Oregano Oil and Its Powerful Antiviral Properties
The Greeks called it “joy of the mountain,” and the Italians called it a natural “flavor enhancer,” which eventually became a signature ingredient in Italian recipes.
Oregano has been used by tribal healers for over 5,000 years. Ancient medicine men believed oregano could cure fungi and bacteria as well as eliminate pain and inflammation. The Greek goddess Aphrodite reputedly created oregano as a symbol for happiness so bridal couples were crowned with garlands of oregano, and plants were placed on tombs so the departed could find peace in the next life.
Modern researchers have discovered numerous benefits when oregano oil is used in food recipes because it has the ability to stop the growth of microbes, which can cause several gastrointestinal issues. That ability has made it one of nature’s finest preservative. The mineral and vitamin content of the oil is impressive with iron, potassium, calcium, zinc, boron, magnesium, copper, and manganese being the main minerals, and vitamins C, A, (beta carotene) and niacin enhancing the mineral content.
It’s not just the minerals and vitamins that make oregano oil such an important antiviral, antimicrobial, and anti-inflammatory substance, it’s the oils within the oil that produce some amazing qualities. The carvacrol in oregano oil is effective against salmonella, Escherichia coli, and listeria monocytogenes. The thymol has antiseptic properties, and the terpenes in essential oils are found in several plants and flowers, and those oils have antibacterial properties.
The rosmarinic acid in the essential oil has antihistamine and antioxidant properties, plus it can reduce free radical cell damage, which lowers the risk of cancer and atherosclerosis. The naringin in oregano oil is a powerful antioxidant. It can inhibit cancer cell growth, and the tocopherols like vitamin E found in the oil are incredible antioxidants as well.
All of the chemical compounds in oregano oil help it produce amazing aromatherapy results. This ancient oil helps the internal as well as the external cells function normally. According to Heinerman’s Encyclopedia of Fruits, Vegetables and Herbs, oregano oil can help reduce fevers, bronchitis, cramps, childhood diseases like the mumps and measles, and it also helps regulate irregular menstruation. One of the most important uses for oregano oil is to prevent cell damage cause by free radicals, which are the unstable oxygen molecules that steal electrons from other molecules.
The antiviral properties of the oil go hand-in-hand with free radical control. Viruses attack damaged cells and take control and destroy them. The essential oil helps the immune system destroy the viruses so the cells can regenerate and begin to function normally.
Michael D. Thompson, an organic perfumer and accredited Master Herbalist, is the founder and director of Florapathics, LLC which manufactures all-natural, organically-derived personal care products that are infused with pure essential oils for aromatherapy.
« previous post
Can Acupuncture Improve the Ou...After several months of not being able to conceive a child, John and Linda became discoura...
next post »
Natural Remedies for a Baby....There are an abundance of natural remedies for a baby cough, that are not only safe, but a...
Comments are closed.
No trackbacks yet.
No post with similar tags yet.