7+ Benefits and Uses of Oregano Oil
Oils from oregano and oregano extract oil come from the same products, but they provide a different range of health benefits. In this guide, we will discuss how organic oregano oil helps humans maintain healthy lifestyles.
What is Organic Oil and Where Does it Come From?
Oregano oil is a concentrated herbal extract made from the leaves and stems of the Origanum vulgare plant, a member of the mint family. However, it is to be noted that it is not the same as oregano essential oil.
Oregano oil is extracted using steam distillation or oil infusion to preserve compounds like carvacrol and thymol. These two natural substances are responsible for giving the oil its antimicrobial and antioxidant effects.
The oil is most commonly sourced from wild oregano grown in the Mediterranean region, where the plant lives in a dry and rocky habitat. It is available in liquid drops, capsules, and topical blends for a variety of health uses.
1. It is a Natural Antibiotic
Oregano oil contains high levels of carvacrol, a compound shown to break down bacterial cell walls and inhibit their replication. It may be effective against bacteria like Staphylococcus aureus and E. coli, which are known to cause skin, respiratory, and urinary tract infections.
Some studies even show it performing as well as conventional antibiotics in vitro. However, it should not be used as a substitute for prescription antibiotics in serious infections without medical advice.
2. It May Reduce Cholesterol Levels
Carvacrol in oregano oil may help reduce levels of LDL (bad cholesterol) and triglycerides by blocking cholesterol synthesis enzymes in the liver.
In different studies, regular use of oregano oil resulted in improved lipid profiles, especially when taken alongside a healthy diet. These effects are promising for those managing early-stage heart disease or borderline cholesterol levels.
3. It is a Powerful Antioxidant
The oil is rich in thymol and rosmarinic acid, both of which help neutralize free radicals that cause oxidative damage to cells.
This matters because oxidative stress is linked to chronic diseases like cancer, diabetes, and cardiovascular decline. By reducing cell damage, oregano oil may help a person improve their overall being, especially when the oil is used consistently but in moderation.
4. It Could Help with Yeast Infections
Oregano oil may inhibit the growth of Candida albicans, the fungus responsible for most yeast infections. Carvacrol disrupts the fungal cell membrane, which stops it from spreading.
Lab studies show its effectiveness against vaginal strains and oral Candida strains. It is often used as a natural alternative when antifungal resistance is a concern.
5. It May Improve Digestive Health
This oil may relieve bloating, indigestion, and other related gut infections caused by harmful bacteria or parasites.
It works by targeting harmful gut bacteria like E. coli and Giardia, while leaving beneficial microbes unharmed. Oregano oil also triggers bile production, which helps break down dietary fats more efficiently. Inflammation in the intestinal lining may reduce as a result, making it easier for nutrients to be absorbed and for digestion to run smoothly.
6. It May Help You Lose Weight
Preliminary research suggests oregano oil may influence weight by regulating fat-storage genes and reducing inflammation associated with obesity.
Carvacrol appears to block the formation of new fat cells and may also improve metabolic function. While not a magic solution, it can support you in achieving your weight goals, but it is not a standalone solution. It can be effective when paired with proper diet and exercise.
7. It May Lower Inflammation and Provide Pain Relief
Oregano oil contains anti-inflammatory agents like carvacrol and beta-caryophyllene that may inhibit COX enzymes. This can reduce swelling and discomfort in conditions like joint pain, muscle aches, or even sore throats.
8. It May Fight Cancer
In lab studies, carvacrol has been shown to trigger apoptosis, or programmed cell death, in certain cancer cell lines, including colon, lung, and breast cancer.
It may also inhibit tumour growth by preventing the spread of cancer cells and blocking blood vessel formation. While the data is promising, these effects are preliminary and need validation through human trials before therapeutic use.
Takeaway
Oregano oil can be a powerful addition to your wellness routine when used thoughtfully. But because it's highly concentrated, proper dosing and short-term use are key, especially if you’re taking medications or have underlying conditions.