Dry Skin | Links | Dry Skin Articles | Dry Skin News |
Wild Oregano Oil – Nature’s Miracle Herb by Kathy Browning
Since the beginning of time, mankind has looked for
substances to treat a wide range of health problems, rather than treating
individual symptoms or conditions. Natural compounds may offer the best hope, as
they have the potential for multiple uses. Research has shown that spice
extracts offer a wide range of curative properties. They are powerful
germicides, capable of killing a wide range of germs, as well as potent
antioxidants. One of the most potent of these is wild oregano.
Few people realize that wild oregano has been relied upon as a therapeutic herb
since antiquity. About 3000 B.C. the Babylonians described it as a cure for lung
and cardiac disease. They also used it for wound healing and venomous bites. The
ancient Greeks used wild oregano for healing wounds, destroying infections and
reversing lung and cardiac disorders.
In the book, Salmon’s Herbal, written in the 1600’s, oregano oil is highly
valued and recommended for chest, menstrual, uterine, lung and digestive
complaints. Specific uses mentioned include: diarrhea, asthma, colds, infections
of the female sexual organs and uterine tumors. Additionally, its value against
liver disorders is emphasized.
In Garden of Health (1633), William Langham described an even wider range of
uses including such diverse conditions as bladder trouble, bleeding, heart
failure, head pain, itchy skin, mouth pain, spots on the skin, stomachache,
intestinal worms and toothache. Oregano oil has always been relied upon as an
emergency medicine.
Oregano oil is well known in the Mediterranean world (Greece and Crete) for its
ability to slow down food spoilage because of its antibacterial, anti-fungal,
anti-parasitic and antioxidant abilities. The related herbs of thyme and
marjoram sold in most North American supermarkets, are labeled incorrectly as
oregano and possess little of the wild oregano’s healing properties.
Oil of Oregano is a completely natural substance derived from the wild oregano
species. The plant grows in remote mountainous regions free of pollution. Only
the leaves of the flowering plant are used. They are picked precisely when the
plant is highest in essential oil. Being wild, it is grown chemical-free and the
oil is extracted via a completely natural process – no chemicals or solvents are
used. The oil is the source of virtually all of the plant’s active ingredients.
The benefit of oregano has gone largely unnoticed. In addition to fighting
various fungi, oil of oregano is useful against bacteria and parasites. It can
be used to treat internal and external fungi including athlete’s foot. Skin
conditions such as psoriasis and eczema can be improved. Oil of oregano outright
destroys all variety of fungi and yeasts, regardless of where they reside. In
the case of parasites, oil of oregano has had success in neutralizing worms,
amoeba, and protozoan. Oil of oregano’s antiseptic powers are immense – it
inhibits the growth of the majority of bacteria, something that prescription
antibiotics fail to accomplish.
Wild, crude, mountain-grown oregano (from the Mediterranean) is the only kind
that is naturally rich in ‘carvacrols, flavonoids, and terpenes’, which give the
oregano its tremendous strength. Carvacrol is a natural phenol that contains
powerful anti-microbial activity. Flavonoids provide natural antiseptic
properties and Terpenes are natural anti-inflammatory agents.
Oil of Oregano effectively treats: acne, allergies, arthritis, asthma, athlete’s
foot, candida, constipation, croup, dandruff, diarrhea, digestive disturbances,
insect bites, bronchitis, canker sores, colds, flu, earaches, fatigue, gum
disease, headaches, menstrual irregularities, muscle pain, parasites, pulmonary
tuberculosis, pneumonia, psoriasis, toenail problems, seborrhea, ringworm,
rosacea, sinusitis, varicose veins and warts.
Oil of Oregano is also a powerful painkiller. An article published in
Phytotherapy Research describes how oregano oil superceded anti-inflammatory
drugs in reversing pain and inflammation and is nearly as powerful as morphine
as a painkiller.
Because wild oregano is an edible spice, it is acceptable for human ingestion.
However, the type of oregano used if very important. North American Herb and
Spice was the first company of the American market to introduce edible Oil of
Oregano. To be edible, this essential oil must be made only from wild,
mountain-grown, Mediterranean oregano, free of all chemicals and pesticides. It
also has to be emulsified in a carrier oil such as extra virgin olive oil, which
is used by North American Herb & Spice in its oil of oregano. The oregano they
use is 100% Mediterranean oregano and is produced by old-fashioned cold pressing
and steam distillation, using no chemicals to extract it.
Oil of Oregano is available in liquid and capsule form. Oil of Oreganol is
highly concentrated, so when using it internally, start with small amounts, like
one to two drops twice daily in juice. Take one drop twice per day working your
way up to one drop four times per day. Mix with one teaspoon of honey, maple
syrup, or olive oil to improve palatability. Take for a period of 15 days and
then stop for 15 days. Repeat the process.
Oil of Oregano may also be applied topically to treat itches, infections of the
skin, gum, teeth or just about any orifice of the body. Exercise care if you use
it in the genital region where it is best mixed with olive oil or coconut oil
before application. (1 drop per teaspoon of olive oil or coconut oil/butter).
Gelcaps provide the beneficial aspects of Wild Oregano Oil without using a
dropper or having an after-taste. Great for people needing the benefits of Wild
Oregano Oil in digestive, intestinal and other internal problems related to
infection. Each Oreganol gelcap contains 140 mg. of Wild Oregano, equal to 6
drops of Oregano Oil from a dropper.
North American Herb & Spice Oreganol Oil and Gelcaps can be found in most health
food stores across North America. They also offer their products online and can
be found using the keywords: North American Herb & Spice; Oil of Oregano;
Oregano Oil; and Oreganol.
If you are suffering from colds, flu, bronchitis, viral infections, athlete’s
foot, chronic fatigue syndrome, arthritis, headaches, menstrual irregularities
or experience any of the ailments mentioned above, oil of oregano may be the
miracle cure you have been searching for.
About the author – Kathy Browning is a healing arts practitioner and wellness coach. She is also the Editor-In-Chief of “The Art of Living Well”, an ezine focused on the mind, body, spirit connection and the author of “Feng Shui for Abundant Living”. Be sure to visit http://www.cancercomfort.com for more information.
Dry Skin | Links | Dry Skin Articles | Dry Skin News |