Are you aware that oregano oil comes with several health benefits? You might have heard about oregano as a fragrant herb that is added as an ingredient in Italian food. However, oregano can also be concentrated into an essential oil that is rich in antioxidants and powerful compounds. An effective natural antibiotic and antifungal agent, it provides various health benefits. In the following sections, we will explore how you can make use of oregano oil.
Top 5 Health Benefits Of Oregano Oil
Skincare, hair care, stomach health, pain management, infection prevention, and the treatment and prevention of respiratory ailments can all benefit from oregano oil. Oregano oil comes in two varieties: oregano oil and oregano essential oil, which is typically less concentrated. Here are some of its health benefits:
1. Provides Antioxidants In High Quantities
Oregano essential oil is rich in carvacrol and thymol, antioxidants. These antioxidants provide protection for your body from the damage caused by free radicals. Free radical damage acts as a factor in aging and leads to cancer and heart diseases. A natural product of metabolism, free radicals are present everywhere. However, they can accumulate in your body due to exposure to environmental factors such as air pollutants and cigarette smoke.
Studies reveal that oregano has the highest concentration of antioxidants in comparison with the other 39 herbs that are commonly used. You might be surprised to know that the antioxidant level in oregano is a whopping 42 times that of apple and 4 times that of blueberries. Apparently, it happens due to the presence of rosmarinic acid content in oregano oil.
2. Aids In The Fight Against Bacteria
The properties of oregano and carvacrol will help in fighting bacteria. The Staphylococcus aureus bacterium is the main reason that causes infection, finally leading to health issues such as food poisoning and skin infections. A study was conducted among mice that were infected by Staphylococcus aureus. It was found that the mice that were given oregano essential oil had a higher survival rate than the ones that received regular antibiotics.
Research findings also show that oregano essential oil is an excellent remedy for potentially antibiotic-resistant bacteria. The major reasons behind urinary and respiratory tract infections are antibiotic-resistant bacteria such as Pseudomonas aeruginosa and E. coli.
3. May Help Fight Cancer
Some studies show that the presence of carvacrol in oregano oil may have cancer-fighting properties. The results of test tube studies conducted on cancer cells have delivered promising results against liver, lung, and breast cancer cells. Carvacrol was found to restrict cell growth and kill cancer cells. Another test-tube study result shows that carvacrol also prevents the growth and spread of colon cancer cells. Though these results sound promising, studies are yet to be conducted among human beings.
4. May Work As An Anti-inflammatory
Do you know that inflammation in your body is a major reason behind many adverse health effects? Research studies show that oregano oil may be effective in reducing inflammation. A study conducted among mice reveals that oregano essential oil, together with thyme essential oil, brought down inflammatory markers in mice that had artificially induced colitis. Carvacrol, one of the major components of oregano oil, has also been found to be effective in reducing inflammation.
In a study, different concentrations of carvacrol were directly applied to the swollen paws or ears of mice. The results were amazing. It helped reduce paw and ear swelling in mice by 35 to 61% and 33 to 43%, respectively. Thus concentrations of carvacrol may help in the reduction of certain inflammatory conditions such as rheumatoid arthritis, allergic asthma, and autoimmune arthritis. However human studies are yet to be conducted regarding the effectiveness of oregano oil as an anti-inflammatory.
5. May Improve Gut Health
Oregano may benefit your gut health in several different ways. People generally suffer from gut symptoms such as diarrhea, pain, and bloating. They are caused due to gut parasites. In a study, 600 mg of oregano oil was given to 14 people who experienced gut symptoms as a result of a parasite. After undergoing the daily treatment for 6 weeks, all of them experienced a reduction in parasites. The more interesting part is that 77% of them were cured. These patients also had a reduction in gut symptoms and tiredness related to the symptoms.
Oregano may also offer protection against another common gut problem known as “leaky gut.” This happens when the gut wall gets damaged, letting bacteria and toxins enter your bloodstream. A study conducted among pigs shows that oregano essential oil provided protection for the gut wall against damage, thus stopping it from becoming “leaky”. It also led to a reduction in the number of E. coli bacteria in the gut.
Conclusion
Hope now you have a clear idea regarding the various benefits of oregano oil. The 5 health benefits discussed above are just a few on the long list. The other advantages of oregano oil include weight loss, effectiveness in relieving pain, importance in treating yeast infections, and its role in lowering cholesterols.
