A natural powerhouse, oil of wild oregano boasts a myriad of properties that make it one of the most beneficial oils for good health. Anti-bacterial, anti-fungal, antiviral and anti-inflammatory, oil of wild oregano is a steam distillation of the leaves and flowers of this perennial plant. Used by the ancient cultures in the Mediterranean region to cleanse wounds and treat skin irritations, the oil’s popularity today is quickly growing due to its wide range of applications.
Why Quality Matters
Oil of wild oregano is quite different from the jar in your spice cabinet. Oil of wild oregano or Origanum vulgare is just one of forty species of the herb. Choose a natural oil with 80 percent carvacrol for the most potent healing properties.
A Powerful Composition
The oil contains two phenols that supply a host of benefits. Thymol is a natural fungicide, boosting the immune system and healing damaged tissues. Carvacrol is the prominent antibacterial agent, working alongside terpenes another antibacterial compound to effectively eliminate infections of Candida albicans, staphylococcus, E. coli, campylobacter, salmonella and listeria. Choose a natural oil with 80 percent carvacrol for the most potent healing properties. Rosemarinic acid, linalool and naringin are antioxidants, reducing free radicals and limiting cancer growth. Additionally, the oil contains essential vitamins and nutrients including vitamins A and E, magnesium, zinc, potassium and others.
Topical Uses of Wild Oregano
Diluting the oregano oil with a carrier oil such as almond or coconut oil allows a variety of topical applications. Antifungal in nature, the oil eliminates skin infections such as ringworm, athletes foot and fungal infections of the toe and fingernails. It is also useful for relieving insect bites and skin rashes such as poison ivy. Adding a few drops of oil of wild oregano to a hair rinse can help to reduce dandruff.
Helpful for colds and congestion, a soothing rub can be applied to the chest to break up congestion and ease breathing. This same rub can be used to relieve aching muscles as the oil also works as a topical anaesthetic.
Wild Oregano in Aromatherapy
Used in an oil diffuser or as part of a concentrated steam inhalation session, oil of wild oregano cleanses the sinus passages and relieves inflamed respiratory tracts. Adding wild oregano oil to steam loosen mucus for more productive coughing and soothes sore throats. Great for environmental allergy sufferers and for those suffering from colds, bronchitis and other respiratory infections.
Internal and Sublingual Use
For internal or sublingual applications, always use a therapeutic grade oil that is diluted with a food-grade carrier oil such as coconut oil or olive oil, or with water or other consumable liquid.
Swishing a few drops of the oil diluted with a teaspoon of an edible carrier oil effectively reduces bad breath, fights gingivitis and active yeast infections. It also lessens tooth pain
Added to a soothing tea or a simple glass of water, the oil works internally to flush out parasites, eliminate harmful bacteria such as salmonella and even viruses such as norovirus. Additionally, the ingested oil’s carvacrol component works to regulate menopause symptoms and relieve painful menstruation.
Additional Points of Consideration
The oil of wild oregano is a hot oil. Undiluted use can result in skin irritations similar in nature to a chemical burn and damage mucous membranes. Pregnant women should avoid using oregano oil due to stimulating effect on the uterus and menstruation cycle which could lead to a miscarriage.
...and remember, qualified nutritionists at Healthy Being are available to offer further general advice to help guide you in selecting the right products. So please, feel free to contact us at any time!
Jessica is a natural lifestyle coach who specialises in green living. A regular contributor to HB Insights, she's passionate about sharing with others how transitioning to a natural lifestyle provides benefits to themselves, their communities and their environment.