A Primer On Oil Of Oregano

Oil of oregano is now regarded as a multidimensional healer because of its numerous medicinal benefits. A product of the wild oregano Origanum Vulgare, it is different from the common oregano, Oreganum Marjorum which is used for food flavoring. The leaves of the wild oregano are crushed and pressed to extract its oil. This oil has been known for many years as a potent medicinal treatment for many illnesses.

The chemical substances that give this oil its medicinal properties are carvacol and thymol. Carvacol is effective in increasing your immunity to diseases. With these substances in the oil, scientists have considered it as effective as doses of antibiotics like penicillin, amphotericin, nystatin and vacnomycin. The oil is now being included in the fight against staphylococcus, E. coli, salmonella and other bacteria.

It has also been found that the introduction of oreganol in the treatment does not promote the development of drug-resistant microbes and other side effects from conventional antibiotics. Studies have also shown that due to its anti-parasitic properties, the oil can be used as a food preservative, by decontaminating foods from harmful pathogens.

The ancient Greeks have used the crushed leaves of wild oregano to preserve their food, for skin rashes, and to relieve the swelling caused by toothache. As well as its many benefits, many people consider that the oil has a good taste. That's why they call the plant 'oreganos' which meant 'a delight of the mountains'.

You can safely use oil of oregano because it has no known side effects. But if you will take dosages of this oil for an extended period of time, it is wise that you consult a medical practitioner first. Oreganol is available in various forms - as bottles of oil, capsules and tablets. As well as being used topically, oreganol can also be used sublingually, by placing drops of the oil under the tongue. As a precaution, pregnant women and those who have allergies are advised to consult their physician before taking this oil.