Oregano oils have antioxidant, antifungal, and anti-inflammatory properties. These oils may also play a beneficial role in weight management and infection treatments.
Oils from oregano extract and oregano essential oils originate from the same plant, but are different products. Various studies and anecdotal accounts claim these oils have various health benefits.
This article discusses the potential benefits of oils derived from the oregano plant.
Botanically known as Origanum vulgare, oregano is a flowering plant from the same family as mint. It’s often used as an herb to flavor food.
Oregano essential oil is made by air-drying the leaves and shoots of the plant. Once they’re dried, people extract the oil and concentrate it by steam distillation.
You can mix oregano essential oil with a carrier oil and apply it topically. However, you should not consume it orally as is.
Oregano contains compounds called phenols, terpenes, and terpenoids. They have powerful antioxidant properties and are responsible for their fragrance:
- Carvacrol: The most abundant phenol in oregano, it has been shown to stop the growth of several different types of bacteria.
- Thymol: This natural antifungal can also support the immune system and protect against toxins.
- Rosmarinic acid: This powerful antioxidant helps protect against damage caused by free radicals.
These compounds are thought to underlie oregano’s many health benefits.
Here are eight potential benefits and uses of oregano oil.
Oregano and the carvacrol it contains may help fight bacteria.
While many reported benefits of essential oils come from anecdotal sources, limited
Although more human studies on the effects of oregano oil extract are needed, it contains many of the same compounds as oregano essential oil. It may offer similar health benefits when used as a supplement.
Oregano and its oils contain numerous polyphenols, including carvacrol and thymol. Research suggests that these active compounds help to lower cholesterol.
Limited research on rabbits suggests compounds in oregano oil may have
Antioxidants help protect the body from damage caused by free radicals.
Free radicals are a natural product of metabolism but may play a role in aging and developing some diseases, such as cancer and heart disease. They can also build up in the body through exposure to environmental factors, such as cigarette smoke and air pollutants.
Because oregano oil extract is very concentrated, you need much less oregano oil to reap the same antioxidant benefits as you would from fresh oregano.
Yeast is a type of fungus. It can be harmless, but overgrowth can result in human infections. Certain forms of Candida yeasts occur naturally on the skin but
Oregano essential oil may benefit gut health in several ways due to its anti-inflammatory, antifungal, antiparasitic, and antibacterial properties.
Research also suggests that oregano essential oils have promising applications in pain management.
Inflammation in the body is linked to several adverse health effects. Research has shown that oregano oil may reduce inflammation.
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A few studies have indicated that carvacrol, one of the compounds of oregano oil, may have cancer-fighting properties.
In test-tube studies on cancer cells, carvacrol has demonstrated promising results against lung, liver, and breast cancer cells. It has been found to inhibit cell growth and cause cancer cell death.
Although this is promising research, no studies have been conducted on people, so more research is necessary.
Thanks to oregano’s carvacrol content, oregano oil may aid weight loss and benefit obesity treatment.
More research is needed to demonstrate that oregano oil has a role in weight loss, but it may be worth trying as part of a healthy diet and lifestyle.
Oregano oil extract is widely available in capsule and tablet form. It can be bought from most health food shops or online.
Because the strength of oregano supplements can vary, it’s important to read the directions on the individual packet for instructions on how to use the product.
Oregano essential oil is also available and can be diluted with a carrier oil and applied topically. Note that no essential oil should be ingested.
If you’re interested in taking oregano oil extract but currently taking prescription medications, make sure to consult your healthcare professional before adding it to your regimen.
Oregano contains compounds with antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, and antifungal properties and may have other health benefits. You can take oregano oil extract as a supplement, while oregano essential oil must be diluted with a carrier oil to be used safely. Oregano essential oil, when diluted, can be applied to the skin.
Oregano oil extract as a supplement is likely safe for most people if you do not exceed the recommended dose on the package. But if you have other health conditions or take other medications, it is best to check in with a doctor before adding oregano oil extract to your diet. You can also consume oregano as an herb in food.
Oregano oil cannot be consumed in the essential oil form. You can consume oregano oil extract as a supplement in pill or capsule form. You may get more benefits by consuming it with a meal.
Oregano oil extract and oregano essential oil are relatively cheap and readily available.
Oregano is higher in antioxidants than most fruits and vegetables, and it’s packed full of powerful compounds called phenols.
Oregano also contains compounds that may be effective against bacterial and fungal infections, inflammation, and pain, among other conditions.
Overall, it appears to have several health benefits and may be useful as a natural treatment for some common health complaints.
