We often think of oregano as a tasty seasoning for some of our favorite foods, but in Greece and Italy, oil of oregano has been used as a healing herb for centuries. Extracted from the leaves of wild oregano plants grown in Mediterranean climes, oil of oregano is an effective treatment for a variety of conditions.
Upset Stomach
Oil of oregano has long been used to treat stomach upset. Stir two or three drops of oil of oregano into a glass of juice or milk to help with digestion and calm minor upsets. Using oil of oregano after meals can also alleviate conditions such as diarrhea or intestinal gas. Treatment can be repeated up to 10 times a day.
Common Colds
At the first signs of a cold or scratchy throat, ease the symptoms by drinking a glass of orange juice with three drops of oil of oregano. To treat nasal congestion, put a few drops of oil of oregano on a handkerchief and inhale the vapors. Put the handkerchief near your pillow to relieve congestion during the night.You can also put a drop of oil of oregano into a vaporizer.
Natural Antibacterial
A few drops of oil of oregano mixed with liquid hand soap is an effective natural antibiotic and can kill most bacteria, including strep, staph and E. coli. Keep a small bottle of the mixture available and wash your hands with it after using public restrooms. Mix a few drops of oil of oregano with water in a spray bottle and use it as an antibacterial room and surface spray.
Care of Teeth and Gums
Because oil of oregano is an effective natural antibiotic, it can be used to treat gum disease and remove plaque from the surface of the teeth. Massage oil of oregano into the gums to ease a toothache, or put a drop on your toothbrush for extra-clean teeth and fresh breath. A few drops in a glass of water makes an inexpensive natural mouthwash.
Source of Vitamins and Minerals
Oil of oregano contains several essential nutrients, including Vitamins A and C and niacin. It is also rich in minerals, including magnesium, calcium, iron, potassium, zinc, copper and manganese. It can be used safely as a daily supplement in small amounts, but to avoid stomach upset, it's best to increase the dosage gradually. Start with one drop twice daily, gradually working up to four times daily. The oil can also be mixed with juice or a spoonful of honey.
Skin Irritations
Oil of oregano can treat minor skin irritations such as rashes, scrapes and insect bites. Create a mixture of three parts olive oil to one part oil of oregano. Put a few drops on a cotton ball and apply it to the affected area. Carry a bottle of the mixture on camping trips. Oil of oregano is also an effective treatment for fungal problems, such as athlete's foot and toenail fungus.
Warnings
If you use oil of oregano regularly, you should take a daily iron supplement; oil of oregano can interfere with the body's absorption of iron. For this reason, pregnant woman should use oil of oregano only occasionally, and only in very small amounts. Never apply oil of oregano directly to the skin, as the concentrated oil can irritate the skin. Don't use oil of oregano on open cuts.
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