Oregano, more commonly known as oregano, was used by the ancient Greeks not only in culinary but also for therapeutic purposes. Discover the properties and uses of the oil derived from this unique, aromatic plant!
What is oregano oil?
Oregano oil is also known as a macerate, a product made from oregano leaves with characteristic physicochemical properties that are transferred to the oil in which they are placed for a certain period of time. The fat-soluble active substances found in the plant create what oregano oil is famous for – a product easy to apply internally and externally, with interesting properties. The most desirable ingredient for skin care is oregano essential oil, extracted through steam distillation of the herb. Wild oregano oil, on the other hand, is most commonly used for oral supplementation. Such oregano oil is consumed in very sparing amounts due to its intense effects – as discussed below.
Oregano properties
The health-promoting properties of oregano were appreciated by the ancients, who observed its antibacterial, antifungal, antiparasitic, and anti-inflammatory properties. As for oregano oil, its properties stem from its high thymol and carvacrol content. These compounds, among other things, have the ability to increase the production of saliva and gastric juices, which improves digestive processes. If you're planning to start using oregano oil, what benefits does it offer and when should you use it?
Oregano oil uses
When it comes to oregano oil, it's primarily used by people who want to improve their digestive system in a natural and proven way. Do you know what else oregano oil can help with? It's commonly used to treat coughs, as it has properties that support saliva secretions and facilitate clearing the respiratory tract during infections. It can also be helpful for skin problems. It's important to know that this product can be used orally, externally as a skin lubricant, as a mouthwash, or for inhalation.
What does oregano oil help with?
Due to its strong antibacterial, antifungal, and anti-inflammatory properties, as well as its ability to stimulate the secretion of mucus and digestive juices, its range of applications is very broad. Oregano oil – internal use primarily involves a small amount of the product to naturally relieve common ailments. Oregano oil is very popular for treating parasites, as its properties in this regard have been documented in research, but it is also used for coughs and even as an aid in asthma.
When it comes to oregano oil, fungal infections of the skin or mucous membranes are among the most common conditions treated with it, including in animals. Applying oregano oil to the skin can support the healing of difficult wounds and treat acne.However, oregano oil is most often used for colds, especially due to the wide range of possible uses – including inhalation.
Oregano oil dosage
Depending on the route of administration, there are different recommendations for the amount of product to use. Oregano oil – external dosing involves applying a small amount to the entire affected area, such as a fungal infection. Orally, 1-2 drops are typically taken twice daily. When using oregano oil, the dosage can be increased for inhalation – it's recommended to dilute about 20 drops in a hot bath to achieve the appropriate vapor concentration.
How to use oregano oil?
It's crucial to know that oregano has quite a strong, sometimes even irritating, effect. If you're considering adding oregano oil to your regimen, how do you use this product? One or two drops orally should be dissolved in a tablespoon of cooking oil, water, or juice. And how do you use oregano capsules? Simply swallow them and drink a sip; their design allows for the shell to dissolve and the active ingredient to be released only in the lower reaches of the digestive tract. And how do you apply oregano oil to the skin? Dilution is also important, for example, with another cosmetic or baby oil. Applying it directly can cause an unpleasant burning sensation.
Oregano oil for children
Oregano oil for children is one of the most popular remedies used by parents of toddlers during the most common infections. It's safe, inexpensive, and can help avoid antibiotics with a wide range of side effects. How should you use oregano oil for children? It works best as a gentle inhalation for coughs, but it can also be administered orally, for example, diluted in a large amount of water or juice. Pay attention to the product's concentration – 100% oregano oil for children should always be used highly diluted, regardless of the method used. Products with a concentration of, for example, 20% can also be used.
Oregano oil contraindications
Oregano oil – contraindications include pregnancy and breastfeeding. It is also not recommended for use by people allergic to plants from the mint family, including m.in. Oregano. As for oregano, side effects primarily concern its use in its undiluted form, which can cause irritation. People taking antidiabetic or anticoagulant medications should consult their doctor before using oregano preparations.
Oregano oil reviews
When it comes to pure, high-quality oregano oil, consumer reviews are mostly positive and result from long-term observations of their body after starting supplementation, inhaled for therapeutic purposes or for external use.If you're planning to buy oregano oil, which one should you choose? Wild oregano oil is the best choice. The reviews about this product can help you make the best purchase among the products available on the market.
Oregano oil in capsules
Those who don't enjoy the herb's distinctive flavor can opt for oregano oil capsules. For those who want to start taking it orally and want to take it anywhere and anytime, capsules are the most convenient form available.
How to make oregano oil?
Do you know how to make oregano oil at home? Use dried herbs, pour any cooking oil over them, and heat the container in a water bath over low heat for 2-4 hours, stirring occasionally. How do you make oregano oil from herbs you've picked yourself? Before the above process, harvest them in late spring, when the stems are not yet thick and the seeds haven't begun to ripen. Then, hang them in a dry, airy, cool, and shaded place, away from sunlight—this could cause loss of the valuable essential oils. After drying, simply remove the leaves and crumble them. Strain the finished product, let it cool, pour it into airtight, sterilized jars, and consume within a maximum of 4 weeks.
