Oregano Oil Benefits & Uses

As problems such as antibiotic resistance and an increasing list of unfortunate side effects for regular over the counter and prescription medications, more people are looking for natural alternatives to common health problems. Essential oils have come to the forefront of alternative medicine, as they are versatile, accessible, and easy to use. Of all of the essential oils, oregano oil stands out as one of the best anti-microbial, immune boosting problem solvers. These are some of the best ways to  use oil of oregano to improve your health.

6 Best Uses for Oregano Oil

Oregano oil is anti-viral, anti-inflammatory, antiseptic, antibacterial, antifungal, and a fantastic natural internal and external bug repellent. Thanks to this powerful oil, we have a natural solution to many common ailments and health problems.

Fight infections and viruses.

Oregano oil is one of nature’s most powerful antimicrobial agents, and is highly effective at warding off cold and flu viruses. As soon as you feel a sore throat or cold coming on, combine four to six drops of oregano oil with a teaspoon of liquid coconut oil and pour into the back of your throat. Repeat this four to six times a day until your symptoms going away. Be sure to take a probiotic supplement or include probiotic-rich foods in your diet after a round of oregano oil, to repopulate your gut with good bacteria.
Alternatively, if you really can’t stand the strong taste of the oregano oil, you can also put five to six drops of oil into a pot of steaming water, place your head over the pot under a towel. For one or two minutes, take deep, long breaths to bring the aromatic compounds into your system, as well as clear up any current congestion.

Improve digestion.

If you experience indigestion from time to time or are simply having some tummy trouble after a meal, oregano oil can help to soothe your stomach and boost the digestion process. Oregano oil has the ability to stimulate the gallbladder to secrete more bile into the digestive tract, helping to move the process along. Again, simply mix four or five drops of oregano oil into a teaspoon of coconut oil and consume.

Skin infections.

Just as oregano oil is powerful against internal infections, it is also highly effective against external ones, such as athlete’s foot, acne, and other common skin conditions. To use oregano oil on your skin, dilute the oil in one part oregano oil to three parts carrier oil, such as coconut, avocado, or olive oil. Apply only the the effective area once or twice a day maximum.

As a pest repellent.

When used externally, oregano oil has been shown to be effective at preventing mosquitoes, fleas, bed bugs, and even lice, and is often found in many natural bug sprays. Try adding a few drops to your shampoo, or diluting in a spray bottle to use as a bug spray, in a ratio of five to six drops per 500mL of water.

As an antiparasitic.

Parasites such as tapeworms and roundworms, and even other intestinal tract issues such as Candida overgrowth, can be controlled and destroyed using oregano oil. Again, taking oregano oil internally is as simple as diluting four or five drops of oil into a teaspoon of carrier oil, or alternatively mixing four to five drops into a glass of orange juice or water.

Get rid of yeast infections.

Yeast infections are extremely uncomfortable and unfortunately too common among women. Oregano oil’s antibacterial property does a fantastic job at killing off those bad bacteria. You can take it internally, or dilute it in a one part oregano oil to three or four parts carrier oil mixture and gently massage into the affected areas.

How to Purchase Oregano Oil

Oregano oil can be purchased at your local health food store, often in the supplements, beauty, and cosmetics section, as well as online. Always ensure you are buying an organic oil, and check the label to know if the oil is already diluted or if it is pure. One is not better than the other, you just don’t want to be diluting an already diluted oil even further, and you also don’t want to be putting pure oregano oil on your skin or into your mouth and throat. When in doubt, talk to a naturopath or seek help from a supplements specialist at your store.

The Bottom Line

As you can see, oregano oil has plenty of incredible uses for your body and health, from your skin to your respiratory and digestive tracts and more. Always ensure that you never put undiluted oil right directly onto your skin or into your body, always dilute using a carrier oil or a liquid to prevent burning from the oil.

The next time you feel a cold coming on, have an infection, an acne break-out, or experience indigestion, instead of turning to conventional drugs and treatments, consider giving oregano oil a try. It’s safe, effective, natural, and side-effect free.