10 Things That Make Oregano Oil Awesome
Harnessing the Power of Nature
I'm head over heels for herbs – take a peek at my small raised beds at the back of my house and you’ll know. I use fresh herbs in just about everything, from jazzing up potato salads to enhancing baked salmon with a burst of flavor and a healthy dose of nutrients. Among the herbs that I'm particularly smitten with is oregano.
This incredible herb, frequently featured in Italian cuisine, imparts a fragrant, earthy taste. But did you know that oregano oil is a true powerhouse for your well-being? It's packed with antioxidants and potent plant compounds like carvacrol and thymol, which offer a multitude of benefits from head to toe.
In this post, I'll be dishing out all the details on oregano oil, from what it is to the ten amazing health perks this robust plant can bring to your life, naturally.
Understanding Oregano Oil
Before diving into the multitude of health advantages offered by oregano oil, I'd like to provide some insight into this marvelous little plant.
Oregano, or scientifically known as Origanum vulgare, surprisingly belongs to the mint family! In fact, many of our beloved culinary herbs that promote health are part of this botanical clan, including basil, thyme, lemon balm, sage, summer savory, and more.
Oregano is a bushy herb with small, aromatic leaves and is grown all over Texas from the later part of June till November of every year. If you've ever nurtured it in your herb garden, you're familiar with its distinctive, delightful scent. This enchanting aroma emanates from the therapeutic compounds, carvacrol and thymol, responsible for most of oregano's health benefits. These compounds are primarily concentrated in the leaves and stems of the plant, and cold-pressing the plant is the preferred method for oil extraction to retain the valuable phytonutrients.
10 Phenomenal Health Benefits of Oregano Oil
The robust antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties of carvacrol and thymol make oregano oil a valuable addition to your natural medicine cabinet, particularly if you're looking to support your gut health, balance your microbiome, or reduce systemic inflammation. It's advisable to consult a qualified natural health practitioner when considering a potent supplement like oregano oil to ensure you're taking the correct dosage at the right time for the best results.
Potent Antibacterial
Oregano oil is renowned for its powerful antibacterial capabilities. Studies have shown that its compounds can combat common infection-causing bacteria, including Staphylococcus aureus and Staphylococcus epidermidis.
Microbiome Harmony
Maintaining a balanced, happy microbiome is the cornerstone of long-lasting, joyful health. Natural health practitioners frequently incorporate oregano oil in treatment plans for microbiome imbalances like SIBO (small intestinal bacterial overgrowth) because research indicates its effectiveness in addressing this condition.
Candida Yeast Control
Candida albicans, a type of yeast naturally found in our digestive tracts, can become problematic when it overgrows, causing issues like inflammation, body aches, and brain fog. Some studies suggest that oregano oil and carvacrol are effective at combating various Candida strains, making it a valuable addition to a candida protocol.
Potent Anti-Inflammatory
Systemic inflammation is a root cause of many chronic health conditions. Oregano oil, in addition to its antimicrobial and antifungal properties, boasts anti-inflammatory qualities, courtesy of carvacrol and thymol.
Cold & Flu Symptom Relief
No matter how robust our health, we'll all catch a cold or flu at some point. Oregano oil can assist in alleviating fevers and respiratory symptoms, which are often linked to these illnesses. It also possesses antiviral properties, making it a go-to for respiratory health support.
Antioxidant Boost
Oxidative stress and cellular damage are linked to various diseases. Oregano oil, particularly the compounds carvacrol and thymol, can reduce oxidative stress by scavenging free radicals, offering cellular cleanup.
Potential Pain Relief
While primarily studied in animals, there's evidence suggesting oregano oil may provide pain relief. Higher doses appear more effective, though the exact human dosage has yet to be determined. Chronic inflammation, often the cause of aches and pains, can be mitigated with this anti-inflammatory oil.
Cancer-Fighting Potential
Incorporating cancer-fighting foods and supplements is a smart move for long-term health. Some preclinical models indicate that carvacrol has anticancer benefits, particularly in breast, liver, and lung carcinomas, supporting programmed cell death and inhibiting cancer cell growth.
Blood Sugar Balance
Maintaining balanced blood sugar levels is pivotal for overall health. If you struggle with glycemic control, despite other efforts, oregano oil, with its active components thymol and carvacrol, may help by slowing the breakdown of sugars and starches.
Weight Management Aid
While a wholesome diet, regular exercise, quality sleep, and stress management are the cornerstones of weight loss and well-being, oregano oil, notably carvacrol, can play a role in disrupting fat cell formation, potentially aiding weight stability.
How to Incorporate Oregano Oil
If you're keen on integrating oregano oil into your routine, you can opt for liquid oil or capsules. Be forewarned: the oil is not for the faint-hearted and can be quite potent. It's best to seek guidance from a practitioner to determine the right potency and dosage for your needs. I find that taking it with a bit of water helps dilute the taste, as it can be a bit intense if taken directly.
Incorporating plant extracts into your daily routine is a wonderful way to harness the power of nature, promoting harmony with the world and supporting lasting, joyful health.
And, if you find that Oregano Oil is not to your liking, you can always incorporate this tasty herb into your weekly meal preps. It’s easy to integrate into your own homesteading setup and, if you don’t have the time to tend to your own herb garden, there is an abundance of local producers and farmers’ markets in Texas where you can buy organic oregano when in season.
