The benefits of oregano oil

Oregano oil is a natural substance that is extracted from wild oregano plants, and two key compounds found in it are carvacrol and thymol. Many studies have shown that both of these compounds have significant effects on health.

Oregano oil and what it can do for you

Overview First and foremost, it is important that you do not confuse oregano oil with oregano spices - you know, the stuff you throw in the pot when you are cooking up a storm in the kitchen. That is dried oregan, the spice. Oregano oil comes from the oregano plant and the health benefits associated with it are anti viral, anti bacterial, anti fungal, anti parasitic, anti oxidant, anti inflammatory, digestive, emenagogue and anti allergenic. The Essential Oil of Oregano is extracted through steam distillation of fresh leaves of Oregano, bearing the scientific name Origanum Vulgare. Its chief components are Carvacrol, Thymol, Cymene, Caryophyllene, Pinene, Bisabolene, Linalool, Borneol, Geranyl Acetate, Linalyl Acetate and Terpinene. The disinfectant and anti bacterial properties of this oil were recognised in ancient Greece where they used for treating bacterial infections on skin, wounds and otherwise and also to protect food from bacteria. It is a plant of higher altitudes and normally grows in mountains, thus getting the name Oregano which means “Delight of the Mountains”.

Wild oregano oil

Wild oil Wild oregano oil is available to buy as a supplement in most chemists and health shops and oregano oil benefits are well documented. Skin infections, acne, digestion problems, bladder complaints, sore throats and colds and sinus infection are all health problems that oregano essential oil and can help fight. The problem in our current society is that our bodies are becoming more and more resistant to antibiotics and for this reason many people are finding that they are more open minded when it comes to trying a natural cure. However, oil of oregano does have side effects, one of which is that it reduces the body's ability to absorb iron. Anyone who is pregnant or anaemic should not take it. People who are allergic to thyme, mint, sage or basil may also be allergic to oregano oil as they all belong to the same family.