Oregano oil (Origanum vulgare) is well known in the Mediterranean world (Greece and Crete) for its ability to slow down
food spoilage through its anti-bacterial, anti-fungal, anti-parasitic and anti-oxidant activity. The related herbs thyme and
marjoram sold in most North American supermarkets, are labeled incorrectly as oregano and possess little of wild
oregano's miraculous healing properties.
HOW IT WORKS
Isomeric phenols (primarily carvacrol) in oregano oil in dilutions as low as 1/50,000 destroys Candida albicans, the
Aspergillus mold, Staphylococcus, Campylobacter, Klebsiella, E.coli, Giardia, Pseudomonas, and Proteus. Another
phenol constituent, thymol, boosts the immune system. These compounds also act as free radical scavengers (shield
against toxins) thus preventing further tissue damage while encouraging healing.
Oil of oregano is antiviral, antibacterial, antifungal, and antiparasitic. It also has strong antioxidant and anti-inflammatory
effects and is an ideal product to use for people who suffer from CFS and/or fibromyalgia. This is not regular oregano,
but a wild form (wild mountain oregano, vulgare species) of the spice, which has, until recently, not been available in
Canada. Do not use a substitute or oregano from a grocery store because it will have no effect. oil of oregano natural
herbal supplement offers a variety of remedies.
Many of us have enjoyed oregano with our foods at one point or another. Nevertheless, how much more would you enjoy it if you realized just how beneficial oregano could be to your health? You would probably sprinkle it on more than just
your pizza and spaghetti, right?
Oregano is one of the most diverse health aids available. Unfortunately, however, most of the oregano that consumers
are familiar with contains only trace quantities of the actual species of the plant, or in some cases, none at all.
Meanwhile, researchers have uncovered numerous benefits to using oregano and extracted oil of oregano. However,
buyer beware. These significant health benefits are unattainable if the oregano is not the true substance.
Nevertheless, true oil of oregano offers many exciting remedies to a variety of ailments. In "Herbal Renaissance", Steven
Foster credits oregano as having "been employed to treat indigestion, diarrhea, nervous tension, insect bites, toothache,
earache, rheumatism, and coughs due to whooping cough and bronchitis (primarily for it's antispasmodic effects)."
The ancient Greeks were among the first to take advantage of oregano's medicinal qualities. The Greeks termed the
spice oreganos, meaning "delight of the mountains".
Although there are a wide variety of plants that are confused with oregano (including marjoram, thyme, and sage) true
oregano grows wild in Mediterranean regions such as Greece. The wild oregano is the source of surprisingly potent oil of
oregano.
In "The Cure is in the Cupboard", Cass Ingram, D.O., has written a book that is dedicated to unveiling the health benefits
of oregano and oil of oregano. He notes that "wild oregano is a veritable natural mineral treasure-house, containing a
density of minerals that would rival virtually any food".
The wild oregano is rich in a long list of minerals that includes calcium, magnesium, zinc, iron, potassium, copper, boron,
and manganese. Vitamins C and A (beta carotene) and niacin also are contained in oregano. Judging from its mineral
content alone, it is not hard to figure out why oregano is such a valuable commodity. Consider some of oregano's other
useful purposes and it becomes even more obvious.
"Oregano is one of Nature's finest preservatives", states Ingram in another book, "Supermarket Remedies". The author
suggests that if oregano is used with foods such as meat, eggs, milk, or salad, you "will greatly halt the growth of
microbes and, thus, reduce the risk for food poisoning."
The key element in oregano is the oil, which Foster points out "contains carvacrol and thymol as the primary
components". Foster attributes the "fungicidal and worm-expellant properties" of oil of oregano to carvacrol and thymol. "These two phenols may constitute as much as 90% of (the oil)."
However, Ingram adds that these two phenols work "synergistically" and that is the reason oil of oregano packs a double
punch in antiseptic power and explains why it is "infinitely more potent than commercial phenol in microbial killing power."
All of this helps make oregano oil a significant factor in treating internal and external fungi including athlete's foot. Skin
conditions such a psoriasis and eczema can be improved with the treatment as well. Ingram explains the astonishing
discovery that "oil of oregano outright destroys all variety of fungi and yeasts, regardless of where they reside."
In addition to fighting various fungi, oil of oregano is useful against bacteria and parasites. As Ingram asserts, "oil of
oregano's antiseptic powers are immense . . . it inhibits the growth of the majority of bacteria, something that prescription
antibiotics fail to accomplish." In the case of parasites, oil of oregano has had success neutralizing worms, amoeba, and
protozoan.
Additional uses for oregano and oil of oregano are multi-dimensional. It has been found helpful in combating diarrhea,
intestinal gas, and digestive problems, as well as sore throat and breathing difficulties. Oil of oregano can be immediately
help against bee stings and many venomous bites until medical attention can be reached. Oil of oregano has even been
suggested as a treatment for dandruff, diaper rash, and other skin disorders.
The benefits of oregano has gone largely unnoticed and under publicized for far too long. As Ingram notes, oregano is"one of the world's finest natural medicines, that is if it's true oregano."
So while oregano may hold the answer for a number of your health questions, be sure that it is in fact the real thing.
Remember, these remedies are only attributed to genuine oregano and oil of oregano. Nonetheless, their values are
much too important to overlook. Oregano may just be the thing you are searching for, or maybe did not realize was
available.