Oregano is a common spice which used in most western countries. Peoples has known the oregano oil health benefits for many years. Therefore, oregano oil is easily to get in the market. Mainly in each store of western countries. Since many dishes are using this herb as a spice.
Oregano originally comes from western area. It is including in mint family. It gives more flavor when dried. The taste is bitter. Furthermore, it brings aromatic flavour when using in foods. Therefore, it is use for many Italian cuisine such as pizza, lasagna or spaghetti.
Oregano oil is extracted from oregano leaves. It has been used for medical purpose for many years. Therefore, the demand of oregano is become increase in this recent years. Hence, many of the countries start cultivate this plant. So that many people can get the oregano oil health benefits.
Planting oregano is not as difficult as we thought. Among all of oregano varieties, the most common is Greek Oregano. It is usually grow up to 30 inches and require sun to grow. But it grows best in partial shade. It can easily plant in the backyard. The best time to harvest it before it flowers. We can start to growth it from its seeds, divisions, or cuttings.
Nutritional Value of Oregano Oil
Below is the nutritional value of 100grams of Oregano Oil:
- Calories 265cal
- Total Fat 4.3gr
- Saturated fat 1.6gr
- Polyunsaturated fat 1.4gr
- Monounsaturated fat 0.7gr
- Cholesterol 0mg
- Sodium 25mg
- Potassium 1.2gr
- Carbohydrates 69gr
- Dietary Fibers 42.5gr
- Sugar 4gr
- Protein 9gr
- Calcium 3.8gr
- Iron 5gr
- Magnesium 3gr
- Vitamin A 825mg
- Pyridoxine (Vitamin B6) 1.25gr
- Ascorbic Acid (Vitamin C) 100mg
*Percent Daily Values are based on a 2000 calorie diet. Your daily values may be higher or lower depending on your calorie needs.
Below are the oregano oil health benefits and side effects:
1. Maintain Cholesterol
Oregano oil is good to maintain cholesterol level. This is due to its benefit to lower down LDL and triglyceride level. It is increase the HDL level. Therefore, it can works as a good inhibitor to prevent the formation of blood clots.
2. Prevent Cardiovascular Disease
Oregano oil is good in maintaining cholesterol level. Therefore, it is good to prevent cardiovascular disease. It helps to avoid disease such as stroke and heart attack. This is the same benefit as the benefits of garlic for your healthy heart.
3. Maintain Respiratory System
Oregano oil can relieve the symptoms of upper respiratory infection. It has a capability of anti-viral activity. Therefore, it is good to reduce flu and fever. The higher the carvacrol concentration inside the oregano, the more effective is the work to respiratory system. Furthermore, it encourages sweat as a mode of detox. Hence, it helps to get rid the unwanted phlegm from the lungs.
4. Prevent Bronchitis
The oil capable to maintaining respiratory system. Therefore, it is a good treatment for bronchitis. It helps to clean out the mucus from the lung. It increases the body immunity. Hence, it can prevent bronchitis and make the respiratory clear from disease.
5. Anti-Inflammatory
There is a study that shows oregano contains beta-caryophylin. It works to inhibits inflammations. Therefore, one of the oregano oil health benefits is a good anti-inflammatory. Furthermore, it also treats osteoporosis and arteriosclerosis.
6. Anti-Bacteria
There are two phytochemicals in oregano which are powerful for anti-bacteria. They are carvacrol and thymol. It can kill the pathogen and works as antimicrobial. Therefore, it can help to eliminate bacterial infection in the body. Furthermore, it can maintain a healthy immune for the body.
7. Anti-Fungal
Not only working as anti-bacteria, oregano oil also can act as anti-fungal. There is a study which found that oregano oil was able to completely inhibit the growth of candida. Furthermore, oregano contain antimicrobial agents named carvacrol and thymol. These agents fight to eliminate Candida overgrowth. It reacts with the water in the bloodstream. Then it dehydrates and fights Candida yeast cells effectively . Therefore, oregano oil has potent antifungal activity.
8. Maintain Healthy Skin
Since oregano oil is a good source of anti-oxidant, therefore, it can maintain a healthy skin. The anti-fungal also work to reduce skin problems caused by fungal. It reduces acne in the skin and produce a smooth skin surface. It eliminate wrinkle from the face. Therefore, it is a good treatment for skin disease such as eczema. So does the Benefits Aloe Vera Beauty which can maintain a healthy skin too.
9. Anti-Oxidant
Oregano contain rosmarinic acid which works as an anti-histamin. Therefore, another oregano oil health benefits is as a good source for anti-oxidant. This can bring benefit to support immune system health. It protects the body by fighting the negative effect of free radical. Hence, it can avoid any disease related with early aging and produce a youthful body.Â
10. Anti-Cancer
Oregano extract has been shown to prevent the growth of cancer cell in the human body. A phytochemical in oregano, carnosol, has also bring an anti-cancer property in prostate, breast, skin, leukemia, and colon cancer. Furthermore, it protects from the damages of the body due to free radicals. It neutralizes the free radicals while repairing the damage already done. This help to slows down the aging process and as the result, it protects against certain cancers.
11. Maintain Digestion
Oregano oil contain a dietary fiber. Therefore, it is suit to maintain digestion. It improves the digestive system to optimize the body metabolism. Hence, it only absorbs the good nutrients. It helps the intestine peristaltic movements. It helps a fasten digest, so that the food is optimally change to energy.
12. Anti-Depressant
Oregano oil can be used as an anti-depressant. It gives a relax mind and a calm feeling. Furthermore, it reduces stresses due to environmental and daily activities. Therefore, it is a good therapy to calming down the nerve. The same way as the benefit of Thailand Herbs Spices.
13. Reduce PMS Syndrome
Due to the effect of anti-depressant, oregano oil can help to soothe PMS syndrome. It helps to reduce menstrual cramp. It gives pleasant feelings. Furthermore, it controls the PMS hormone. Therefore, it is good to have oregano oil as a therapy to lower down the effect of PMS syndrome.
14. Reduce Muscle Pain
Another oregano oil health benefit is to reduce the muscle pain. It helps to control the pain in the nerve system. It also has an anti-inflammatory capability to reduce the inflammation in the muscle. Therefore, it is a good treatment for the muscle pain. It soothes the pain and give a relax feeling in handling the pain.
15. Reduce Sore Throat
Oregano oil can help to reduce sore throat. The anti-inflammatory works to soothe the inflammation. While the anti-bacteria help to prevent further infection. Therefore, it can bring a fast relief from the disease. This is the same benefit as Health Benefits of Figleaf Gourd.
Recommended Intake of Oregano Oil
It is better to follow the instruction from manufacturer. Otherwise try to consult with the doctor. Since recommended dose may vary. Furthermore, for general information to get the oregano oil health benefits, the below dosage might work:
Oregano oil dosage for adults by mouth
- 4 – 6 drops diluted with a carrier oil such as olive oil with a safe blend is 1 part oregano oil to 3 parts olive oil.
- If it is already mixed with a carrier oil, no need to dilute it further.
- Suggested frequency is 3 – 6 times per day, depending on the severity of the infection.
- For preventative use, suggested taking 1 – 4 drops per day.
Oregano oil dosages for children
- Suggested oral dosage for children 5 – 10 years old is use 1 drop, 1 – 3 times per day mixed in juice or milk.
- Children 10 years old and older may use 3 drops, three times per day in juice or milk.
- Suggested external use for children 6 months to 5 years old by dilute 1 part oregano oil in 4 parts olive oil. Add a few drops to warm bath water with bath salts.
- Children 5 years old and older may use it directly without diluted.
Side Effects of Oregano Oil
The same as any other essential oil, oregano oil also has some side effects. Below are some of oregano oil health benefits and side effects:
- It might bring allergic reaction to people with allergic history. It can bring rash, itchiness, nausea or dizziness.
- Some stronger mixtures may cause an upset stomach. Therefore, it is recommended to read the label to see what the ratio of oil is.
- Oregano might have an effect of diuretic. Hence, it could increase lithium in the body and result in serious side effects.
- Oregano is not recommended when taken by mouth during pregnancy. There is a concern that oregano might cause miscarriage.
- Oregano might increase the risk of bleeding in people with bleeding disorders. Hence, people who use oregano should stop 2 weeks before surgery to avoid risk of bleeding.
- Oregano might lower blood sugar levels. People with diabetes should use oregano cautiously.