Is Oregano oil better than antibiotics?

It is definitely delicious in soups and as a pizza topping but there’s so much more to this humble herb — in fact, studies show that its natural healing properties may be even more potent than antibiotics. But is Oregano Oil better than antibiotics? How to use it as a natural remedy?

Nowadays, there’s a growing interest in replacing synthetic chemicals with natural products, making full use of nature’s bioactive properties. Aromatic plants and herbs are excellent sources of these bioactive compounds, and Oregano oil is one of the most powerful of them all to create various remedies.

 

Oregano: a natural antibiotics

Traditionally, antibiotics have been the go-to treatment for any infection but a plethora of studies indicate that Oregano oil is often the better healer.

Why? Oregano contains two power-packed organic compounds, “Thymol” and “Carvacrol”. These two germ fighters are bursting with antibacterial, antiviral, antifungal and antibiotic properties:

Thymol 

• powerful antiseptic and antifungal that stimulates the immune system
• fights and can kill bacteria, including E-Coli and Staphylococcus
• can also eliminate candida and parasites (like intestinal worms)
• effective for upper respiratory infections and urinary tract infections.

Carvacrol

• highly potent anti-fungal and antibacterial properties.
• treats a wide range of infections from bacteria, parasites and fungi, including giardia, salmonella and listeria, which can cause food poisoning. It can even sterilize septic water
• eliminates microbes as well as antibiotics such as streptomycin and penicillin
• kills viruses (like the norovirus) by breaking down the outer layer of the virus. Antibiotics can only kill bacterial infections.

 

 

Problems with antibiotics

Antibiotics have been highly effective in treating bacterial infections but they are a “blunt instrument”. Antibiotics destroy the beneficial bacteria in your body, as well as the nasties, and this leads to an overgrowth of candida in the body. That’s why you can get a ‘yeast’ infection after taking antibiotics.

Antibiotics have also been over-prescribed and many people do not finish their full course. This causes bacteria to mutate, making some infections resistant to the antibiotics that are meant to treat them, leaving fewer effective drugs available. Some of these mutations have also become “super bugs” such as MRSA, which are very difficult to treat with conventional antibiotics.

It’s no wonder that people are turning to natural infection treatments like Oregano oil.

 

 

Benefits of Oregano oil

On top of its antibacterial superpower, Oregano oil naturally contains a range of nutrients: Vitamins A, C and E, and the minerals iron, magnesium, boron, manganese, zinc and calcium. It’s like a multivitamin in an oil!

First used in the Mediterranean, the ancient Romans and Greeks discovered Oregano oil’s medicinal properties and used it to treat wounds, snake and insect bites, tummy troubles, as well as respiratory infections.

You too can reach for your Oregano oil to treat a huge list of ailments:

• food poisoning
• stomach flu
• yeast infections
• stomach parasites
• ringworm
• eczema
• sinus infections
• nail fungus
• acne
• insect bites
• warts
• allergic reactions

 

These amazing healing powers come from the magical carvacrol and thymol working their wonders. Some studies have found that Carvacrol may even reduce cancer cells, and lower blood sugar.

Another compound in Oregano oil, Gamma Terpinene also has antifungal and antioxidant qualities that may slow progression of diabetes and Alzheimer’s disease. Even more to love about Oregano oil!

Oregano oil is also a great friend to your gut. Taking it improves gut health and can even aid in weight loss, as it has natural fat-blocking properties. Cholesterol? No problem for Oregano Oil! It has been shown to help lower cholesterol levels.

 

How to take Oregano oil

Being so powerful, it’s no surprise that Oregano oil is a strong oil and can cause irritation. Always dilute it in a carrier oil when using on the skin.

Many people take Oregano oil internally. When doing so, it must be diluted with another oil, usually Olive oil. It has a strong, hot flavour, so it’s a good idea to drink some water after taking it. You can also add a few drops to your sauces (especially pasta sauce!) or add it to warming beverages.

If you’re interested in adding Oregano Oil to your supplements but are using prescription medications, make sure to consult your healthcare provider first.

 

Oregano oil and Oil of Oregano – What’s the difference?

People usually think of Oregano oil as the pure essential oil in the little brown bottle, and you can definitely take Oregano oil this way. However, many people who want to take Oregano oil internally are choosing Oil of Oregano in capsule form.

 

 

Oregano Essential Oil 

Oregano Essential Oil must use with care on sores or wounds by diluting with a carrier oil when you’re using it on your skin. It is not recommended to use Oregano Essential Oil undiluted.

If you want to take the essential oil internally, you must blend it with an equal amount of Olive oil or it can burn your throat and hurt your stomach.

 

 

Oil of Oregano Capsules

For internal use, Oil of Oregano soft-gel capsules make it so convenient to take, and much easier to swallow. There’s no mess when trying blend your oils and no risk of a burning aftertaste.

Make sure you choose a capsule with a high level of Oregano oil. Some brands only use 30% Oregano oil, blended with 70% soya or olive oil. The Oil of Oregano quick-release soft-gel capsules from Botanica Culture contain a higher concentration than many brands, with 50% organic Oregano oil and 50% organic cold-pressed Olive Oil, providing 180mg of high potency organic Oregano oil.

 

 

Oregano oil remedies 

You can use Oregano oil in so many ways that it can be hard to know where to start. Here are some tips to help you get up close and personal with your Oregano oil. For each remedy, you can replace Oregano essential oil with one or two Oil of Oregano capsules each day.

 

Upset tummy

As soon as you feel a tummy rumble, take an Oil of Oregano capsule. You can also mix 2 drops of Oregano essential oil with 10 drops of a carrier oil (Almond or Jojoba Oil) and massage gently into your stomach.

 

Food poisoning

Add 3–7 drops of Oregano oil to water or juice with or after food.

 

Urinary tract Infection

Take 3–4 drops of Oregano oil with a glass of milk or plant-based milk substitute three times a day for three days. Or take 2 Oil of Oregano capsules.

 

Respiratory Infections

Add 1drop Oregano oil to a bowl of hot steaming water. Cover your head with a towel and inhale the steam from the bowl for about 5 minutes.

 

Cold Sores

Oregano oil is considered a “hot” oil that can give a temporary burning sensation. Apply one drop (undiluted) on a cold sore and do not spread it beyond the affected area.

 

Fungus and athlete’s foot

If your skin is itchy or discoloured around the armpit area, groin, toes or nails, it could be fungus. Dilute 4 drops of Oregano oil with 1 teaspoon of olive oil and apply to your skin and nails.

 

Parasites and worms

Oregano oil is a safe way to treat worms or parasites in the gut. Mix:

•  2–3 drops Oregano oil
• 1 teaspoon carrier oil

Add to ginger tea or lemonade and drink 3–4 times a day. For children, you can make the mixture taste sweeter by adding some raw honey.

 

Ringworm

Ringworm can be painful, try to blend:

• 5 drops Oregano oil
• 10 drops Geranium oil
• 5 drops Tea tree oil
• 5 drops Thyme oil

With 30 ml Jojoba oil and apply over the infected area

 

Anxiety at night-time

Oregano oil can regulate mood, motivation and wellbeing by increasing the availability of three neurotransmitters — serotonin, noradrenalin and dopamine. It also calms anxiety and restlessness at bedtime.

Mix 2–3 drops with a teaspoon of carrier oil and massage into the soles of your feet before you go to bed.

 

Oregano oil is truly one of the most potent and versatile natural medicines. We’ve all heard that an apple a day keeps the doctor away but it looks like a daily dose of Oregano Oil is the best choice for robust health and immunity.

Move your Oregano essential oil or Oil of Oregano in capsules right to the front of your medicine cabinet! With Oregano Oil, we can say “bye” to antibiotics!