as effective in its germ-killing abilities as common prescription antibiotics like streptomycin, penicillin and vancomycin.
Another study published in the journal Experimental and Toxicologic Pathology found that oregano oil could lower the negative effects of induced colitis in rats. This use suggests it may be beneficial to the colon and liver.
More Health Benefits of Oregano Oil
- Acts as an anti-viral agent — Oregano oil can aid in protecting us against the common cold.
- Powerful anti-inflammatory
- Can help relieve congestion
- Emmenagogue — Oregano oil can aid in healing irregular menstruation and reducing the negative effects of menopause.
- Anti-allergen — Oregano oils produce a sedating effect on the hyper-sensitivity of allergies, offering relief for allergic reactions.
- Potent anti-oxidant capacity — Through neutralizing free-radicals, oregano oil helps us slow the process of cellular deterioration, thus slowing the process of aging. Anti-oxidants aid in protecting us from cancer, eye-diseases, muscle degeneration, as well as many nervous-system disorders. Rosmarinic acid, a component of oil of oregano, is an antihistimine, and a more powerful antioxidant than vitamin E.
- Digestive aid — Stimulates the flow of bile in the digestive organs
- Possesses powerful anti-fungal properties — With regular use, oregano oil can help protect us against fungal infections.
Anti-microbial capacities:
- Holds anti-bacterial properties — This essential oil may aid in the prevention of common bacterial infections, including urinary tract infections, skin infections and even food poisoning. A recent study on the antibacterial qualities of multiple essential oils found that both oregano and thyme oils showed the strongest levels of antibacterial activity.
- Inhibition of the growth of enteric parasites. A 6-weeks study on individuals with parasites found that supplementation with 600 mg of oregano oil daily led to a complete disappearance of the harmful organism. It may also protect us against a wide variety of different parasitic infiltration, both within the body, as well as the physical environment. This includes round worms, tape worms, bed bugs, lice, fleas and mosquitoes.
Oregano oil is also a excellent source of vitamins and minerals. It is high in the vitamins A C, and E complex, as well as zinc, magnesium, iron, calcium, potassium, copper, manganese and niacin.
I have used oregano oil for many different things over the years and highly recommend you keep some in your natural medicine cabinet. When researching oil of oregano products to buy, be sure to look at the amount of Carvacrol it contains, and also try to buy organic when possible. This is the oil of oregano product that I personally use and recommend for everyone.
January 10th, 2012 at 7:14 pm
I’d like information about using oregano oil for pain control. My husband has long term pain issues but can’t take anything for it because of liver problems.
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January 9th, 2012 at 10:48 pm
can you please tell me what this double negative means?
“Studies have shown its usefulness against the prevention of Candida albicans, aspergillus mold, staph infections, ”
it is useful against prevention??????
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December 27th, 2011 at 3:28 pm
I would like to know how to take it for soar neck and shoulder like in osto porosis
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March 27th, 2011 at 12:39 am
What is the shelf life for your Oregano Oil?
Thanks!
Jessina
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Dr. Edward Group replied on March 28th, 2011:
Hi Jessina!
Thanks for your question. Our Oregano Oil blend has a shelf life of two years. Some people have reported that it lasts longer, but we would only recommend using it for two years. Please don’t hesitate to contact us if you have any further questions. You can reply here, or email support directly. Have a great day!
~GHC
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March 11th, 2011 at 1:42 pm
I’ve been sick for over 3 weeks with an upper respiratory bug. I got the oregano oil in a couple of days ago and an hour after I took it my coughing subsided. I’ve been taking it twice a day for two days and this third day I feel like a new person! I can’t wait to see what else it does for me. I will never be without it from now on. This is great stuff!
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February 1st, 2011 at 6:11 pm
I was just told about Oregano OIl over the weekend. My cousin tells me all the time how I need to take more of it when I get a cold or the flu. Does it really help with those?
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December 29th, 2010 at 9:34 pm
Will oregano oil kill bed bugs? Get rid of them forever?
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December 23rd, 2010 at 7:48 am
I have not had a cold, flu, or virus since I started using Oregano Oil several years ago, because at the first sign that I’m catching something, I start taking my measured doses of it.
The oregano oil will kill all bacteria in you body; therefore it is important to put the good bacteria back into your stomach by eating yogurt a few days during and after the time you quit taking oregano oil.
Long term use–weeks, etc. is not recommended. Long term use can cause liver problems.
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Victor replied on December 23rd, 2010:
Actually you can take Oil of Oregano Pure, in a capsule. However at that strength, you can expect it to burn your throat and stomach a bit.
If you need full strength, put in 2 piece gel cap, and wash it down into your stomach with cheese, milk, bread, something that will wash it all the way down.
If used Pure, One drop under or in the back of your tongue will stop strep throat in a couple hours, and will stop flue and cold symptoms in a day or two. with Instant relief after applying.
I have used for over 10 years, and have even cured Pneumonia, on myself.
I have heard that Wild Mountain European Oregano was once called Hyssop, which is a word I have only heard from the Bible.
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December 23rd, 2010 at 7:33 am
Yes….but it burns my stomach and feels quite uncomfortable.
The only way I tried it—having read about it previously in an article which stated the same virtues—was in capsule form.
I had to stop.
Any ideas..?
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December 23rd, 2010 at 3:11 am
any suggestions on dosage? how often can you take it? i have chronic back and shoulder pain.
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October 4th, 2010 at 1:42 pm
Very interesting post. I have used oregano oil successfully to treat a fungus infection, but I have also had some problems taking it orally because it burns and stings a lot, especially if it comes into contact with mucoses… how do you normally take it?
thank you for your answer
Monica from Italy
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Dr. Edward Group replied on October 4th, 2010:
Hi Monica,
We always recommend taking it in an empty capsule. Whenever somebody purchases our oregano oil blend, we send a baggie full of vegetarian capsules along with the bottle.. OR you can easily obtain these at many health stores. Hope this helps!
~Dr. G
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September 5th, 2010 at 1:34 pm
Yes I agree Oregano oil is very, very helpful for prevention and aiding the healing process. It has a great healing power, strong enough to kill any virus when taken for long periods. (3-4 weeks faithfully) I am sending (linking) people to this blog from my blog on health tips. Just click on my name. Thank you for writing this very informative blog on oregano. I am a true believer.
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vivian replied on September 28th, 2010:
You must use the Wild Oregano. It is a different plant than the oregano used for cooking.
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June 26th, 2010 at 9:51 am
Fantastic post.
Any recommendations on the daily dose of Oil of Oregano?
I’ve been taking it sporadically and have heard it’s great for oral health as well. I typically put two-three droplets in a half a glass of water. Any recommendations on whether this is an ideal amount or not?
Cheers.
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June 9th, 2010 at 7:51 am
Great article, I never knew that Oregano Oil can be used for fighting germs or as an anti-allergen.
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May 17th, 2010 at 7:25 am
How could I buy oregano oil here in Brazil?
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February 16th, 2010 at 5:47 pm
What is the difference between using oil of oregano and using the leaves fresh to make a tea? I grow lots of oregano in the garden and wonder if this has similar benefits?
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February 1st, 2010 at 4:18 pm
Wow – I had no idea how great oregano is! I’m going to check out the oregano oil you suggested – it might be something new to keep on hand!
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January 18th, 2010 at 2:49 pm
I had gotten some to keep on hand after much research and it just so happened that my dog got an ear infection, we treated it with OoO and it worked. After Christmas the husband & I both started coming down w/something (swine flu is prevalent where we are) and we loaded up on OoO/d3/zinc… it never progressed (which is a miracle in itself w/hubby). As a side note, we both noticed that our backs were feeling much better than usual (we both have very bad backs) and now it’s a daily staple. It has REALLY reduced the inflammation in both of our backs but particularly in his.
Great stuff!
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December 30th, 2009 at 2:55 pm
good post, I learned something new today!
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December 28th, 2009 at 6:10 pm
I have seen a significant reducition in lung congestion by using oil of oregano daily two times.
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December 16th, 2009 at 1:50 pm
Your Oregano oil post was excellent. I loved reading it and learning about all the amazing health benefits oregano oil has.
Thank you for sharing this knowledge.
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December 14th, 2009 at 10:41 pm
Oregano oil was a good alternative to conventional pain meds. when I had a severe sinus infection. Works well as a support mechanism for intestinal cleansing too. My barber swears by it for weight loss but I haven’t seen it do that for me.
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