For years, many people have harnessed the power of oregano oil to cure a number of different health issues and problems. But knowing a bit about oregano use before jumping into home treatment will prevent injury to your body and health. First, knowing what exactly the oil does will prevent mistreatment. After that, being aware of oregano oil side effects will help prepare you for what you can expect when using it.

Oregano Basics

Oregano has been used for centuries to kill a number of harmful pathogens that commonly cause health problems in humans. The oil’s two main components are carvacrol and thymol, compounds that are extremely detrimental to harmful micro-organisms that cause a variety of health problems. It’s important, though, to recognize that cooking oregano and the oregano used for oil are different species of the plant. Oil of oregano is commonly derived from Origanum Vulgare while cooking oregano is dried and crushed Origanum Marjoram. The main reason for this difference is that the plant used for cooking oregano is more flavorful than its counterpart.

Why Use Oregano Oil?

There is a myriad of reasons why oregano has been an important part of natural health cures for hundreds of years. These benefits of oregano oil are just a few of the many ways that oregano has been used to solve health problems and increase the health of patients for many years. Often, oregano oil uses are much more specific, specialized for each individual health issue. Some of the major oregano oil benefits include some of the following:

  • Killing harmful organisms
  • Curing infections
  • Boosting immune function
  • Increasing joint and muscle health
  • Helping the respiratory system

Possible Side Effects

Knowing the side effects of whatever health remedy you use is always important, especially if you do so without doctor supervision. Before starting any new health regimen, make sure to fully understand the different reactions your body can have. It’s always best to have a doctor guiding your through any new medicinal uses of natural substances, even though they are not necessarily “drugs.” Natural sources are still as potent as man made ones, some of the side effects of oregano use including:

  • Reduces the ability to absorb iron: The natural properties of oregano prohibit the body from absorbing iron as well. Thus, pregnant women or those suffering from anemia should either avoid ingesting oregano or take an iron supplement at the same time.
  • Burning of the skin: Oil of oregano is potent, meaning that it will burn the skin, mouth, or body if applied directly. Always make sure to dilute oil when using it for a health remedy to avoid pain and injury.
  • Allergic reaction: Many people who are sensitive to other herbs (such as thyme, rosemary, and mint) will also be sensitive to oregano. If you are someone who is increasingly sensitive around herbs, condensed oregano oil may not be for you. Always contact a doctor if rash, hives, blurred vision, or headache occurs after herb use.
  • Upset stomach: People who take oregano oil internally may experience upset stomach if the concentration of the mixture they took was too high.
  • Stimulates blood flow to the uterus: Pregnant women should be aware that oregano stimulates increased blood flow to the uterus. This can weaken the lining that surrounds the fetus.

Using Oregano Safely and Healthily

Knowing the oregano oil side effects and benefits will help you use this natural health remedy safely and securely. First, understand the uses of oregano oil that include killing micro-organisms and boosting immune health. After that, know the side effects that you may experience, such as decreased iron absorption and the burning of application site. Using oregano oil safely and preferably with doctor supervision will hopefully help you current health issue.

Posted on: June 11th, 2011 by Jeremy Waller

Filed under: Healthy Eating

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