Oil of Oregano
What is Oil of Oregano for?
Oregano is a plant. The leaf is used to make medicine.
Oil of Oregano is used for respiratory tract disorders such as coughs, asthma, croup, and bronchitis. It is also used for gastrointestinal (GI) disorders such as heartburn and bloating. Other uses include treating menstrual cramps, rheumatoid arthritis, urinary tract disorders including urinary tract infections (UTIs), headaches, and heart conditions.
The oil of oregano is taken by mouth for intestinal parasites, allergies, sinus pain, arthritis, cold and flu, swine flu, earaches, and fatigue. It is applied to the skin for skin conditions including acne, athlete's foot, oily skin, dandruff, canker sores, warts, ringworm, rosacea, and psoriasis; as well as for insect and spider bites, gum disease, toothaches, muscle pain, and varicose veins. Oregano oil is also used topically as an insect repellent.
In foods and beverages, oregano is used as a culinary spice and a food preservative.
What is Oil of Oregano Possibly Effective for?
Parasites in the intestines. Taking oil of oregano for 6 weeks can kill the parasites Blastocystis hominis, Entamoeba hartmanni, and Endolimax nana.
• Repelling insects. Oregano oil has been tested as an insect repellent for Culicodoides imicola, a disease-bearing species of insect commonly known as “no-see-ums” or biting midges. Oregano oil is not as effective as DEET for protecting horses (and presumably, people) from this pest.
• Asthma.
• Bronchitis.
• Cough.
• Indigestion and bloating.
• Painful menstrual periods.
• Arthritis.
• Headaches.
• Heart conditions.
