Oregano oils possess qualities such as antioxidants, antifungal capabilities, and anti-inflammatory attributes. These oil variants might also contribute positively to weight management and treatments against infections.
Extracted from the same plant, oregano extract oils and oregano essential oils are distinct products. A range of studies and personal experiences suggest that these oils offer diverse advantages for health and well-being.
What is Oregano Oil
Origanum vulgare, commonly known as oregano, is a flowering plant belonging to the mint family. It is frequently employed as a culinary herb to enhance the flavor of various dishes.
Oregano essential oil is crafted through the air-drying process of the plant’s leaves and shoots. Once dried, the oil is extracted and concentrated using steam distillation.
When utilizing oregano essential oil, it’s advisable to blend it with a carrier oil for topical application. However, its oral consumption is not recommended.
On the contrary, oregano oil extract can be manufactured using diverse extraction techniques involving compounds such as carbon dioxide or alcohol. This extract is readily accessible as a dietary supplement and is often found in the form of pills or capsules.
Oregano is rich in compounds like phenols, terpenes, and terpenoids, which bestow it with robust antioxidant attributes and contribute to its aromatic scent:
- Carvacrol: The primary phenol found in oregano, it has demonstrated the ability to impede the growth of various bacterial strains.
- Thymol: This natural antifungal agent also bolsters the immune system and provides protection against toxins.
- Rosmarinic Acid: A potent antioxidant that safeguards against damage inflicted by free radicals.
These compounds are believed to be the foundation of the numerous health advantages associated with oregano.
Outlined below are nine potential benefits and applications of oregano oil.
1. May Help Lower Cholesterol
Oregano and its oils are rich in a variety of polyphenols, including carvacrol and thymol. Previous research indicates that these active constituents may contribute to reducing cholesterol levels (4Trusted Source).
Although the exploration of how these polyphenols impact humans is somewhat constrained, certain animal studies lend support to the assertion that the compounds present in oregano oil could potentially yield cholesterol-lowering benefits.
2. Natural Antibiotic
Oregano and its component carvacrol could potentially contribute to antibacterial efforts. Despite the fact that numerous claimed advantages of essential oils are derived from anecdotal accounts, preliminary research indicates that oregano essential oil might offer protective properties against Pseudomonas aeruginosa and E. coli. These two pathogens frequently lead to urinary and respiratory tract infections (2Trusted Source, 3Trusted Source).
Although additional human studies are necessary to comprehensively understand the impact of oregano oil extract, it shares many of the same compounds as oregano essential oil. As a result, it could potentially provide comparable health benefits when utilized as a dietary supplement.
3. May Help Treat Yeast Infections
Yeast is categorized as a type of fungus, and while it can exist innocuously, excessive proliferation can lead to human infections. Specific strains of Candida yeasts are present on the skin as part of the natural flora but can provoke infections in regions such as the mouth, genitals, bloodstream, and internal organs.
Research indicates that oregano essential oil demonstrates efficacy in combating the growth of Candida infections.
4. Powerful Antioxidant
Antioxidants serve to safeguard the body against harm inflicted by free radicals.
Free radicals are a natural byproduct of metabolism, yet they might contribute to the aging process and the development of certain illnesses like cancer and heart disease. Additionally, they can accumulate due to exposure to external factors such as cigarette smoke and air pollutants.
An earlier laboratory study compared the antioxidant levels of 39 commonly utilized herbs and revealed that oregano possessed the highest concentration of antioxidants (6Trusted Source).
Given the concentrated nature of oregano oil extract, a smaller quantity is needed to attain equivalent antioxidant advantages in comparison to using fresh oregano.
5. May Have Anti-inflammatory Properties
Inflammation within the body is associated with various negative health outcomes. Studies have indicated that oregano oil might possess anti-inflammatory properties.
A review conducted in 2017 revealed that specific constituents present in oregano essential oil exhibit anti-inflammatory characteristics; however, they can also exhibit toxicity towards certain cells. Consequently, more rigorously controlled research is essential to comprehensively evaluate its potential therapeutic applications.
6. May Improve Gut Health
The anti-inflammatory, antifungal, antiparasitic, and antibacterial attributes of oregano essential oil could potentially contribute to improving gut health (9Trusted Source).
Significantly, studies indicate that the constituents carvacrol and thymol have the potential to address bacterial overgrowth in the small intestine.
7. May Help Relieve Pain
Evidence indicates that oregano essential oils hold potential for effective use in pain management.
Earlier animal studies also propose that compounds like carvacrol, particularly when combined with other medications, could possess pain-relieving attributes.
8. May Help You Lose Weight
Due to the presence of carvacrol in oregano, oregano oil could potentially assist in weight loss efforts and contribute to obesity treatment (16).
Further investigation is required to establish the extent of oregano oil’s impact on weight loss. Nevertheless, considering it as a component of a balanced diet and healthy lifestyle could be worthwhile.
9. May Have Cancer Fighting Properties
Several studies have suggested that carvacrol, one of the constituents of oregano oil, could potentially possess properties that combat cancer.
In laboratory studies involving cancer cells, carvacrol has shown encouraging outcomes in relation to lung, liver, and breast cancer cells. It has exhibited the ability to impede cell growth and induce apoptosis (cell death) in cancer cells (15Trusted Source, 11Trusted Source).
While these findings are promising, no human studies have been conducted yet, underscoring the necessity for further research in this area.
The ultimate conclusion
Oregano oil extract and oregano essential oil are easily accessible and affordable.
Oregano boasts higher antioxidant levels than a majority of fruits and vegetables, boasting a wealth of potent phenolic compounds.
Additionally, oregano comprises components that could potentially combat bacterial and fungal infections, inflammation, and pain, among other ailments.
On the whole, oregano seems to offer numerous health advantages and could serve as a natural remedy for certain common health issues.