The Health Benefits of Oregano Essential Oil
You may remember your mom putting a small vial of oregano oil on the table at every family meal, showcasing the benefits of taking oregano in various dishes.
It was a staple in many Italian households and is still used as an effective way to add spice without fear of overdoing it. Oregano is one of those herbs that has many different uses.
While it's not often used for cooking, several health benefits of essential oregano oil make it a valuable addition to any home or first aid kit.
This concentrated herb has numerous properties that improve health and well-being when applied topically or consumed internally.
Let's examine some of essential oregano oil's most critical advantages and how you can use this herb to enhance your well-being.
Strengthen Your Immune System
Essential oregano oil's ability to boost immunity is one of its most significant health advantages, largely attributed to its active compound, thymol (1).
When applied topically, oregano oil can help ease symptoms of inflammation and swelling. If you're suffering from a skin condition like psoriasis or eczema, oregano oil may help reduce the symptoms of this common skin disorder.
Many people use oregano oil on insect bites and stings to relieve itching and inflammation. For best results, apply several drops to your skin and cover it with a bandage to enhance the absorption of its beneficial compounds.
If you're looking for an extra boost when you're sick, try adding a few drops of oregano oil to a steaming mug of water and inhaling the vapors to open your airways.
The antibacterial effect of oregano also fights viruses and bacteria that cause colds and flu by destroying them before they can make you sick.
Fight Inflammation
The Health benefits of oregano oil go beyond fighting illness. Additionally, it is a potent anti-inflammatory that can help with joint pain and the symptoms of many common illnesses (2).
You can use a topical salve or rub a drop or two of essential oregano oil into the affected joint or muscle. If you're using oregano oil to combat inflammation, it's best to use it as soon as symptoms begin to maximize the effect of oregano.
Because of its antibacterial properties, oregano oil can also be applied topically to help relieve mild forms of inflammation, such as sunburn. Apply a few drops of oregano oil to the affected area to relieve mild skin irritation or itching.
Boost Digestion
Digestion is another one of the many health benefits of oregano oil, as it can help inhibit digestive discomfort when used appropriately.
Thanks to the antibacterial properties of carvacrol found in oregano oil, it promotes healthy digestion when consumed in small doses over time (3). This is especially helpful for those who suffer from indigestion or bloating due to digestive issues.
A few drops of oregano oil in a warm glass of water is a simple and fast way to improve digestion. You can also rub oregano oil on the soles of your feet, massage your stomach, or add it to a bath to help soothe digestive issues and relieve bloating.
Be careful when consuming large amounts of oregano oil. This can hurt your digestion and cause diarrhea.
Reduce Anxiety and Depression
The health benefits of oregano oil also include mood-boosting properties, potentially linked to increased serotonin levels (4).
Many people use this oil topically or in tinctures to reduce anxiety and depression, which are often caused by hormone imbalances, stress, or other mental and emotional factors. This highlights the therapeutic effect of oregano.
Because oregano has a calming effect, rubbing a drop or two of oil on certain pressure points, such as your neck or temples, can help elevate your mood and lessen anxiety.
If you're looking to use oregano oil to treat depression and anxiety, it's best to take a smaller dose in tincture form. Oregano oil can help treat the underlying causes of these mood disorders and works best when used over time.
Protect Your Skin From UV Rays
Another health advantage of oregano oil is its ability to shield skin from UV radiation. Applying oregano oil to the skin can help protect it from UV radiation, lower the risk of skin cancer, and prevent other skin conditions brought on by excessive sun exposure (5).
Rubbing a small amount of oregano oil on your skin is an easy way to protect yourself from the sun.
By combining it with coconut oil, oregano oil can be used as a face or body sunscreen. It can also be added in small amounts to your preferred sunscreen, enhancing its protective properties with oregano oil.
Final Words
Oregano essential oil is a concentrated herb with many health benefits, including the compound carvacrol, known for its therapeutic effects. These include improving your immune system, reducing inflammation, boosting digestion, relieving anxiety, and protecting your skin from UV rays. You can take it or apply it topically to receive these advantages.
If you want to add oregano oil to your diet, it's best to do so in small amounts. Add it to a salad or sandwich, season meats or vegetables, or mix a drop or two into a warm glass of water and drink it as tea.
The advantages of oregano essential oil make it necessary for your home if you're looking for an alternative way to spice up your life. From boosting your health to protecting your skin from harmful UV rays, this herb is a helpful tool that can be applied topically or consumed in small amounts, mainly through oregano extract.
🌿 From strengthening immunity to protecting your skin from UV rays, this versatile herb has you covered. Try it today for a natural wellness upgrade! 💪🌱
FAQs
What are the health benefits of oregano essential oil?
Oregano essential oil has several health benefits, including boosting the immune system, fighting inflammation, improving digestion, reducing anxiety, and protecting the skin from UV rays.
How can I use oregano essential oil to strengthen my immune system?
You can apply oregano oil topically to relieve symptoms of inflammation or use it in a steam inhalation to open airways and fight bacteria and viruses when you feel sick.
Is oregano oil safe for digestion, and how should I use it?
Yes, oregano oil is safe for digestion when used in small amounts. You can add a few drops to a warm glass of water or rub it on your feet or stomach to relieve indigestion or bloating.
Can oregano oil help with anxiety and depression?
Oregano oil has mood-boosting properties that may reduce anxiety and depression by balancing serotonin levels. Apply it to pressure points like the temples or neck, or take it in tincture form for best results.
How does oregano essential oil protect the skin from UV rays?
Oregano oil has protective properties against UV radiation. Applying it topically or mixing it with coconut oil can help shield your skin from harmful UV rays and reduce the risk of skin conditions caused by sun exposure.
Related Studies:
1. Title: Boost Immunity
This study discusses the antibacterial properties of oregano essential oil, highlighting its ability to enhance immune responses through the modulation of inflammatory mediators.
Link: https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC6152729/
2. Title: Fight Inflammation
This research demonstrates that oregano essential oil significantly inhibits inflammatory biomarkers and modulates gene expression related to inflammation and tissue remodeling.
Link: https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/abs/pii/S0278691520304762
3. Title: Boost Digestion
The article reviews various health benefits of oregano oil, emphasizing carvacrol's effectiveness against bacteria that cause digestive discomfort, like bloating and cramps.
Link: https://www.medicalnewstoday.com/articles/324203
4. Title: Reduce Anxiety and Depression
This study explores the antidepressant-like effects of oregano essential oil in animal models, suggesting its potential for mood enhancement through modulation of serotonin levels.
Link: https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/abs/pii/S2210803323000295
5. Title: Protect Skin from UV Rays
This research highlights the protective effects of oregano essential oil against UV-induced damage in skin cells, suggesting its potential role in skin cancer prevention.
Link: https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/abs/pii/S2210803323000295