I absolutely adore herbs, and if you’re interested, you can see how to grow your own by checking out my Instagram reel. I love incorporating fresh herbs into a variety of dishes, from potato salad to baked salmon, for an extra burst of flavor and nutrients. Oregano is one of my all-time favorites—it’s a fantastic herb often used in Italian cuisine to provide a rich, aromatic flavor. Plus, oregano oil is a powerful health booster, rich in antioxidants and beneficial compounds like carvacrol and thymol, which provide amazing health benefits.
In this post, I’m excited to share all the details about oregano oil, including what it is, ten incredible health benefits, and how to use it naturally to support your health.
### What is Oregano Oil?
Before diving into its health benefits, let’s learn more about this wonderful plant. Oregano, or Origanum vulgare, belongs to the mint family, which also includes other health-promoting herbs like basil, thyme, and sage. Oregano is a bushy plant with small, fragrant leaves that pack a lot of therapeutic power. The beneficial oil is extracted through cold-pressing, preserving the beneficial phytonutrients.
### 10 Amazing Health Benefits of Oregano Oil
Thanks to the antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties of carvacrol and thymol, oregano oil is a strong addition to your natural health regimen. Consult with a natural health practitioner to ensure you’re using it correctly.
1. **Potent Antibacterial:** Oregano oil is known for its antibacterial properties. Studies have shown it can help fight off bacteria like Staphylococcus.
2. **Supports Microbiome Balance:** As a microbiome enthusiast, I believe a happy gut is key to great health. Oregano oil is often used in treatment plans for gut imbalances like SIBO.
3. **Helps Control Candida Overgrowth:** Oregano oil and carvacrol are effective at combating Candida yeast, balancing your gut flora.
4. **Anti-Inflammatory Effects:** Chronic inflammation is linked to many health issues. Oregano oil’s anti-inflammatory properties make it beneficial for reducing inflammation.
5. **Aids Cold & Flu Recovery:** Oregano oil can help ease symptoms of colds and flu, thanks to its antiviral properties that offer respiratory support.
6. **Boosts Antioxidants:** Oregano oil can reduce oxidative stress by neutralizing free radicals, promoting cellular health.
7. **Provides Pain Relief:** Animal studies suggest oregano oil can alleviate pain, meaning it might also help reduce pain in humans.
8. **May Have Cancer-Fighting Properties:** Carvacrol in oregano oil has shown potential in fighting cancer by supporting apoptosis, which is the programmed death of cancer cells.
9. **Aids Blood Sugar Regulation:** Oregano oil can help stabilize blood sugar levels, which is key to preventing diabetes and hormonal imbalances.
10. **Supports Weight Loss:** By disrupting fat cell formation, oregano oil might help maintain a healthy weight.
### Using Oregano Oil
To include oregano oil in your routine, you can choose either a liquid form or a capsule. It’s essential to consult with a practitioner to determine the right potency and dosage for you. Remember to dilute the liquid oil with water to soften its strong taste, as it can be quite potent!
Embracing plant extracts in your routine is a wonderful way to connect with nature and support your health.
### Additional Information
– **Essential Oil vs. Oregano Oil:** Essential oregano oil should not be ingested; use a carrier oil when applying it topically. Oil of oregano is for internal use and usually comes mixed with olive or coconut oil.
– **Duration of Use:** Avoid using oil of oregano for more than three weeks consecutively.
– **Breastfeeding:** It’s best to avoid oil of oregano while breastfeeding, as it can pass through breast milk. Elderberry is a good alternative.
– **Product Recommendations:** I don’t sell oregano oil, but I recommend checking out St. Francis Herb Farm. You can use my code JOY15 for a discount.
I’m thrilled to share that I’m completely cured from HSV1!
