Health Benefits of Oregano Oil

Oregano oil is a herb best know as an ingredient in food. It is also found as an essential oil with antioxidants and compounds with many proven health benefits. Oregano oil is a natural antibiotic and anti-fungal agent, it may also help with weight loss and lower cholesterol levels. Here are some of the health benefits of oregano oil.

What is oregano oil?

Oregano is a flowering plant from the same family as mint. It’s commonly used as an herb to flavor food. Oregano essential oil can be applied topically but is not to be consumed orally. Oregano oil extract is found in supplement form.

Oregano has compounds called phenols, terpenes, and terpenoids. They have antioxidant properties and are responsible for its fragrance.

Carvacrol– The most abundant phenol in oregano, it has shown to stop the growth of several different types of bacteria.

Thymol– A natural anti fungal that can also support the immune system and protect against toxins.

Rosmarinic acid– A powerful antioxidant that helps protect against damage caused by free radicals.

Here are some health benefits of oregano oil.

Natural antibiotic

Oregano and the carvacrol it contains may help fight bacteria. Research has shown that oregano essential oil may be effective against some antibiotic-resistant bacteria.

A Powerful antioxidant

Antioxidants help protect the body from free radical damage. Free radical damage plays a role in aging and the development of some diseases. They can build up in the body through environmental factors, like air pollution and cigarette smoke. One study showed that oregano oil had the highest concentration of antioxidants when compared to other commonly used herbs. oregano has 42 times the antioxidant level of apples and 4 times that of blueberries. This is due to its rosmarinic acid content.

Improve gut health

Oregano may benefit gut health. One study showed that a daily treatment for 6 weeks resulted in a reduction in gut issues like parasites. Oregano may help protect against leaky gut. This is when the gut wall becomes damaged, letting bacteria and toxins get into the bloodstream.

Anti-inflammatory properties

Inflammation is the cause of many adverse health effects. Research shows that oregano oil may reduce inflammation. Carvacrol, a key component in oregano oil, has been shown to reduce inflammation.

Pain reliever

Oregano oil has been studied for its painkiller properties. It found that oregano essential oil significantly reduced pain, having similar effects to commonly used painkillers fenoprofen and morphine.

Weight loss

The carvacrol content in oregano oil may aid in weight loss. A study showed those given carvacrol with a high fat diet gained significantly less weight and body fat than those just given a high fat diet.