Oregano (Origanum vulgare) is an herb that is a member of the mint family (Labiatae). Oregano has been considered a precious plant commodity for over 2,500 years in folk medicines that originated across the globe. It has a very long use in traditional medicine for treating colds, indigestion and upset stomachs.
The health benefits of Oregano Essential Oil can be attributed to its properties as an antiviral, antibacterial, antifungal, antiparasitic, antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, aids in digestion, emanagogue and anti-allergenic substance.
ANTI-VIRAL
This means that it strengthens the immune system against colds, mumps, measles, pox and other problem created by viruses and even certain autoimmune disorders. Stimulates the production and function of White Blood cells, the body’s main line of defense.
ANTI-BACTERIAL
Protection against infections in the colon and urinary tract, typhoid, cholera, sores, skin infections and temporary problems like food poisoning.
ANTI-PARASITIC
Parasite like round worms, tape worms, lice, bed bags, mosquitoes and fleas, use the human body as a source of food and as a vessel or carrier of communicable diseases. Oregano oil, when ingested, can eliminate this parasites.
This oil is good on smoothing many types of inflammation, internal or external, caused by a variety of reasons. When this oil is applied topically (external), it can reduce redness and irritation to the applied area, and it can relieve topical pain that might be associated with arthritis or injury. When consumed, it has much the same effect, although it is spread throughout the body, but will not necessarily relieve pain and discomfort as quickly.
Oregano oil is also beneficial for regulating menstruation and delaying the onset of menopause. Those who are suffering from obstructive menses may also find relief from using Oregano essential oil. As an emmenagogue, a woman can reduce her symptoms of incoming menopause, including mood balance and hormonal shifts because of the hormonal regulation quality of oregano essential oil.
Oregano essential oil can act as an expectorant, which will loosen up or help eliminate the uncomfortable buildups of mucus and phlegm in the respiratory tracts and sinuses, but also a soothing balm for the inflamed lungs and throat, which often stimulate coughing fits. Therefore, oregano essential oil both prevents and treat symptoms of respiratory ailments.
We could go on for pages about the Antibiotic effects of Oregano oil, but there's more to it than that. Unlike pharmaceutical antibiotics that are essentially one trick ponies, Oregano oil carries with it so many more benefits. It is indeed the ultimate natural treatment and an answer to standard antibiotics.
Within the Oregano essential oil extract, a phenol component called Carvacrol is arguably the reason that oil of Oregano is so strong. When you search the PubMed database of peer-reviewed literature, Carvacrol is referenced in more than 800 separate returns. Researchers are intrigued by this component.
Some of the conditions Carvacrol and Oregano oil have been indicated for, aside from bacterial infections, include fungi, parasites, viruses, inflammation, cell death, tumors, pain, histamine reactions, and oxidative stress.
Oil of Oregano has been tested side by side with Pharmaceutical Antibiotics like Streptomycin, Penicillin and Vancomycin and shown to be as protective for the same infection, like Staphylococcus bacteria for example. The best attribute of Wild Oil of Oregano is that humans do not develop a resistance because it is a "Natural Antibiotic". People develop strains of bacteria that become resistant to Synthetic Antibiotics. This means that these kind of antibiotics no longer penetrate the organism and the infection persists. The only symptoms of overdose are rashes and vomiting.
Dr. Harry G. Preuss of Georgetown University presented his study’s findings, which confirm that oil of Oregano reduces infection “as effectively as traditional antibiotics.” (Published in Science Daily)
The Journal of Applied Microbiology reported that among 52 plant oils tested, Oregano was considered to have “Pharmacologic” action against common bugs such as Candida Albicans (yeast), E. coli, Salmonella Enterica and Pseudomonas Aeruginosa.
Sunflower oil is rich in Antioxidants and also strengthens the cell membrane barriers which make it harder for bacteria and viruses to enter the body. It increases the body’s ability to defend infections. Sunflower oil also contains protein that helps in building and repairing tissues and various enzymes required for healthy functioning.
It is also rich in Vitamin A and Vitamin E which help in promoting skin health. These vitamins act as Antioxidants. They help in regenerating damaged skin cells and getting rid of the acne causing bacteria. The oil is light and non-greasy and thus, it gets absorbed in the skin easily without blocking the pores. Sunflower oil also acts as a natural moisturizer and helps in treating dry, sensitive skin.
Sunflower oil contains several compounds that have benefits for skin. They include:
Oleic acid
Sesamol
Linoleic acid
A small animal study also found that topical use of sunflower oil was beneficial for healing wounds faster. This may be due to its Oleic acid content, which can be beneficial for wound care.