Oregano essential oil is a combination of over sixty individual components that work together to give the oil its individual properties. Alone, these components will not have the same effect as when they are combined in the oil. It is important to know that there are many different varieties and species of oregano. When purchasing oregano oil for medicinal purposes, be sure to buy a high quality and pure oil. Oregano that is grown for mostly culinary purposes will not have the same benefits as species grown for oil production. It is believed that oregano oil that is produced from Turkish oregano is the best quality oil on the market today.
Oregano essential oil is mainly composed of thymol, carvacrol, caryophyllene, germacrene-D, p-cymene, spathulenol and y-terpinene. Here is an explanation of the more common components and how they give Oregano oil its healing and aromatherapy characteristics.
Thymol
One of the main compounds of oregano oil, thymol, is a natural monoterpene phenol. It has a strong herbaceous aroma that helps to give oregano its familiar scent. It is a strong antimicrobial, especially when paired with oregano oil’s other main ingredient, carvacrol.
Thymol is sold as an herbal supplement in the form of pills, powders or liquid extract. One of the main uses for thymol is as a bronchitis treatment. It acts as an expectorant and helps break down the mucus, making coughs more effective in cleaning the air pathways. Oregano oil is often used to treat a variety of breathing issues due to a build-up of mucus, including bronchitis. It can be taken internally but for immediate results, add the oil to a pot of boiling water and drape a towel over your head to capture the steam. Take a few deep breaths and step back. Only take a few breaths every few minutes as needed.
Thymol is often used as a powerful antiseptic. It is found in many over the counter mouthwashes and dental products because of its natural ability to fight tooth decay and gum infections. It also helps to eliminate bad breath. Oregano oil is often added to toothpaste or even brushed with alone to help promote healthy gums and fresh breath. It is also used to help relieve pain from a toothache. Place a drop or two under your tongue and push the oil to the area of your mouth that is sore. After applying some pressure, rinse well with water to keep the oil from becoming too concentrated. Relief should be fairly quick.
Carvacrol
Carvacrol is a monoterpenoid phenol and has a distinct oregano scent. In order for oregano oil to be effective, it needs to have a high concentration of carvacrol. The health benefits of carvacrol are impressive and promising. When it was tested against breast cancer cells, it caused apoptosis, without
any damaging side effects. Other studies focused on different types of cancer cells, including lung, oral and brain tumors, all with similar results. While many more studies are needed, oregano oil could be a natural way to fight cancer without the body needing to endure unwanted side effects.
In order for produce to stay fresh during long transits, it is often coated with chemicals to keep the food looking its best for when it finally reaches the produce section in your store. It is also washed with chlorine to kill any bacteria that may be present. Experiments using carvacrol were administered to see if the compound would be just as effective as chlorine. It was able to remove Salmonella from grapes, providing a safer alternative to cleaning produce that will not affect nutritional value, antioxidant content, taste or appearance. Other studies showed that carvacrol was able to eliminate e. Coli, Campylobacter jejuni and Listeria.
Other studies have shown that carvacrol may be able to fight redness and swelling from injury related inflammation and other types of swelling throughout the body. Oregano oil is often used in a cream form to treat swollen muscle and joints or taken internally to treat inflammation throughout the whole body.
Germacrene-D
There are two types of germacrenes, which is a class of organic hydrocarbons. Both types, including germacrene-D, are known for their antimicrobial ad insecticidal properties. Oregano oil can be used to clean household surfaces and also to remove infections on the skin. Oregano plants are often utilized in vegetable gardens to keep pests away and can be used in the home to keep it bug free as well.
Caryophyllene
Caryophyllene is a natural bicyclic sesquiterpene that is found in rosemary, hops and oregano oil. It also adds to the spiciness of black pepper. A study conducted by Jurg Gertsch at the Swiss Federal Institute of Technology showed caryophyllene to be anti-inflammatory in mice. It also showed to be an antidepressant. Oregano oil has been linked to helping with mild depression symptoms and can be administered by diffusing through the air. Oregano oil also shows promise to being a natural way to curb cravings and withdrawal symptoms, which can be linked to caryophyllene. To fight cravings, keep a cotton pad with a few drops of oregano oil with you to inhale during trying moments.
Nutritional Information
Oregano can offer more than just a great flavor. It’s also a great source of body boosting ingredients. It’s rich in antioxidants and has been rated as one of the plant sources with the highest antioxidant activity around. Oregano does not contain cholesterol but is rich in dietary fiber, which can hep to control blood cholesterol levels. It’s also a great source of minerals like potassium, iron and calcium. The next time you feel guilty about having an extra slice of pizza, remind yourself about all of the great health benefits of oregano.
1 teaspoon of dried oregano leaves
Calories: 3
Calories from Fat: 1
Total Fat: 0g
Saturated Fat: 0g
Cholesterol: 0mg
Sodium: 0mg
Total Carbohydrates: 1g
Dietary Fiber: 2%
Vitamin A: 1%
Calcium: 2%
Vitamin C: 1%
Iron: 2%
