The world has not only been shaken but has also been put on pause by the recent coronavirus pandemic. Humans, who are known as social animals, have been practicing social distancing as a means of survival due to the coronavirus crisis. Self-isolation and quarantine have become the new norms we must adhere to in other to “stay safe,” which is the motto of the day.

Coronavirus took the world by surprise and leave us uncertain if it here to stay or will leave us soon. It poses a challenge that was only experienced after World War II, stretching as a health crisis but creating devastating political, social, and economic crisis in any country it manages to step “foot” in and render vulnerable. As of today, over 4.26 million cases have been reported worldwide, with 292 thousand deaths from the coronavirus outbreak.

The sad news is, there are no existing cures for Coronavirus nor vaccines. The health industry is working tirelessly to come up with a cure, treatment, or vaccine for the virus, but we have to wait for at least 18 months before the medicine or vaccines can be available. Numerous reports claim there might be a second wave of the Coronavirus attack. The question is, how do we protect and fight against the Coronavirus while waiting for a cure or vaccines?

In this post, you will learn more about the COVID 19 virus, the signs and symptoms, how it spreads, and how oregano can help fight and protect you against COVID 19. Also, you will be able to learn the best ways to use oregano oil to keep your environment free of the Coronavirus.

What is Coronavirus?

As from the World Health Organization (WHO) website, Coronavirus belongs to a family of viruses that may cause health conditions or illness to humans and animals. For humans, coronaviruses are responsible for respiratory infections like the common cold and to even more severe health conditions like the Middle East Respiratory Syndrome (MERS), SARS (Severe Respiratory Syndrome) and the current Coronavirus disease also known as COVID-19.(1)

COVID-19 is the recent discovery of the Coronaviruses, which was unknown until the outbreak, which started in the Chinese province of Wuhan in late December 2019. The COVID-19 virus is highly infectious and can spread at a very rapid rate. The rapid spread of the COVID-19 virus can further be confirmed and considered a pandemic. This is due to the number of countries currently going through the “un-merciful” hands of the deadly COVID-19 virus all over the world. 

Some independent researchers claim that the COVID-19 belongs to the β-coronavirus similar to the genome to bat Coronavirus and further claims bats as the natural host (2).

The COVID-19, also known as the novel Coronavirus, has been identified to use the same receptor and angiotensin-converting enzyme as that of the SARS-CoV, and with characteristics of spreading mainly in the respiratory tract. The elderly and individuals with health conditions are susceptible to COVID-19 attacks and which may lead to severe health conditions like acute respiratory distress syndrome (ARDS) and cytokine storm.

Some signs and symptoms of COVID-19

There are a variety of signs and symptoms of COVID-19 that may be observed from confirmed infected cases. The signs and symptoms are similar to the common cold, cough, and other respiratory conditions. Some individuals do not show the signs and symptoms immediately, which makes the virus easy to spread. The majority of infected cases experience mild symptoms, which can lead to viral pneumonia and organ failure. The time-lapse from exposure to the onset of symptoms has been observed to be five days (incubation period) and may range from two to fourteen days. (3)

The common symptoms of COVID-19 may include;

– Fever as the most common.

– Runny nose

– Dry cough

– Tiredness or fatigue

– Difficulty in breathing, chest tightness

– Palpitations

Less common symptoms may include;

– Aches and Pains

– Headaches

– Conjunctivitis

– Sore throat

– Diarrhea

– Loss of taste or smell,

– Rashes on skin

– Discoloration of fingers and toes.

Over 80% of people infected with COVID-19 recover from the disease and 1 out of 5 infected cases become seriously ill and may be hospitalized. Elderly people with underlying health conditions like diabetes, cancer, high blood pressure, heart, and lung problems may face serious illnesses. 

However, if you find yourself experiencing fever, cough with difficulty breathing or shortage of breath, chest pain, and loss of speech or movement, you must seek medical attention with immediate effect. It was observed that 97.5% of infected cases would develop symptoms within 11.5 days of the infection.

As mentioned earlier, some individual do not show or develop symptoms. Individuals who fail to show symptoms are also known as asymptomatic carriers. These individuals can remain asymptomatic even during their hospital stay.

What causes COVID-19?

The cause of COVID-19 is still uncertain, but some private researchers believe it originated from bats as it has close genetic similarity to bat coronaviruses, which made them suggest its emergence from a bat-borne virus (4). 

Diagnosis

There exist several testing protocols for COVID-19 testing published by the WHO. The standard testing method widely used is the real-time reverse transcription-polymerase chain reaction. This test method is done on respiratory samples obtained using a nasopharyngeal swab. 

Alternatively, a sputum sample or nasal swab can also be used to conduct the test.

Blood tests can also be conducted with two blood samples, but the blood samples are supposed to be obtained in separate time intervals and about two weeks apart.

Antibody tests can also be used to detect active infections and to determine if someone has been infected before.

Another testing method can be used whereby patients are allowed to cough into a sterile container to obtain saliva samples. This method is observed to be quicker and presents less risk to health care workers.

While undertaking laboratory testing, CT chest scans can also be used to diagnose COVID-19 in patients with high clinical suspicion of infection. This method is not recommended for routine screening.

Why oregano oil can help with COVID 19

Oregano oil is known to be one of the most powerful and potent natural treatment which can be used to fight against almost all the side effects the COVID 19 virus comes with. Oregano, with its antiviral properties, can help play a significant rule in fighting against viral health conditions.

It is very important to note that oregano can’t cure COVID 19 but can be used as a “complimentary” treatment to fight against the symptoms of COVID 19 and even to protect us from the virus as it can help boost our immune system. A weak immune system is vulnerable and open to pick viral infections like the COVID 19 virus lingering around the atmosphere.

Ancient healers used oregano to fight respiratory conditions like the flu and cough. This has made oregano to gain popularity as a simple home remedy for fighting respiratory problems.

Oregano is known to be an antibacterial, anti-parasitic, anti-inflammation, and anti-oxidant which, when taken orally, it can boost your immune system and fight against numerous unwanted fungal, bacteria, and viruses. With these characteristics of oregano, the oil can be highly beneficial to fight the symptoms of the COVID 19 virus and can go a long way to protect us from getting infected. 

Who can use oil of oregano oil to protect and fight the symptoms of COVID 19

If you are looking to use oregano oil to protect yourself from the COVID 19 virus, you must make sure to discuss the usage with your doctor or any professional health practitioner for the best advice. 

Another essential thing to be sure of is to make sure you are not allergic to oregano. If you are allergic to mint, basil, sage or marjoram, then you are likely to be allergic to oregano. These plants belong to the Lamiaceae plant family, including oregano. 

Nursing and pregnant women are advised not to use oregano oil as oregano oil can cause a limited flow of milk supply for nursing mothers and can cause complications with the fetus for pregnant women.

Blood sugar levels for diabetes patients can be lowered when they use oregano oil. So, diabetes patients should avoid the use of oregano.

Also, individuals who are taking any sorts of blood-thinning medications, anticoagulants are advised not to use oregano oil. Oregano oil promotes the free flow of blood in our system. If combined with other blood-thinning medications or anticoagulants, it can easily lead to bleeding.

The best ways to use oregano oil for COVID 19

Just like any other respiratory condition or viral infections, using oregano oil can be highly beneficial. Oregano oil is being used by many as an alternative treatment for almost all sorts of respiratory conditions like sore throat, cough, cold, and flu. 

How to best reap the benefits of using oregano for COVID 19 is a very important question to ponder on. Many people today fail to use oregano oil the right way and fail to reap the benefits.

There is no standard dose for using oregano oil to fight respiratory conditions or to boost our immune system, but what is more important is to follow the right applications. If you are using oregano for the very first time, you must make sure to proceed with smaller doses and increase if necessary. 

And never use the full strength of the oregano oil as it is highly potent. 

Always remember to dilute oregano oil with a carrier oil, water, or even juice. Avoid using oregano oil internally for an extended time period and at most two weeks. Take a break and allow the body to flush the excess oil in the system, and you can resume after three weeks or a month.

Since the outbreak of COVID 19, it is advisable and recommended to keep our immune system on a check and as a “fortress.” You can read more about using oregano oil to boost the immune system. 

The human immune system is best known to protect the body from unwanted foreign bodies that can be harmful to the system.

To boost the immune system, you will have to consider using oregano oil internally. You can mix 2-3 drops of oregano oil with a carrier oil (a tablespoon of a carrier oil) of your choice, juice, or even in a glass of water and take internally once a day for two weeks. The taste of the oil can be really strong, so it is essential to mix the oil in a glass of juice or even milk if you are not fond of the taste.

You can also avoid the strong taste of the oil by using oregano capsules. One capsule a day can help to boost the immune system. You can as well make your own oregano capsules by mixing 2-3 drops of oregano oil with a tablespoon of a carrier oil and fill it up in empty gelatin capsules.

Another way you can best reap the benefits of using oregano oil for COVID-19 is through diffusing the oil in your living environment. Since COVID-19 is a respiratory condition, it is very important to diffuse antiviral agents which are highly contained in oregano into the atmosphere. It is said the COVID 19 virus can linger around the atmosphere for up to about 45 minutes. By vaporizing or diffusing oregano oil into the atmosphere, you can start fighting the virus right away. As you breathe in, you also take in the oil into your system and through your respiratory tract, which can help to protect you from getting infected easily.

To diffuse oregano oil, add 5-6 drops of the oil in a diffuser and let it on for over 5-6 hours every day in your living area. Diffusing the oregano oil can significantly help to clear your respiratory tract and reduce inflammation as you breathe in the oil into the system.

You can make yourself some oregano tea using the leaves of oregano in hot water. Boil some water and place the leaves in the water for about 5-10 minutes then drink. The tea will help to fight the sore throat and the side effects that come with any respiratory condition.

You can make your own hand sanitizer with oregano by putting a mixture of oregano and water in a spray bottle. You can add 5-6 drop of oregano in a 250 – 500ml spray bottle and use it as your hand sanitizer. The mixture can also be used to clean surfaces in the house.

You can also mix oregano oil with coconut oil and use as your hand sanitizer. 10 drops or oregano with 2 table spoon of coconut oil can be your own natural homemade hand sanitizer.

Best prevention practices.

The practical ways to prevent the COVID-19 virus is to wash your hands regularly, avoid touching your nose, mouth, and eyes or any parts of the body connected to the respiratory tract. 

Wear gloves when you are in public places like when using the lift, escalators, and opening doorknobs in public places. Always carry with you hand sanitizers and sanitize your hands regularly. Avoid crowded places and keep your distance.

Avoid activities that will weaken your immune system in any way. This can be smoking and drinking too much alcohol. Try to exercise regularly and at least 30 – 40 minutes a day. 

Try to eat healthy meals and eat a lot of fruits and vegetables rich in vitamin C and D. Eat fruits like oranges, mango, Papaya, Pineapple, strawberries, watermelon. You can eat vegetables like broccoli, green pepper, kale, spinage, and cabbage. Eat a lot of garlic and ginger. 

Do not wait until you find yourself facing the symptoms before you start practicing the prevention practices. Start taking care of yourself now and keep boosting your immune system. 

What should be done if facing the signs and symptoms of COVID-19?

Do not panic if you find yourself facing some of the signs and symptoms of cold or coughing. It might not be COVID-19 but signs of a common cold. When facing minor symptoms, like light coughs or a mild fever, you don’t need to seek medical care but to stay at home, self-isolate, and monitor the symptoms.

However, if you reside around areas with malaria and dengue fever is prevalent, you will have to seek medical attention once you experience any symptoms.

It is also important to seek medical care when you start having difficulties in breathing, pain, and pressure on the chest area (5).

It is very important to note that 4 out of every 5 cases recover from the COVID-19 virus. Over 1.48 million people have been able to recover from the virus, and the recovery rate has been increasing as the medical industry keeps learning and discovering more about the COVID-19 virus.

Some questions asked about the COVID-19 virus.

How does the COVID-19 virus spread?

The COVID-19 virus primarily spreads from person to person and through small droplets when an infected person coughs, sneezes, or speaks. These droplets can be breathed in by people and easily get infected with the virus. The droplets are relatively heavy and do not travel far, which is why it is recommended to keep a distance of about 1 meter away from people.

The infected droplets can land on surfaces, like tables, doorknobs, and handrails. If one touches these surfaces or objects and touches their nose or mouth, they can become infected easily. Learn to wash hands regularly with soap and water and use alcohol-based hand rub.

Can you get COVID-19 from a person who shows mild or no symptoms?

The COVID-19 virus is normally spread through respiratory droplets from an infected person. Many people with COVID 19 virus only show mild symptoms. This is true during the early stages of the infection. It is possible to catch the virus from someone who only shows mild symptoms and does not feel ill. Reports have shown that people with no symptoms can transmit the virus, but the degree of occurrence or how often it can happen has not been known.

Can oregano oil cure the COVID-19 virus?

NO, Oregano oil is not a cure for the COVID-19 virus but can be used to protect us from getting infected by its antiviral, antibacterial, anti-inflammatory benefits. Oregano can be used to boost our immune system and fight the sight effects of the COVID-19 virus. Oregano oil can be used as a “complimentary” treatment and not as a cure. 

How can we protect others and ourselves if we don’t know who is infected?

The only way to protect yourself and others is to practice hand and respiratory hygiene at all times. Wear your face masks at all times and wash your hands on a regular basis. Keep social distancing not only from people showing symptoms but from everyone in public places. Give up hugs and handshakes. Keep at least 1-meter distance from others.

What should I do if I have come in close contact with someone who has the COVID-19 virus?

If you have been in close contact with someone who is infected, then you may be infected. If you live with this person or have been less than a meter close to each other, then it is best to stay at home and self-isolate and monitor the symptoms because you can easily infect others during the early stages.

If after a test has been conducted and you are positive, self-isolate for a period of 14 days. Even after symptoms have disappeared. It is still not known exactly how long people remain infectious after they have recovered from the COVID-19 virus.

EndNote

Oregano oil can be used to protect and fight against the symptoms of COVID-19 and not as an actual cure. Oregano’s antiviral, anti-inflammation, and antibacterial properties can greatly help to treat the symptoms of COVID-19 and boost our immune system when taken internally. When using oregano oil, it is important to make sure the oil is 100% organic and therapeutic grade with carvacrol levels above 75%. Also, always remember the use of carrier oils to dilute oregano oil before use. Using a carrier oil to dilute oregano oil is very important as oregano oil is considered a hot oil and can burn badly. Using oregano oil internally can speed your recovery results from the symptoms. You can take the oil directly or use capsules. Do not take oregano oil on an empty stomach. Share your experience with using oregano oil for us to learn from your experience.