Supplement Spotlight: Oil of Oregano

I’m sure someone has once told you to take two or three drops of oregano oil if you have a sore or irritated throat? Oregano oil is a product made from the oregano plant, Origanum vulgare. It contains a higher concentration of the helpful compounds that occur naturally in the plant. Oregano oil may be helpful for a wide range of conditions, and we are here to break them down for you. 

Fights bacteria 

Thanks to the high levels of carvacrol, oregano oil may help fight certain types of bacteria. Taking oregano oil supplements or rubbing it on the skin may help a person make use of these antibacterial effects.

Treats small intestine bacterial overgrowth (SIBO)

Oregano oil may help treat chronic bacterial issues, such as SIBO. People with SIBO experience gastrointestinal problems due to an overgrowth of certain bacteria in their intestines.

Treats fungal infections

Oregano oil can be a potent antifungal agent thanks to high levels of thymol.

Provides antioxidants

Oregano oil is also a potent antioxidant. Antioxidants help protect the body from damage caused by oxidative stress and free radicals.

Heals wounds

Applying diluted oregano oil to the skin may help protect smaller cuts and scrapes on the skin as they heal. Compounds such as thymol and carvacrol could protect these types of wound from bacterial infections. 

Aiding weight loss

Oregano oil may also be a helpful tool for people looking to lose weight. Researchers have found that carvacrol, the main compound in oregano oil, disrupts part of the process that leads to the creation and accumulation of fat tissue.

May help fight cancer

Sources claim that oregano oil may help fight certain cancers. The essential oil from oregano helps prevent some types of colon cancer and breast cancer from growing in test tubes. The oil also appears to inhibit the growth of some lung cancer and prostate cancer cells.

Oregano oil comes in either capsule form and as a liquid. It is available for purchase in most health food stores! People who do not enjoy the taste of oregano should choose the capsule. PS: Be sure not to take too much oregano oil, as it is very potent. Also, be careful to use oregano oil and not oregano essential oil, which is much stronger and not safe to consume.

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