Oregano is not only limited to your average kitchen spice of which many uses for salad, pizza, or pasta dressings but also can be used to boost your immune system and protect you from unwanted ailments and build a fortress of an immune system.
A weakened immune system can be really detrimental to our health. This may imply your system can be vulnerable to infections and diseases. The human immune system is known to protect the body against potential threats or other damaging and unwanted foreign bodies. The immune system works by identifying and attack immediate threats like bacteria, viruses, and parasites through a means of distinguishing these foreign bodies from the systems’ own healthy tissue.
The Lymphatic system of the human body which is comprised of the immune system consists of the spleen, bone marrow, thymus, and lymph nodes. The bone marrow plays a major role to produce white blood cells or better known as leukocytes.
Leukocytes are best in identifying and eliminating pathogens in our system. The spleen is considered the largest organ of the lymphatic system and contains white blood cells that fight against diseases and infections. The thymus on its part represents where the T-cells mature. T-cells are vital to fighting against cancerous or infected cells.
Also, the lymph nodes go a long way to produce and store cells that are ready to fight against infections and diseases. The lymphocytes and the leukocytes work together as small white blood cells in defending the body against unwanted diseases.
There are also two types of lymphocytes which are the B-cells and the T-cells. The B-cells prepare antibodies which fight against toxins and bacteria and the T-cells attack infected or cancerous cells (1).
In a normal circumstance, we encounter a wide variety of pathogens but the immune system with a vast network of cells and tissues spread throughout the body constantly looking out for invaders, and once detected, a major attack is mounted. When the immune system comes across a foreign body or a pathogen, the system mounts a so-called immune response by attacking the virus, bacteria, or parasite. What is very important is the ability of the immune system to easily identify the self from a non-self. The system does this by easily detecting proteins that are commonly found on the surface of every cell. Since it is able to distinguish between an unwanted intruder and the body’s own protein, it ignores its own proteins and attacks what he does not identify and considers it as an antigen.
An antigen is considered as any substance that can trigger an immune response. As mentioned earlier, this can be a toxin, foreign body, bacteria, parasite, fungus, or virus. But as we go through adulthood, our systems become exposed to a wide variety of pathogens and one the immune system identify a pathogen, it develops the antibody for that pathogen and a copy remains in the system in case we get a future attack from the same antigen, then the body will deal with the condition easier and quicker. This can be used to explain why we only get chickenpox only once.
There exist three types of immunity for humans namely innate, adaptive and passive.
Innate Immunity is the natural level of immunity we are born with. Our system will attack foreign bodies from the very first day we are born. Innate immunity may include external barriers of the body which is considered the first line of defense against foreign invaders. This can be the skin and the mucous membranes of the gut and the throat. Since innate immunity is more general certain pathogens have the tendency to dodge and make their way into the system which then pushes the adaptive or acquired immunity to work.
Adaptive or acquired immunity develops as we go through life and as we encounter diseases or as we get vaccinated. The system builds a fortress of antibodies to different pathogens that might attack us in the future. This condition is referred to as immunological memory as our immune system has the tendency to remember previous invaders.
Passive immunity is considered “borrowed” immunity from other sources and does not last for as long as the body might require. A good example can be an unborn child who receives antibodies through the placenta of the mother before birth continues to receive even more through breastfeeding after birth. With passive immunity, the baby can be protected from certain infections through the early stages of their life.
But it is very important to understand the immune system might not work properly as it is very complex and there are numerous ways the immune system can fail to function properly.
Immunodeficiencies
It is common practice to experience immunodeficiencies which may arise when the immune system fails to function properly. This can be caused by age, obesity, bad habits like smoking, drinking too much alcohol. In some cases, malnutrition and other cases like AIDS.
Autoimmunity
An autoimmune condition can be experienced when the immune system by error targets the healthy cells instead of foreign bodies or pathogens. This is a situation whereby the immune system can’t distinguish between the self and invaders or non-self. Cases of autoimmune condition may include type 1 diabetes, rheumatoid arthritis, celiac disease, and graves’ disease.
Hypersensitivity
In hypersensitivity conditions, the immune system overreacts and destroys healthy tissues in the body. A good example can be seen with anaphylactic shock whereby the body reacts to an allergen in a way that can be life-threatening.
Oregano which was known by the ancient Greeks as the Joy of the mountain was used for stomach and respiratory issues and even as an antiseptic. Oregano oil is well known to be antimicrobial, antifungal, anti-inflammatory, and anti-parasite.
To answer the question if oregano oil is good for the immune system? Oregano oil can be used as a natural daily immune booster if used properly. Oregano’s properties and characteristics make it very suitable to step up the immune system and fight against bacteria, viruses, parasites, and fungus that plaque our health on a daily basis.
The benefits of oregano oil also include protecting the heart, switching depressive symptoms, regulating hormones, pain control, and fighting disease.
Many today consider oregano to be a miracle herb due to its far-reaching health benefits and its ability to address a variety of infections making it a potential natural home remedy.
The ingredients and features of oregano oil
The composition of oregano oil even makes it possible for the natural oil to be used today as an anti-biotic. With the growing concerns with the pharmaceutical anti-biotic and the nature in which they destroy the good bacteria in our system, many people are switching to natural alternatives and calling for a replacement of synthetic chemicals. The National Center for Biotechnology Information shows the importance of the use of compounds with bio-active characteristics.
Oregano oil has shown potential and a great source of bioactive properties with over 46 compounds with rewarding antioxidants effects. The presence of Phenol in Oregano oil indicates the presence of natural phytochemical compounds which are of great importance to our health. They may include;
Carvacrol; It is considered over 1200 studies have been done on Carvacrol and the discoveries have always been outstanding. Carvacrol is known to fight against bacterial infections like Staphylococcus, E.coli, candida, and many more. A publication by the Institute of Food Technologists successfully concluded that oregano oil is capable to fight pathogenic bacteria in foods. With the presence of carvacrol and the way it works, it helps to keep our immune system protected.
First of all, Cavacrol makes the cell membrane of a bacteria permeable due to the antiviral attributes of the carvacrol level present in oregano oil. With this, the antiviral activity makes it possible to prevent any bacteria from spreading and keeping your immune system on a lockdown.
Thymol: This is a natural fungicide with an antiseptic characteristic which is good to boost the immune system and protects it against toxins. When carvacrol penetrates and weakens the cell membrane of a virus or bacteria, the bacteria
Rosmarinic Acid: The presence of Rosmarinic acid also makes oregano a good candidate to keep your immune system on-check. This is because Rosmarinic acid helps to prevent allergy attacks and free radical damages. It is known to also portray anti-inflammatory properties and has been used to fight against upper respiratory conditions.
Naringin: Oregano oil is also known to contain Naringin which can help to boost the immune system. Naringin can inhibit the growth of cancer cells and has anti-carcinogenic and antioxidant properties. It is an ideal compound in lowering cholesterol levels. With its aldose reductase activities, Naringin can fight the retinal disease which is linked to diabetics.
Beta-caryophyllene (E-BCP): The presence of the Beta-caryophyllene in oregano oil makes it an active immune booster. Beta-caryophyllene is known to inhibit inflammation and helps in numerous conditions like to protect the gut, vascular system, improve stroke outcome, protect the brain, and increase longevity and mitochondrial activities.
Nutritional Compounds: Oregano is also known to contain vitamins A, c, and E, Calcium, Magnesium, Zinc, Iron, Potassium, Copper, Niacin, Boron, and Manganese.
With the combination of all the above compounds, oregano oil is known to have far-reaching health benefits which makes it a potential choice to spice our immune system.
Oregano As An Anti-Biotic
From my point of view and if I am presented with natural and pharmaceutical options for an antibiotic, I will always go for the natural remedies 100 times and over. There have been numerous research and studies that have been able to prove how the use of chemical-based antibiotics goes a long way to destroy the bad bacteria in our system and the good bacteria leaving us more open and vulnerable to more attacks.
When it comes to boosting our immune system, oregano oil is the next best extraordinary natural alternative. The potential of oregano has been measured alongside numerous and current antibiotics and oregano has always been placed as the best. This has been proven with the treatment of MRSA staph conditions and the challenging microbial biofilms which are seen to be more resistant to antibiotics.
The American Academy of Pediatrics has always made known and shows concern towards the inappropriate prescription of Pharmaceutical antibiotics and the danger they pose to our health.
Antimicrobial Activities of Oregano
The presence of two phenols (Carvacrol and Thymol) in oregano gives it a high antimicrobial potential. These phenols are active in the fight against numerous kinds of bacteria or viral infections. As mentioned above the presence of Carvacrol and Thymol gives oregano an upper hand against viruses which affects our day to day wellbeing.
Antibacterial Activities of Oregano
Oregano is best known to protect us against bacteria and the infections they bring. Using oregano, you turn to have added protection from these bacterial infections. It was discovered that oregano has potent anti-bacteria benefits against over five kinds of bacteria. Which includes Bacillus subtilis (also known as hay bacillus), Escherichia coli (involved in food poisoning), Pseudomonas aeruginosa, Salmonella typhimurium, and Staphylococcus aureus (commonly known as golden staph). A study conducted and published with the Microbial Ecology Health and Diseases concluded on how oregano can best fight against E.coli which is caused by food poisoning.
The Antifungal Activities of Oregano
Oregano oil is widely seen as one of the most potent with strong antifungal characteristics. This explains why oregano is being used to fight fungal infections from a variety of origins. Studies and researches have been done to prove the antifungal capabilities of oregano and the results were rewarding. It was concluded oregano fights against the candida albicans which is a common human fungal infection and also capable to curb over eleven candida strains when used alongside Amphotericin B which is used to fight against general fungal attacks.
Another study was carried out to investigate the antifungal activity of oregano on the growth of Fusarium and Penicillium mold from foods and it was discovered that the oregano extract showed positive abilities to reduce the growth of the Fusarium and Penicillium species with a stronger inhibitory effect.
The Antiseptic Abilities of Oregano
Oregano has always been a qualified antiseptic essential oil due to the presence of thymol an active antiseptic agent. With the availability of thymol, your immune system can be protected from unwanted health problems. As an antiseptic, oregano can perform a very important role as an infection controller and can also help in the prevention of nosocomial infections.
A huge concern has been seen in the growing risk in microbial contamination and health risks in our current food and the general consumer markets, which is known to cause infection risks, but with oregano and its antiseptic characteristics, we can always keep our systems protected and ready to fight back.
Antioxidant Characteristics of Oregano
Oregano oil is known to be very rich in antioxidants which give the super plant its popularity as a powerful healing herb. With its antioxidant values, it protects the body from other free oxidants and the damages they come with. With the antioxidants effects of oregano, it can protect the body from aging and other illnesses caused by premature aging like nervous disorders, hearing and poor or loss of eyesight. Oregano is also known to even fight against certain cancers.
Oregano oil is among the top ten antioxidants which are widely used today. A research carried out in MN, USA concluded oregano essential oil contains a high level of antioxidants activities even more than a regular vitamin E. Oregano is considered to have antioxidant powers 12 times better than oranges, 42 times better than apples and even 4 times better than blueberries.
We Stand For Oregano And It’s Health Benefits
Antiviral Characteristics of Oregano
Oregano is also known for its antiviral abilities which provide protection for viral infections like flu, measles, mumps, and cold. Oregano even helps to stimulate the white blood cells which protect the body from infections. A study published in the Journal of Applied Microbiology, Investigates the antiviral activities of oregano and its component against the Murine Norovirus (MNV). The results concluded the carvacrol presence in oregano is effective in destroying the MNV within 1 h of exposure, acting directly towards the viral capsid and the RNA virus (RNase) subsequently.
Another study which was conducted by the Brazilian Journal of Microbiology to investigate the antiviral nature of oregano and the results demonstrated the possibility of carvacrol to inhibit a variety of human and animal viruses.
The Anti-allergenic Characteristics of Oregano
Oregano is known to possess anti-allergenic potentials which give oregano the ability to relieve the system from allergic reactions. Allergies are mostly caused by our body’s response to an external stimulus.
Anti-inflammatory Abilities of Oregano
Inflammations are known to come about as the body’s reaction towards toxins, infection, and injury. Oregano is best known to aid for both internal and external inflammations. When oregano is applied to an affected area, it helps to reduce pain and redness. This is also applicable even when taken internally.
Major Concerns Towards Using Oregano Oil to Boost your Immune System.
It is very important to consult your doctor or a health professional before using oregano oil for much more professional advice and guidance especially when considering using the oil.
It is very important to note oregano can cause reactions when it interacts with other medications. Oregano is known to interact with antidiabetes drugs. This is because oregano is known to reduce blood sugar levels. This can cause serious health issues when taking in combination with diabetes medication.
If you are taking anticoagulants, it is also important to avoid the use of oregano. This is because oregano helps to thin and promote blood flows. Taking an antiplatelet medication with oregano can cause bleeding and bruising.
Oregano is not suitable for nursing and pregnant women. If you are pregnant or you are a nursing mother do not take oregano in any form. Oregano can limit the free flow of breast milk which can cause starvation for the baby.
If you are allergic to the Lamiaceae family of plants, then avoid using oregano oil as you might suffer allergic reactions. Other plants of this family may include, mint, basil, sage, and marjoram.
How To Use Oregano Oil For Immunity.
It is always important to note that oregano falls under the family of hot oils. This means oregano oil can burn and hurt the skin. It is always advisable to use a carrier oil to dilute oregano oil before use and make sure to start with smaller doses and only increase dosage if need be.
It is recommended not to use oregano oil directly for a long period of time and for more than 14 days. It is important to take some break intervals in between time periods as you use oregano oil.
You can use oregano oil once daily by diluting oregano oil with a carrier oil and take internally. About 2-3 drops of oregano oil mixed with a carrier oil of your choice and take internally. You can as well mix 2-3 drops of oregano oil in a glass of water or juice to avoid the taste of oregano as it is strong and highly potent.
Using oregano capsules can be a suitable option. One capsule of oregano oil a day can help to boost your immune system. You can as well make your own oregano capsule with empty gelatin capsules by mixing 2-3 drops of oregano oil with one tablespoon carrier oil of your choice. Fill up the empty capsules and take one daily.
EndNote: It is important to use 100% pure organic and therapeutic grade oregano oil and 100% organic carrier oil. To start using oregano oil, try to seek professional advice with your doctor. If you have been successful with oregano oil in boosting your immune system, please leave a comment below for us to learn from your experience.
0 Comments