Can you imagine an amazing herb strong enough to sterilize sewage water, but gentle enough not to harm human tissue? Most of us are very familiar with this herb as it is used for flavoring in cooking. Now more of us are realizing the incredible health benefits of this herb when it is delivered in essential oil form. Essential oils work far faster than teas and many times faster than capsules and are readily digestible and quickly absorbed and assimilated into our physical system. We all have heard of oregano as it is used on our pizza. Now we can realize the health benefits of oregano in essential oil form.
The results of research done in 1910 by W.H. Martindale, lead him to conclude that “the essential oil of oregano is the most powerful plant-derived antiseptic known.” Research in 1977 done by Dr. Belaniche resulted in his “oregano Index” against which all other antibacterial substances are compared. Oil of Oregano is the closest to being the ideal antibacterial agent. Dr. Blaiche states “Among the more active of oils, Oregano is the best of the best. The essential oil of oregano has always provided me with amazing results in treating infectious diseases. Dr. Jean Valnet who is a French authority on the use and benefits of essentials oils, states that essential oils “proved to be many times more effective at killing pathogenic microorganisms than antibiotics.”
An active ingredient of oil of oregano is carvacrol which has been found to help relieve upper respiratory infections such as colds and sinus infections. It potently inhibits platelet aggression which is a risk factor in blood clot formation that is a major cause of strokes and heart attacks. Oil of oregano, in one study, was found to reduce melanoma by 50% in vitro. Oil of oregano has powerful anti-viral, anti-fungal and anti-parasitic properties. This is important because parasites and viruses, like yeasts, cannot be treated successfully by antibiotics. In a 1966 study published in Medical sciences Research, it was shown that oil of oregano killed RNA and DNA viruses such as sold sores, genital herpes, and shingles. This makes it a very beneficial for treating the conditions of colds and flu. Oil of oregano is significantly effective in treating various forms of harmful parasites. Oil of oregano is an effective digestive aid. Oil of oregano has also been found to surpass prescription synthetic anti-inflammatory drugs in it’s effectiveness in relieving and reversing pain and has been said to be almost as powerful as morphine. Oil of oregano has been shown to strengthen the immune system. As an antioxidant, it halts the formation of cholesterol which is responsible for arteriosclerosis, i.e. hardening of the arteries.
An extra advantage of oil of oregano is that it can be used either topically or internally, depending upon the need and target ailment e.g. acne, allergies, arthritis, asthma, athlete’s foot, blood clots, bronchitis, candida, canker sores, colds, flu, constipation, croup, dandruff, diarrhea, digestive disorders, earaches, fatigue, fungal infection, gastrointestinal infection, gum disease, hay fever, headaches, inflammation, insect bites, menstrual irregularities, muscle pain parasites, psoriasis, ringworm, rosacea, seborrhea, sinusitis, thrombus, toenail fungus, and immune system.
Often known as a cooking herb, there is much more to oregano when it is used in essential oil form .It’s long list of health benefits makes it one of nature’s best kept secrets, a natural health aid that is a remarkably miraculous and versatile medicine. If we are suffering from any the before mentioned health ailments, we would be well served to explore the healing properties of this miraculous herb, oil of oregano.