Oil of oregano is obtained from the leaves and flowers of the oregano herb. There are over 40 species of oregano but the Louianna essential oil of oregano is produced from the rare wild oregano species, Origanum Minutiflorumthat is endemic to alpine regions of Turkey. This oil of wild oregano is highly potent since it contains the highest percentage of the naturally occurring phenols carvacrol and thymol that are primarily responsible for its antimicrobial and antioxidant effects (1-4).
Application
Oil of oregano can be used both topically and orally.
Uses
Oil of oregano has been used to treat infections for centuries. It has strong antimicrobial properties that make this oil very effective against bacterial, viral, parasitic, and fungal infections. These properties are especially valuable now that there is a rise in antibiotic resistant bacterial strains due to excessive and suboptimal use of antibiotics. Furthermore, oil of oregano can be used in the food industry to increase the safety and stability of foods. Research studies have shown that oil of oregano is as effective as antibiotics in killing several strains of bacteria.
In addition, oil of oregano is a powerful antioxidant that neutralizes free radicals produced in our cells, and therefore prevents cellular damage. Oil of oregano also has promising anti-cancer and anti-inflammatory properties.
Traditionally, oil of oregano has been used to treat various conditions listed below:
