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OREGANO
Articles by a Naturopathic
Doctor ( N.D.)
Oregano is a well-known spice in Italian cooking. This plant is just as useful in the medicine cabinet as it is in the kitchen ... |
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OREGANO |
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Oil from the oregano
plant fights
infection by
viruses, bacteria
and parasites |
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Oregano extracts have antibacterial, antiviral and antifungal activity. Chronic infections, like candidiasis, and contagious new viruses, like SARS, seem to be inhibited by oregano. Oregano not only kills infecting microbes in the respiratory tract but also acts as an expectorant (helps to expel mucus) and antispasmodic (relieves coughing). |
In the digestive tract oregano soothes digestion and decreases diarrhea, by stopping intestinal spasms. It also kills gastrointestinal microbes and decreases gas and bloating. There are some theories that Crohn's and Colitis may have a triad of predisposing factors, including an unbalanced gut flora, and a trigger, commonly physical or emotional stress, and a bacterial or microbial invasion of some sort. Given this theory, studies are currently investigating the use of oregano oil to treat these IBD conditions. Animal studies are already showing promising results.
Oregano can be used topically for skin infections, like Athlete's foot, ringworm and folliculitis. Oregano is useful for treating colds, sore throats, coughs, chronic respiratory conditions, yeast infections, viral infections, bacterial infections, diarrhea and indigestion.
I personally use oil of oregano a few times throughout the first day or two I am feeling a sore throat coming on. I can say, without exception, that the sore throat never progresses and symptoms have disappeared within a couple days of starting the oregano oil.
Oregano can be purchased as a loose herb, encapsulated herb, spice or essential oil. The loose herb can be made into a poultice for topical application, used for inhalation or drank as a tea for internal use. Oregano may be included in combination teas for soothing digestion. The spice is often added to dishes for prevention of bacterial contamination.
The essential oil of oregano is a highly concentrated substance. It comes in various strengths, sometimes referred to as a percentage (i.e.: P73). Make note of the phenol carvacrol, one of the most active ingredients in oregano, responsible for the majority of its medicinal benefits. A carvacrol content of 70 % or more is optimal.
Externally, you can apply to almost any affected area, although use extreme caution when treating highly sensitive mucosal membranes, such as the vagina and anal areas. It is highly recommended, when treating these areas that you use a carrier oil to dilute the essential oil. Olive, almond or coconut oils are all good options. Before applying externally, you may want to test a small area of skin with the non-diluted essential oil, to ensure there is no reaction or determine is dilution is necessary. A few drops of oil of oregano can be added to shampoos to treat dandruff, eczema or seborrheic dermatitis of the scalp. It can also be rubbed (using fingertip) on the gums to treat and prevent gingivitis, as well as a few drops added on your toothbrush to kill germs and treat bad breath.
When taking internally, 1-3 drops under the tongue, 3x/daily is a typical dosage. Acutely, you can do up to 3 drops every hour for the first day you are experiencing signs and symptoms of cold, flu or food poisoning (for up to 10 hours).
Essential oils can be toxic when taken internally in high doses. Oil of oregano should not be used in pregnancy or lactation. If using long-term, consider taking breaks and repopulating/supporting healthy gut flora with the use of probiotic or with herbs such as slippery elm. |
Oregano–
QUICK FACTS
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PARTS USED
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Aerial
parts,
essential
oil. |
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APPLICATIONS |
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Bacterial,
viral or
fungal
infections,
indigestion,
coughs,
colds. |
OPTIMUM
DOSAGE
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Essential
oil, 1-3
drops
daily.
Herb, no
standard
dosing.
(Clinical
doses may be
higher as
recommended
by your
practitioner). |
WORKS WELL
WITH
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Echinacea,
goldenseal,
vitamin C,
garlic,
bitter
herbs,
slippery
elm,
mullein,
thyme.
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IMPORTANT
INFORMATION
click for products |
·
The
essential
oil of
oregano is
toxic in
high doses
and should
not be used
in pregnancy
or
lactation.
·
After oral
use of
oregano
probiotic
supplements
should be
used to
replace
beneficial
bacterial
flora. |
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For
informational
purposes only.
Please consult your
health care
practitioner before
taking natural
health care
products. Click here
for full disclaimer. |
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All articles
copyright National Nutrition
2001 - 2011. For educational
purposes only. Please note
that while National Nutrition
supports your right to use
natural health care products for
any therapeutic purpose that you
see fit, that the information on
this website should not be
considered as a claim or as a
substitute for medical advice. |
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