Oil of oregano is obtained from the oregano plant, Origanum Vulgare, which according to oiloforegano.org is a member of the mint family. While some forms of the plant are used as a popular seasoning, the oil is purported to have many health benefits, largely because of its antioxidant properties.
History
According to oreganopro.com, oil of oregano has long been used around the world for various curative properties. For instance, ancient Greek doctors used it in treating wounds, headaches, seizures, breathing disorders and for bites. Muslims of the Middle Ages used the oil as an antibiotic and preservative, and the English used it in the 1600s to treat head colds.
Features
Oreganopro.com reports that herbs have been found to be the food with the highest levels of antioxidants and that oregano has many times more antioxidants than other herbs. The two most important antioxidants in oregano are thymol and carvacrol. Oreganopro.com notes that the oregano used for medicinal purposes is distinct from that raised as a spice, and that it takes up to 1,000 lbs. of the herb to produce 1 lb. of oil.
Benefits
Oil of oregano is widely appreciated as a cure for upset stomachs. Oiloforegano.org notes that for this purpose, it is sufficient to boil oregano for a few minutes and then drink this as a tea. Oil of oregano is also an antifungal agent, and oreganopro.com reports that microbes do not readily become resistant to it.
Potential
According to Medical News Today, the essential oil of Himalayan oregano has been shown to be an effective antibiotic against methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MSRA). This infection is resistant to multiple antibiotics, making it very difficult to treat; it is commonly known as a superbug and is spread in hospitals and other environments. Further research is being done to determine if oregano treatment for MSRA could be a viable widespread option.
Considerations
People who are sensitive or allergic to related herbs should avoid the use of oil of oregano. Oreganopro.com also notes that synthetic carvacrol is toxic in humans, and so only natural oil of oregano should be used.
Tags: notes that, reports that, that oregano