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.

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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.

Oregano has been a timeless tradition in kitchen for many years, and has been used all over the world for flavoring. Most everyone know this, and has used Oregano at some point in their life, but what most people don’t know is that Oregano Essential Oil can be just as useful for health and beauty. It is important to note that Oregano Oil is a bit different in composition that the Oregano in your spice cabinet. This oil is derived from Origanum vulgare, and is very potent and contains many beneficial qualities that are not available in the spice Oregano.

To learn more about Oregano and its properties you can find tons of information online, and sites that specialize in Essential Oils and Soapmaking have many articles and information on the oil of oregano. But learning everything there is to know about this oil can be quite time consuming, so I have put together some quick notes and tips here for your reference.

The benefits of Oregano oil are endless, but some of the most common uses include providing relief for respiratory or bronchial irritations, like asthma, and bronchitis. It has also been commonly used to help treat symptoms from colds, flu’s, and sinus infections. In addition, it can also be used to help relieve inflammation as well as muscle aches and pains. Oil of Oregano also contains anti-bacteria, anti-viral, anti-septic, and anti-oxidant properties. All of these are great at helping expel unwanted waste from the body. Anti-oxidants have been proven to remove free-radicals, which can cause cancer, from the body.

Additionally, Oregano Oil has its benefits for the beauty world as well. It is a great product to use when creating or making your own natural beauty products. For example, it can be added to soaps and shampoo’s to help cleanse and protect your skin and body. If you do decide to use this for your soap and cosmetic making needs, you will need to understand how to properly use this potent oil, and at what ratio it is best used in. To do this, when purchasing the oil, ask your manufacture for the usage guidelines and if they have it an MSDS is also very helpful.

I want to close in saying that due to Oregano’s powerful properties, it is advised that you not use this oil when pregnant, and avoid direct skin contact with it as well, because it can cause skin, eye, and mucuous membrane irritations. Always use with care, and always consult a professional before attempting to use essential oils in your natural beauty regimen, since many, including oregano, can adverse effects when used incorrectly.