Oregano oil: what is it for and how to use it

The essential oil of oregano is a concentrated product that is extracted from the plant origanum compactum, and is characterized by exerting antibacterial, antioxidant and antifungal action, so that its use could provide several benefits for health, such as fighting the flu and the cold, for example..

Its medicinal properties are mainly due to the fact that it has the components called carvacrol and thymol, which are the ones that give the characteristic odor to oregano.

The oregano oil can be applied on the skin, used to perform inhalations and can be taken in the form of capsules, and can be purchased at natural products stores, pharmacies and stores online.

what is it for

Oregano oil could help to fight different viral, bacterial and mycotic infections, providing several health benefits:

• fight respiratory diseasessuch as the flu and the cold, due to its antiviral, antioxidant and antibacterial properties that help to alleviate the respiratory symptoms associated with these diseases;
• Prevent premature aging and chronic diseases, like diabetes or obesity, you can be rich in antioxidants that prevent the damage caused by free radicals to cells;
• Reduce pain and inflammationhelping to treat problems such as colic, rheumatism, abdominal pain and muscle pain, as well as analgesic and anti-inflammatory properties;
• improve digestionbecause it helps to maintain the balance of the bacterial flora, reducing the emergence of gases and colic;
• Fight fungal infectionsdebido al timol, el cual seems to fight infections caused by el fungo de la species Candida sp;

It is also possible that it helps to reduce cholesterol, triglycerides and blood pressure, thus preventing the emergence of cardiovascular diseases, thanks to its anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties, however, more studies are needed to complete it.

How to use oregano oil

The essential oil of oregano must not be ingested, as it can cause burning of the esophagus and stomach as it is very concentrated, for this reason it can be used for inhalations, in capsules or tablets and to apply on the skin:

1. To make inhalations

It should be inhaled directly from the oil bottle, inhale deeply, contain the air and release the air through the mouth. Initially you should take 3 to 5 inhalations, 10 times a day and then increase to 10 inhalations.

You can also put 2 drops of essential oil of oregano in an aroma diffuser.

2. In capsules

Oregano oil can be found in capsules or tablets and must be taken according to the manufacturer’s instructions, which in general are 1 to 2 capsules a day.

3. Apply to the skin

The oregano oil could be applied to the skin when it is mixed with a base oil or carrier to reduce its concentration, such as coconut oil, sweet almonds or jojoba oil, for example. In general, the recommended dose is 1 drop for every 5mL of base oil and is applied to the skin.

See all the benefits of oregano in the video below:

side effects

In general, the use of oregano oil is safe and does not cause side effects, but some people who are sensitive or allergic to the oregano plant may experience problems such as skin irritation, diarrhea and vomiting.

Before its topical use, for example, a small amount of oil should be placed in the skin and observed if there is any adverse reaction. The essential oil of oregano must not be ingested, as it can cause internal burns because it is very concentrated.

Contraindications

Oregano oil is contraindicated in people who have allergies to tomillo, albahaca, mint or salvia, and they can be sensitive to oregano, as they are from the same family.

In addition, it should not be used in embarassed women, during maternal lactation and in children under 12 years of age, as they may not know what effects it could cause.