From coconut oil to argan oil, it seems that there is always some new miracle oil that promises to fix all of your problems (although it can’t pay your taxes!). This time it’s Oregano Oil, which might be the strangest of all. After all, isn’t oregano just a spice to liven up pasta dishes?! Well actually, that oregano is a little different. Oregano the spice is Origanum Marjoram, and the miracle health oil is Origanum Vulgare.
So what does it do?
The real question is what doesn’t it do? Oregano oil can soothe skin issues and upset stomachs, ease the pain of sore throats and headaches, deal with athlete’s foot, prevent and treat coughs, asthma, bronchitis, clear up UTIs and heartburn, ease menstrual cramps and even help with heart conditions – just to name a few! It is an anti-inflammatory and an antioxidant, so it’s an all-around super oil! There are few things that it can’t help with, and in most cases, it is worth a try!
Are there any side effects?
As with all oils, you must be careful not to apply too much to your skin as this can cause irritation. If oils have negatively reacted with your skin in the past, it might be best to avoid applying it to your skin at all. It has also not been tested on pregnant women, so it is best to consult your GP before using it if you are currently pregnant. Otherwise, there does not seem to be any reported side effects, although as with anything, you should be cautious in using this and seek medical advice if you require it.
How do you use it?
Oregano can be applied directly to the skin for issues such as athlete’s foot, psoriasis, muscle pain and bug bites. To ingest it, you have the option of it in oil or pill form which works well for sinus pain, allergies, fatigue, etc. If you are suffering from a sore throat or an earache, you may find that mixing a few drops of the oil with water and drinking that may help ease some of your pain directly.
How do you get Oregano oil?
If you want to get your hands on this magic ointment, it is readily available in health food stores, or even some of the big-name store chains. However, if you are feeling patient and creative, you can make it at home. To do this, bring a saucepan of water to the boil and then take it off the stove, adding a sealed jar of olive or almond oil, grape seed and chopped oregano leaves to the water for around 5-10 minutes. Remove the jar and place it in the sunlight, leaving it there for about two weeks, shaking the jar every few days. Strain the liquid from the jar and dispose of the leaves, soring the oil in a clean, sanitized jar. To keep it fresh, store this in a cool, dry place.
Oregano oil has so many different uses and health benefits that it is an excellent addition to your first aid box at home – just don’t get it mixed up with your cooking spice oregano!
