9 Oregano Oil Health Benefits

When most of us hear the word ‘oregano,’ our minds immediately shift to food. People use this sweet-smelling herb to flavor cuisines, especially Italian ones.

That’s the herb. The oil that’s extracted from it has many uses, the main one being in the health sector. You could swallow it or apply it to your skin. Oregano comes from two Greek words.

The first is ‘oros,’ which means mountain, then ‘ganos’ which means delight.

Oregano oil has compounds; terpenes, phenols, and terpenoids. Each of them gives it its irresistible smell and contain antioxidant properties. Here are some health benefits of oregano oil according to Yes Wellness.

1. It’s a Powerful Antioxidant

Every time you apply the oil on your skin or take it through the mouth, you’re doing your body a load of good. Oregano oil protects the body from the effects of free radicals.

Free radicals, like cigarette smoke, affect the lungs. It also speeds up natural body processes such as getting old. It’s interesting to note that it has a higher amount of antioxidants than the herb itself.

2. It’s Good for the Stomach

Oregano oil cures symptoms associated with an aching stomach such as diarrhea. It also treats fatigue and leaky gut syndrome. The syndrome occurs when the stomach walls allow harmful bacteria into the bloodstream.

3. It’s An Antibiotic

An antibiotic is a substance that fights bacteria and protects the body against them. When taken into the body, it protects it from bacteria such as Staphylococcus aureus, the bacteria which causes food poisoning.

Oregano is also used on bacteria that can withstand antibiotic drugs. One of these bacteria is E.coli, which plays a significant role in the infection of the respiratory tract.

4. It Cures Colds

If you’re suffering from the common cold, oregano oil is a natural way to cure it. It makes mucus thin, which helps minimize the cold. For it to be effective, pour a little of it into a container filled with hot water.

Afterward, cover your head with a piece of cloth or towel and take in the vapor. Or, mix it with coconut oil and rub the mixture on your chest. It cures coughs and treats the heaviness in the chest that comes with colds.

5. It Cures Acne

Oregano oil is rich in carvacrol. This is a compound that kills bacteria that are responsible for acne. It also reduces inflammations on the face, caused by the condition.

Studies have shown that it ’s effective against cystic acne. Cystic acne causes blockage of the skin pores. Dip a piece of cloth into the oil and rub it on the areas affected by acne. The oil has a high concentration and as such, you should never use it on its own.

6. It Cures Athlete’s foot and Nail Fungus

Nail fungus and Athlete’s foot, or tinea pedis, can cause so much discomfort to those suffering from them. Drugs prescribed by doctors and skin creams may not always do the trick.

Oregano oil is a great alternative. If you’re suffering from nail infection, mix it with an oil such as neem oil. Then, apply it on the affected nail.

For relief from Athlete’s foot, put a teaspoon of the oil into a basin of water. Afterward, put in the affected foot and soak it for a couple of minutes, 20 minutes utmost. For faster results, repeat the procedure daily.

7. It Treats Skin Complications

Are you suffering from rosacea, eczema, psoriasis or candidiasis? Don’t look for treatment anywhere else. A few drops of oregano oil is all your skin needs.

Its anti-inflammatory nature enables it to cure the symptoms related to these conditions. Mix a couple of drops of the oil with an oil such as jojoba oil, and apply it to the affected areas.

8. It Relieves Ear infection Pains

If you’ve suffered from the infection before or are experiencing it now, then you know how painful it is.

It hinders functions such as chewing and makes talking painful in some cases. An ear infection occurs when the Eustachian tubes is blocked. The result is fluid accumulating in the ear.

Oregano oil has an anti-inflammatory characteristic. Hence, it’s recommended for relief from the condition.

9. It Helps in the Cure of Warts

Warts grow on the body especially on hands and feet, and are very painful. If not taken care of, they have the potential to prevent the one affected from walking. The faster they’re treated, the better. Oregano oil is a perfect cure for the unbearable growths.

When used in its pure state, it can burn them off. After mixing a few drops of it with an oil such as neem, apply it on the affected area with a cloth or cotton swab. The areas should then be well covered to keep oxygen away.