The level of understanding about Oregano Oil and its defence against some viruses and bacterial strains has not yet matched the level of knowledge we have about antibiotic medications, but there is movement in the right direction. We have to agree that some of the wild claims made about Oil of Oregano may be far-reaching. It cannot cure everything that ails you. Nor is it a miracle cure for every virus or bacteria.
Oregano Oil is extracted from the herbal plant and contains substances such as polyphenols, Carvacrol, thymol and many other elements in smaller dosages. Together, these polyphenols may be responsible for producing antibacterial, anti-parasite and anti-fungal properties against some species of virus and bacteria. Some studies have shown that Oregano Oil may be effective against multidrug, antibiotic-resistant strains of bacteria such as the H1N1 virus. It is suggested for use on bacterial infections found in the mouth, lungs, vagina, urinary tract, intestinal tract and other bacterial type infections. It can also play a role in protecting the gut from parasitic activity and reducing the population of E. Coli. Due to the antimicrobial properties of Oil of Oregano, it is often the first go-to product to help with colds and flu. Oregano Oil is also recommended for dandruff, nail fungus, cold sores, candida and sinus infections, which are bacterial related.
What is it about Oregano Oil that can do this? The substance Carvacrol, which is found in the highest concentration in some plant species of Oregano, can act as an effective antibacterial. It fights against a variety of strains of bacteria by poking holes in the cell membranes of bacteria, inhibiting its growth. Oil of Oregano does not interfere with the ability of the cell to move fluid in and out and does not disturb the process the cell undergoes to provide energy (intracellular ATP).
This is a similar action to antibiotics. The difference being that Oregano Oil is usually gentler than prescription drugs and is presumed to do less damage to the cells and healthy gut bacteria – the microbiome. Oregano Oil also produces less adverse effects that are often seen with antibiotics.
The other big difference with Oil of Oregano versus an antibiotic is that antibiotics are not designed to fight against a virus. The mechanisms of Oil of Oregano may help with some viruses, perhaps due to the actions of the Thymol in Oregano Oil. Thymol oil acts as an anti-inflammatory agent in addition to its antibacterial, anti-viral and anti-fungal effects. Though at this point, it is not clear how it does this.
Another differentiator of Oregano Oil is that pharmaceutical antibiotics are typically made of one type of compound, making it easier for a strain of bacteria to evolve and adapt to a particular kind of antibiotic. This is often why a physician may try different types of antibiotics if one is not working.
Alternatively, Oregano Oil is made of a few different kinds of substances, and if you have chosen the right brand, it is grown in the wild where the particular healing substances contained in the Oregano plant are continuously altered by nature. Bacteria struggles to adapt to Oregano Oil’s many compounds, like Carvacrol and thymol, which helps you avoid antibiotic resistance over the long run.
Choosing the Right Oregano is Critical to Its Ability
to Heal
The type of Oregano Oil you use is directly related to its ability to heal. It is not just about the concertation of Carvacrol in the plants used. It is also about the other substances that are contained, harvested and controlled in the finished product. When the University of British Columbia conducted an independent anti-viral study testing leading brands of Oil of Oregano against the H1N1 Virus, Joy of the Mountains Oil of Oregano® outperformed the others by a wide margin (2-4x more effective).
What makes Joy of the Mountains Oregano Oil different? It uses a rare species of Wild Organic Mediterranean Oregano that grows high in the mountains called “Origanum Minutiflorum.” It is higher in Carvacrol (on average) than any other species. The Joy of the Mountains Oregano oil has proven the potency of its oil. Joy of the Mountains uses handpicked, wildcrafted and certified ingredients in its product, which helps keep the original integrity of the raw materials intact. Joy of the Mountains® Oregano Oil contains high Carvacrol levels (75-85%), which are naturally occurring in the plants it uses and are protected during the processing of its raw materials.
Oregano Oil works best in liquid form, but it has a powerful taste (hot, spicy flavour). It is best to take a few drops at a time under the tongue (sublingually) if you can stand it, or you can dilute it in water or use the capsules. If you are taking it orally, try to hold the liquid under the tongue for a few minutes, then wash it down with water. You can also put a few drops in a glass of water, gargle with it for a minute and then swallow. It can also be used topically for skin conditions or infections. Be sure to dilute the oil with a carrier oil such as olive or coconut oil, as it can be irritating to the skin if applied directly.
There are little to no health risks associated with oregano or oregano essential oil. However, pregnant or nursing mothers should consult a physician before taking it. The phytic acid (a compound in the plant) could limit the absorption of iron and zinc in children and infants. Oil of Oregano is a very potent natural antibiotic and should not be used continuously. If taken in high dosages for long periods, it may decrease the efficiency of nutrients and mineral absorption from foods. If taken too long, it may interfere with good gut bacteria.
Resources
Available at NutritionHouse.com
JOY OF THE MOUNTAINS Oil of Oregano (30 ml)
Maintain immune function and good health
Fight off infections by maintaining cell-wall strength against viruses
Make white blood cells which destroy harmful bacteria and viruses
Protect against free radical damage with powerful antioxidant action
Maintain external tissues and membranes as a psychical barrier to infection
UPC: 836676000033
SKU: 21200301
NPN: 80049010
https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/10736000
https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC5206475/
https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/29744941
https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC3458047/
https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/19552781
https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC6182053/
https://www.tandfonline.com/doi/full/10.1080/15376520590968833
https://www.jstage.jst.go.jp/article/jhs/52/2/52_2_169/_pdf
https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/27242772