Oregano leaves are commonly used in cooking but the Oil distilled from the leaves has been used from thousands of years for medicinal purposes.

For centuries, Oregano oil has been used to treat numerous kinds of diseases, from spider and snake bites, issues with breathing and menstrual problems. Today, with continuous research and studies about oregano, it is discovered oregano can be used to treat a long list of health conditions.

Despite the endless benefits of the oil, Oregano can also be dangerous to your health if you fail to take it properly or in large doses, if you are allergic to plants of the Lamiaceae family, taking other medications that can interact negatively with oregano oil, if you are pregnant and also some many other side effects which come with using oregano oil.

Oregano is known to be safe when used for the right purposes like dressings in salad and flavor in foods. But when it comes to using the oil for medicinal purposes, oregano safety has not been extensively researched. Due to the characteristics and features of the oregano oil, you must have some concerns when taking the oregano oil for medicinal purposes.

Uses of oregano oil

Oregano oil has been used for thousands of years even with the limited scope of studies or research regarding the use of oregano oil. Oregano oil is marketed today for a wide variety of uses;

With the use of the herb in cooking, oregano can fight bacterial infections such as the deadly E. coli, viruses like the norovirus normally known as the stomach virus, small intestinal bacterial overgrowth (SIBO), urinary tract infections, yeast infections, and parasitic infections.

Oregano oil can be used through vaporization for respiratory infections, cough and cold, asthma and bronchitis

Also, topically when diluted, oregano can be used to treat bug bites, poison ivy, topical skin infections like eczema, acne, and dandruff.

The Available Forms of the Oregano.

As a herbal extract, the oregano oil can be developed into a pill or capsule form. Oregano oil in this form is already diluted as required before use. Many oregano oil users prefer the oil in pill or capsule form. This is because many oregano users do not find the taste and smell of the oil pleasant, especially when using the oil in liquid form and to ingest internally.

Oregano oil is likewise accessible in liquid form as a very concentrated essential oil. The oil comes in handy and diluted in some cases and also in full strength. In the event that it’s not diluted, you’ll need to dilute it yourself with a carrier oil of your choice, like coconut or olive oil. try not to take any essential oil orally without seeing a certified aromatherapist or doctor first. Some essential oils are toxic and qualities greatly differ

The liquid form of the oregano oil can be used topically for skin conditions. Always remember to dilute the oil before using it on the skin. You may run a test on less sensitive areas of the body to see how the oil will react with you, before applying the oil in sensitive areas like the face.

Some Side Effects, Risks and Concerns to keep in mind before using oregano oil.

Professionals have concluded that oregano is safe for the purpose of adding flavor to food. Dried oregano leaves are widely used to spice foods in many cultures today. Oregano is even consumed as a tea by hot water extraction. Teabags of oregano leaves can be purchased from some major online stores.

 The medicinal safety of oregano has not been researched extensively. Due to some of the characteristics of oregano oil and its reaction to certain conditions many are advised to stay away from oregano oil.

Who should avoid the use of oregano

It is recommended that nursing and pregnant women should not use oregano oil in any way. Oregano oil can reduce or limit the milk production process of lactating mothers, which is the least desirable thing for breastfeeding mothers. Oregano oil can also cause great problems for the fetus, which makes it unsuitable for pregnant women.

Are you allergic to the family of Lamiaceae plants? If that be the case, you must avoid using oregano because it belongs to the same plant family (Lamiaceae). Plants of this family may include Lavender, Hyssop, peppermint, sage, basil, and marjoram. If you are allergic to these plants, you may be allergic to oregano.

Are you dealing with diabetes? If yes, you will have to stay away from oregano oil or discuss with your doctor about using oregano oil because oregano oil can lower blood sugar levels.

In addition, if you are taking any anticoagulant drugs, it is not recommended to use oregano oil because oregano is known to promote blood flow in the system.

If you must take oregano oil, you will have to talk to your doctor and consider reducing the dose of the drug which may cause reaction with oregano oil. It is very important to always discuss any supplement you take with your doctor even when it is labeled as “natural”

Some Side Effects

Unlike the oregano herb used for cooking, the processed and commercially prepared, over the counter oregano oil is highly concentrated. It is easy to overdose with oregano oil or to use it for a long time. Oregano oil should be safe when used as directed. If the dose is too high, it may have an adverse effect.

This may be partly due to the presence of thymol, which contains one of the phenols. At high quantities, thymol is a mild irritant that may upset the skin or the interior organs which can lead to:

• Vomiting
• Nausea
• Rash on the skin
• Diuretic effects
• Stomach upset
• Gastric distress
• central hyperactivity

It is very important to note that thymol can be corrosive and cause irritation to the skin and even with any contact with the eyes. Never apply oregano to damaged skin or close to the eyes.

Proper Usage and Guideline

Medicinal doses for oregano has not been researched on or studied in depth. The Dosing of oregano has only been through the recommendation of the manufacturers of oregano oil and the experience from other users. It is important to understand that oregano oil may react differently to users. If you are planning to use oregano according to recommendations or with the experience from another user, start with smaller doses and only increase if necessary. Exceeding the dosage of oregano can cause adverse reactions which can be unpleasant.

Most importantly always remember oregano is a hot oil and can burn. It is important to dilute oregano oil with a carrier oil and never exceed the required dosage indicated by the manufacturer. This is because the carvacrol level may differ from other manufacturers.

Also, oregano oil is not to be used for long periods of time or more than several weeks externally and a maximum of two weeks when used internally. About 2 – 3 drops of oregano mixed with a carrier oil should be enough to start with and to observe how the oil will react to your system.

When to see a doctor

Oreganos’ reaction to some users may be different and can cause an unpleasant experience. In some worst cases, you might need to see a doctor.

Some allergic reactions of oregano can include rash to the skin, trouble breathing, or stomach distress. But with chronic exposure to thymol some individuals may experience

– Fatigue

– Headache

– Muscle pain

– Diarrhea

– Vertigo

– Excessive salivation

– Difficulty in swallowing

EndNote

Oregano is known for its far-reaching health benefits but when used poorly can cause serious adverse reactions that may not be suitable for your health. In other to enjoy the health benefits of oregano, try to use the oil with caution and as required. Remember oregano oil is not suitable for every condition and it is very important to always check with your doctor if oregano can be of great health benefits for you. Leave a comment with your experience if you have used oregano before. Also, you can ask any questions you may have regarding the use of oregano.