Oregano is a species of flowering plant in the family of Lamiaceae. It was native to the Mediterranean region but widely naturalized elsewhere in the temperate northern hemisphere. Oregano oil has been used in traditional medicine for centuries. The oil is extracted from the Oregano plant’s leaves. Although Oregano oil has been used as a dietary supplement, there is no clinical evidence of its effect on human health.
In 2014, the United States Food and Drug Administration (FDA) warned a Utah company, Young Living, that herbal products, including the essential oil of Oregano, were being promoted as having many unproven anti-disease effects. Also, they were being sold as unauthorized mislabeled products. Later on, Oregano oil has been used as a potent natural treatment for Candida.
Why Oregano Oil Is A Potential Natural Medicine?
Oregano oil comes from Origanum vulgare, is a part of the mint family. Ancient Greeks and Romans recognized the many medicinal properties of the plant and applied them in the treatment of various diseases. Also, since then the Oregano plant has been used as a savory herb in cooking.
Oregano oil consists of two main beneficial ingredients such as carvacrol and thymol. They provide most of the medicinal effects. These phenols act as antimicrobial and antifungal agents that stop the growth of harmful fungi and bacteria. Also, they support the immune system that helps the body to defend itself against toxins.
In addition to carvacrol and thymol, Oregano oil is also rich in antioxidants. By scavenging free radicals, the high amounts of antioxidants in Oregano oil protect the body from oxidative stress. Also, it boosts the immune system that helps to fight infections.
Due to the immune-boosting, healing, and antioxidant properties of Oregano oil, it is a perfect fit for fighting Candida naturally.
What Is Candida?
Candida Albicans is a pathogenic yeast that is a type of fungus. Under normal circumstances, Candida is present in the gastrointestinal tract, but the growth is limited by the beneficial bacteria in the gut. However, if for some reason, the immune system fails to suppress Candida, the fungus might spread throughout the body.
The dangerous condition, as above-mentioned, is known as candidiasis. The severity of this disease can range from an upset stomach or oral thrush to dangerous fungal invasions to the internal organs. As a result, it affects them badly. Also, with growing evidence, they suggest that Candida is developing resistance to many standard antifungal drugs.
Symptoms of Candida
- Bloating
- Sinus
- Anxiety
- Depression
- Acute Headache
- Fatigue
- Diarrhea
- Joint Pain
- Constipation
- Gas
How Does Oregano Oil Fight Candida?
The use of Oregano oil can prevent the growth of Candida in the human body:
- The natural antifungal agents in Oregano oil can fight Candida without allowing the fungus to develop resistance.
- Without the adverse effects of Oregano oil, it can be used for longer periods than to finish an antibiotics prescription.
- To avoid the spread of Candida in the first place, use Oregano oil regularly.
- The rich antioxidant content in Oregano oil helps to make the immune system respond to Candida effectively.
Tips For Using Oregano Oil For Candida
Like most herbal oils, Oregano oil comes in two main forms: capsules and tinctures. The form you choose for treating Candida will dictate the dosage. If you are using Oregano oil tinctures, then you have to take them twice a day by adding 3 to 6 drops to a glass of water. Oregano oil capsules, on the other hand, are taken after meals. They can be taken twice a day but 1 capsule at a time.
The above dosages are not set in stone for everyone. Each Oregano oil manufacturer may recommend different sets of dosage. As a result, your naturopathic doctor might come up with individual guidelines for you. In any case, it is safer and better to follow the recommended doses. Overdose can cause side effects, sometimes severe.
It is also worth making sure that the Oregano oil is of high quality. Top brands source Oregano oil exclusively from the Origanum vulgare plant. They keep their products free of additives and alcohol that might promote the growth of Candida. Decent Oregano oil should be having higher contents of carvacrol and thymol.
Caution While Using Oregano Oil For Candida
Although Oregano oil comes from a natural source, it is still a concentrated substance. Like any other type of medicine, it requires moderation and precision. Some people are better off not taking it due to some of its potential side effects.
Iron Deficiency
As a side effect, Oregano oil can temporarily delay iron absorption while making a poor choice for people with iron deficiency.
Pregnancy
Also, it is contraindicated during pregnancy, as Oregano oil increases the blood flow that weakens the lining of the uterus.
Allergies
Oregano oil does not suit everyone because some people may be allergic to the Lamiaceae family plants such as sage, mint, marjoram, lavender, hyssop, basil, and Oregano.
However, for the vast majority of people, Oregano oil is beneficial and safe. It can be a powerful remedy by naturopathic for Candida yeast infection and its various forms. Also, it can help the body to ward off Candida and other pathogens.
Other Health Benefits Of Oregano Oil
Aid Weight Loss
Studies have shown that carvacrol in Oregano oil can prevent obesity by modulating the expression of genes. People who use carvacrol plus their high-fat diet, have significantly less body weight. Hence, they do not gain weight. It has been proven by the Journal of Nutritional Biochemistry but more research is required to prove the aid of Oregano oil in weight loss.
Lower Cholesterol
Oregano oil can help lower the bad cholesterol (LDL) and increase the good cholesterol (HDL) levels. A study conducted on a selected group of mildly elevated cholesterol followed a lifestyle and diet to lower their levels. In this study, people received 25ml of Oregano oil extract after eating. After the study duration, people consuming the Oregano oil had lower levels of bad cholesterol than those who didn’t.
Anti-Inflammatory
Oregano consists of powerful compounds that help to calm the inflammation. According to a study, rosmarinic acid and thymol in Oregano seem to have anti-inflammatory properties. Also, the carvacrol in Oregano essential oil can reduce swelling. Hence, it can help to reduce the symptoms of certain inflammatory conditions such as:
- Autoimmune Arthritis
- Rheumatoid Arthritis
- Allergic Asthma
Keep in mind that researchers are still working on the anti-inflammatory health benefit of Oregano oil. Make sure that you have consulted it from the naturopathic before using it for inflammatory conditions.
Pain Reliever
A pinch of Oregano oil, but extract not the essential oil in the paste cannot replace an over-the-counter (OTC) pain reliever. In some studies, Oregano oil has shown pain-relieving properties.
An experiment done on animals for pain-relieving by using Oregano oil has shown a positive result. But a human study is still needed to prove the pain-relieving properties of Oregano oil.
Side Effects of Oregano Oil
The possible side effects of using Oregano oil for Candida can be:
- When Oregano oil is used in large amounts, it can irritate the skin and mucous membranes.
- When taking large doses, Oregano oil can act as an emmenagogue while causing miscarriage in pregnant women.
Also, the use of Oregano oil might cause:
- Inappropriate Talkativeness
- Increased Bleeding
- Vertigo
- Headache
- Muscle Pain
- Fatigue
- Excessive Salivation
- Stomach Problems
- Difficulty Swallowing
- Diarrhea
- Nausea And Vomiting
It is always recommended to consult a professional before using herbs or essential oils for curing diseases. Sometimes using medications and different types of essential oils simultaneously can elevate the disease or its symptoms.
How To Choose A High-Quality Oregano Oil?
As mentioned earlier, not all Oregano oils are made equally. When choosing an essential Oregano oil, make sure that they are standardized to contain a significant amount of active ingredients such as carvacrol. The leaves of Oregano contain 1 to 2% of carvacrol by weight which means that you need to consume unreasonable amounts of the herb to get the health benefits of the concentrated product.
Oregano oil made from wild-sourced Origanum vulgare by gentle steam distillation ensures purity. Also, it ensures 80% carvacrol content.
Oregano Oil – Potential Cure Of Candida
Oregano oil comes from the plant named Origanum vulgare. The high concentration of thymol, carvacrol, and rosmarinic in Oregano oil can help to cure Candida. The main purpose of using Oregano oil for Candida is to stop the growth of fungi or bacteria inside the human body. Candida is usually present in the gastrointestinal tract.
In the initial stages, the beneficial bacteria in the gut prevents the growth of Candida but if the immune system is not able to stop it, Oregano oil can be a cure. There are various potential health benefits of using Oregano oil other than Candida but they are not fully tested on the human body. Most of the experiments are done on animals. Before you start using Oregano oil for diseases other than Candida, make sure you have consulted the naturopathic doctor.