Oregano oil: what it is for and how to use it

Oregano oil is a product obtained from pressing the plant Oregano compact and which promotes several health benefits, such as fighting flu and colds, improving digestion and controlling cholesterol.

These medicinal properties are mainly due to the fact that oregano oil is rich in carvacrol, ursolic acid and thymol, which are phenolic compounds with antibacterial, lipid-lowering, anti-inflammatory and antioxidant actions.

Oregano oil is sold in health food stores or pharmacies, in the form of drops or capsules and should preferably be used under the guidance of a doctor or other healthcare professional specialized in the use of medicinal plants.

What is it for

Oregano oil promotes the following health benefits:

1. Fight infections

Oregano oil can help fight infections caused by bacteria, such as Escherichia coli e Staphylococcus aureusbecause it contains carvacrol, which is a bioactive compound with bactericidal action.

2. Relieve pain

Because it contains good amounts of carvacrol, which is a bioactive compound with powerful analgesic action, oregano oil can help relieve pain, such as menstrual cramps, headache, muscle pain and toothache.

3. Control cholesterol

Oregano oil helps control cholesterol as it contains carvacrol and thymol, which are bioactive compounds that prevent the oxidation of fat cells, balancing the levels of “bad” cholesterol, LDL, in the blood.

4. Prevent premature aging

Because it is rich in compounds with antioxidant properties, such as thymol, rosmarinic acid, and carvacrol, oregano oil combats excess free radicals, preventing premature aging and thus preventing the appearance of wrinkles and sagging skin.

5. Fight flu and colds

Oregano oil is rich in rosmarinic acid and oleanolic acid, which are bioactive compounds with expectorant and antiviral action, helping to fight flu and colds.

6. Help with weight loss

Oregano oil can help with weight loss as it contains ursolic acid and carvacrol, which are bioactive compounds with thermogenic properties that promote the burning of body fat.

However, more scientific studies on humans are still needed to prove the benefits of oregano oil for weight loss.

7. Improve digestion

Oregano oil is rich in ursolic acid, a phenolic compound with antioxidant and anti-inflammatory action that maintains liver health and improves food digestion.

Furthermore, oregano oil also maintains the health of the intestinal flora and has a carminative action, helping to reduce gas and relieving cramps.

8. Combat oral candidiasis

Oregano oil is rich in antifungal substances, such as thymol and carvacrol, which act to prevent the Candida fungus from multiplying in the mouth, making it a great option to help treat oral candidiasis.

9. Avoid diabetes

Because it contains ursolic acid and oleanolic acid, which are natural compounds with anti-inflammatory and antioxidant action, oregano oil improves the action of the hormone insulin, balancing blood glucose levels and preventing diabetes.

How to use

Oregano oil can be used in the form of capsules or drops.

1. Oregano oil in capsules: oregano oil in capsules should be taken with a glass of water, and it is generally recommended to take 1 to 2 capsules per day, with meals;
2. Oregano oil drops: The generally recommended amount of oregano oil drops is 2 to 4 drops, up to 4 times a day, which must be diluted in a glass of water.

The recommended amount of oregano oil varies depending on the person’s age and health status. Therefore, it is advised to use this product only under the guidance of a doctor or other healthcare professional specialized in the use of medicinal plants.

Possible side effects

Oregano oil may cause diarrhea, nausea, stomach pain, headache, and vomiting in some people sensitive to oregano.

When not to consume

Oregano oil is contraindicated for children under 12 years of age and people with allergies to oregano and plants from the same family, such as thyme, basil, mint or sage. In the same way that oregano oil is also not recommended for pregnant or breastfeeding women.

Furthermore, people who are using medication should only use oregano oil under the recommendation of a doctor.

What is oregano essential oil?

Oregano essential oil is a product obtained from the steam distillation of the leaves of this plant and has beneficial properties similar to those of oregano oil.

However, oregano essential oil cannot be ingested and can therefore be used in inhalations, sitz baths or body massages, for example.