Medicinal Benefits of Oil of Oregano

Oil of oregano, also known as oreganol, is a powerful antiseptic that has antibacterial, antifungal, antimicrobial properties. These properties have been extensively studied, and are why more people are coming around to the view that oreganol can indeed to be powerful ally in your fight against disease and ill health.

The oil that has medicinal properties is produced through a proprietary distillation process by using specific wild grown oregano plants, mainly obtained from pristine Mediterranean mountains. It should not be confused with commercially grown oregano that is used for cooking. The later does not have any of the medicinal properties that wild oregano oil does.

The main active ingredient in oregano oil is carvacrol. This is a type of phenol that is only found in a few herbs. Synthetic phenols have been used for antiseptics for many years, the most notable being carbolic acid.

So what can oregano oil be used for? We take a look at some of the most popular uses. But before you attempt to use oregano oil for any of these condition, make sure you consult your doctor to discuss this with him. Oregano oil is not suitable for everyone.

Fungus of Fingernails and Toenails

It is estimated that tens of millions of Americans suffer from fingernail or toenail fungus and many health experts think that the levels have now reached epidemic proportions. The number affected worldwide is even higher. The primary causes are a fungus that is related to athlete’s foot and ringworm. Candida albicans is also another common cause.

This type of fungus is difficult to eradicate because it takes root deep under the nail bed, and so topical medicines are of very limited use. Good results have been seen when using oregano oil, but you need to persist with treatment. You should put the oil all over and under the nails until they are completely soaked and then soak your feet in hot water for 30 mins. Repeat this once or twice a day. You should also take a few drops of oil under the tongue once or twice a day. Depending on the severity of the condition, it should start clearing up in days or weeks.

Also note that a diet high in sugar, alcohol abuse, nail varnish and other things can contribute to nail fungus. You may therefore have to address these issues as well as using the oil.

Eczema

This is a condition that commonly occurs in children, although many adults also suffer. Eczema is an inflammatory skin condition and is regarded as some kind of allergic reaction. As well as this it is also for the eczema to become infected with bacteria and fungus. Researchers have found that killing the bacteria and fungus often means that the eczema clears up.

Because of this bacterial and fungal element to the condition, oil of oregano is ideally suited to treating it, as it is a potent antibacterial and antifungal. The suggested form of treatment is to rub the oil onto the eczema twice a day and to also take both drops of the oil under the tongue and also oil of oregano capsules. It is important to stop the topical treatment if any irritation occurs, but you can continue to take internally.

Diarrhea

Diarrhea afflicts millions of people annually, and prolonged diarrhea can be particularly serious, and even lead to death in extreme cases. Diarrhea is not a disease itself, but a symptom of other conditions. The most likely causes are food poisoning, food allergy and internal infection with bacteria, viruses and parasites.

Oil of oregano works very well against a wide range of microbes, and is therefore ideal for treating diarrhea. Many studies have shown that the oil can destroy fungi, bacteria, parasites, and viruses.

The suggested treatment is to take a few drops of the oil 2-3 times daily in water of juice.  For severe cases you can also take oil of oregano capsules. Drink plenty of fluids and avoid solid foods. See your doctor if your symptoms don’t clear up within a day.