Oil of Oregano-A Cure All
I have made my own medicine for decades and have one rule. Never interfere with Mother Nature. If it is not the pure form of the plant with no adulterations it is medicine. You can not take the "active" ingredient in a plant and convert it into a petroleum based pill and expect to get better.
I differentiate medicine from medication. Medicine is the whole plant, used whole, dried, or in an oil or water based tincture. The body does not build a tolerance because it is not seen as nourishment so you need less and less until the issue has fully resolved. Medication is the opposite, the body builds a tolerance due to the toxic effects of the drug, you get "side" effects from taking a petroleum based pharmaceutical and you need more to get the same desired effects but never resolves the problem. If your doctor gives you a drug and tells you it is for the rest of you life it'ss time to get a new doctor.
So here is a beautiful example of a medicine that actually heals your body from a plethora of ailments with little or no negative effects. This is the beauty of natures medicine. If you want to know more or get on a customized healing protocol, comment below, go to purifywithin.com and schedule a free consultation or message me robin@purifywithin.com
Oregano oil, derived from the leaves and flowers of the oregano plant, is a potent natural remedy with a wide range of potential health benefits. In this article, we will delve into the world of oregano oil, exploring its composition, health benefits, correct usage, dosage, safety considerations, and tips for purchasing a high-quality product.
1. What Is Oregano Oil?
The Oregano plant is in the same family as mint and has been used as a medicinal herb for thousands of years. Oregano oil, specifically the oral version, is extracted from the oregano plant, usually through a steam distillation process. It contains several active compounds known as terpenes, terpenoids and phenols including carvacrol, thymol, and rosmarinic acid.
—Carvacrol exhibits antibacterial properties
—Thymol acts as an antifungal agent and protects against toxins
—Rosmarinic Acid possesses protections agains free radicals, as well as antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties.
2. Potential Health Benefits of Oregano Oil:
Numerous studies support the following health benefits of oregano oil:
- Antibacterial/Natural Antibiotic: Oregano oil has shown effectiveness against various bacteria, including antibiotic-resistant strains. Useful for Strep Throat and Tonsillitis as a gargle, Canker Sores, Staph infections like MRSA and VRSA as well as pneumonia and upper respiratory issues.
- Antifungal/Yeast Treatment: Research suggests that oregano oil may combat fungal infections, athletes foot, ringworm, candida yeast overgrowths and yeast infections such as thrush.
- Maintains Healthy Cholesterol: Some studies indicate that oregano oil may help maintain adequate cholesterol levels as we absolutely need moderate to high levels of cholesterol to live in health and avoid long term issues such as dementia.
- Boosts Gut/Digestive Health: Oregano oil has been found to possess antimicrobial properties that support a healthy gut microbiota.
- Anti-inflammatory: The anti-inflammatory properties of oregano oil reduces acute and chronic inflammation in the body.
- Antioxidant: Oregano oil contains antioxidants that can help neutralize harmful free radicals.
- Acne Improvement: Preliminary research suggests that oregano oil may have a positive impact on acne-prone skin.
—UTI: Resolves urinary tract infections, prevents in elderly that use a catheter or adult briefs.
3. Correct Way to Take Oregano Oil:
Oregano oil can be taken orally or topically. Note, real oil of oregano will melt plastic and capsules due to the high terpene levels which are of course, what make the oil beneficial so it is essential to take the liquid not the capsules. It is advisable to dilute the oil to a 1% dilution rate in an organic carrier oil, vegetable juice, or water before consumption to minimize potential irritation. It can be diluted at a 1% ration with oils like olive, MCT, sesame and applied directly to the skin for conditions like warts, athletes foot, ringworm and other fungal infections. I know people that put directly on a wart or fungus without diluting with successful results.
4. Dosage for Oregano Oil:
The appropriate dosage of oregano oil can vary depending on factors such as the concentration of the oil, distillation methods and individual health needs. A general rule of thumb is to dilute the oil to 1% in a liquid or carrier oil. I use 2-3 drops in 4 ounces of water twice a day if I have a UTI for 1-3 days depending of the severity of my symptoms. The home health patients I work with use for 3-5 days, up to 7 days for various infections and conditions from pressure ulcers, thrush, UTI’s and even lymphedema, all of which have resolved with the above dosing. It can be used diluted topically on a daily basis until the symptoms have resolved.
5. Is Oregano Oil Safe?
While oregano oil is generally considered safe for most individuals, there are a few considerations to keep in mind:
—Some sources recommend to avoid taking internally while others recommend taking internally with a carrier oil such as olive oil or a juice when consuming. I personally have taken internally for years as have the home health patients I have worked with no ill effects observed or noted. Also, it is important to consider that when applying the oil of oregano to the skin will be absorbed into the bloodstream anyway, but not as quickly.
- Possible Interactions: Oregano oil may interact with certain medications, such as blood thinners. It is advisable to consult a healthcare professional if you are taking any medications.
- Safety During Pregnancy: Pregnant women should not use oregano oil, as it may stimulate the uterus and potentially lead to complications.
- Toxicity: Oregano oil is highly concentrated and should not be ingested undiluted or in excessive amounts, as it may cause irritation or adverse effects. Always follow recommended dosages and usage guidelines.
6. What to Look for in an Oregano Oil Product:
To ensure you are purchasing a high-quality oregano oil product, consider the following:
- Purity and Quality: Look for products that are labeled as 100% organic, pure and free from additives or fillers. Third-party testing for quality assurance is a plus. The oil must be in a dark glass bottle to ensure the oil maintains potency and is not exposed to sunlight or excessive heat.
- Source and Extraction Method: Opt for oregano oil derived from reputable sources and extracted using methods that preserve the integrity of the active compounds such as steam distillation, low heat sun infusions and never chemical extractions.
- Concentration: Check the concentration of the active terpene and phenol compounds, particularly carvacrol, as it is a key indicator of potency.
In conclusion, oregano oil is a powerful natural remedy with numerous potential health benefits. It has antibacterial, antifungal, anti-inflammatory, and antioxidant properties, among others. When using oregano oil, it is important to dilute it properly and follow recommended dosages. Additionally, it is crucial to choose a high-quality product that is pure, sourced from reputable suppliers, and extracted using methods that preserve its active compounds. While oregano oil is generally safe, it is important to be aware of possible interactions with medications and avoid its use during pregnancy.
What about making your own? I grow a lot of oregano
I have a success story to tell of Oil of Oregano, a success story that almost was a fatal poisoning. Around 20 years ago I was using lots of herbal remedies. At that time a cute stray cat simply arrived one day & wouldn't leave, so I named him Sunshine & gave him a home. He had a lot of problems, one of which was constantly leaking cat poop due to some mystery parasites (I believed) in his G.I. tract. Due to being very poor there was no way I was going to pay for a vet, plus I hadn't much faith in them & previous bad experiences. So I did not have computer skills at that time, nor know anyone w/ access either-I thought I could treat him myself. I used various herbal mixtures bought from local health food stores but no effect. Altered the cat's diet as directed in books from local library-no effect. Then I tried putting a very large (VERY LARGE) capsule packed full of Oil of Oregano (diluted w/ olive oil) right into his mouth & down his throat. Such a nice, trusting cat. That worked perfectly. The cat was so happy! It was obvious he was delighted-he was walking tall & the bleeding from his butt from it being constantly wet was able to heal quite quickly, within a few days. I was very proud of myself too! I had done this I thought-saved hundreds on vet care and best of all I helped the homeless kitty & made the world a better place. Then, around 4 months later I was gifted a home computer & started surfing the internet. I googled Oil of Oregano & cats, and what did I see-I saw NEVER, EVER GIVE OIL OF OREGANO TO CATS. It will almost certainly kill them. Liver failure. I'm a real idiot, that is a fact. But most of all I am reckless. To take such a risk with someone else's life, that is callous. If I had some powerful herbal oil & had no knowledge of it's effect upon myself I most certainly wouldn't be so reckless as to pack a big fat capsule full of the stuff & swallow it myself. Because I might get really ill, or even die. However, that day I did it to an innocent stray cat who trusted me totally, and I am ashamed to report his trust wasn't placed in one worthy of such trust. Good news is I have learned from this mistake & I will never do anything like this again. And of course all turned out just great too. So disaster was somehow avoided-plus this incident helps testify to the power of Oil of Oregano to eliminate chronic diarrhea (in one cat)-but it should never be given to felines. Not ever.