Oregano Essential Oil

A native to Europe, oregano, also known as the delight of the mountain, is a traditional medicinal herb used to treat various illnesses. It is a perennial herb, and is a species of Origanum belonging to the mint family.

Oregano oil that is extracted from the oregano leaves has antibacterial and antimicrobial properties which is helpful to treat many ailments. Other properties of this oil like anti fungal, anti bacterial, anti viral, and anti parasitic make it one of the potential and versatile essential oils.This oil is also recommended by many herbalists and medicine practitioners for its abundant benefits. According to some studies, this oil is as good as taking a painkiller as it is very powerful with no side effects.

Oregano Oil Benefits

This essential oil protects our body from the harmful effects of free radicals or oxidants. The antioxidants present in this oil help in neutralizing the free radicals that cause harm to the body, or repair the damages that are already done. This property helps prevent cancers, and muscular degeneration of muscles caused due to aging. The antioxidants in this oil also slows down other age-related problems such as, loss of vision, hearing loss, nervous disorders, wrinkles, etc.

The oil has sedative properties and has a soothing effect on any type of inflammation, internal or external. It is effective in preventing and treating the symptoms of nail fungus. It also works wonders for fingernail infection. Dip an ear bud in the oil and dab it on the affected area, and see the results. If you notice any burning sensation, wash immediately. The oil also helps to get rid of fungal skin infection or any skin rashes. Mix around 6 to 8 drops of oil along with 2 tablespoons olive oil and apply on the infected area of the skin. You can also use coconut oil instead of olive oil for diluting. Avoid using this oil in the genital areas as this oil is quite strong and may cause a burning sensation.

Oil of oregano is anti allergic in nature. It calms down the body's reaction towards external stimuli that causes allergies, further giving relief from any allergies. Besides, this essential oil is being used since a very long time to treat various ailments like stomach ache, jaundice, diarrhea, psoriasis, or any fungal diseases. Eczema, psoriasis, flu and even athlete's foot can be treated with the use of this essential oil. Some bacterial infections like E. Coli (Escherichia coli), food poisoning and Giardiasis (beaver fever) can also be treated with this oil.

The oil is also good for treating cold sores as well, by applying a thin layer of this oil on the affected area. It can also be applied to treat shoe bites, so that the irritated skin does not get infected further, and develops into a larger blister. Oregano oil can also alleviate the symptoms of herpes.

How to Use Oregano Oil

There are many ways in which you can use wild oregano oil by diluting. If you want to take the oil internally, dilute two drops of the oil for adults, and 1 drop for children in 120ml of water and drink it. You can also add it to your liquid hand-washes, body-washes and soaps. If you have any mouth infections, rub this diluted oil into your gums once or twice a day and then gargle with water. You can also apply the oil to your boils, and continue to do so till it heals. Last but not the least, you can pour around four to five drops of it to your hot bathtub and relax.

Few things you need to remember before using oregano oil.

• Always dilute the oil if you are applying it directly on any affected or infected area of the skin.
• Pregnant women should avoid using it, externally as well as internally.
• Consult your physician before using this oil for your children.
• As mentioned above, the oil can be taken internally, but make sure you use 100% natural oil as artificial oregano oil can be toxic. So it is best to consult a medicinal professional if you have any doubt.

So these were some of the uses and benefits of oil of oregano. This oil is safe and has no side effects. That's the use essential oils, it is safe, beneficial, all in all, a must-have at home!