(NaturalHealth365)  As you know, Western medicine relies heavily on antibiotics to treat infections – and sometimes, these drugs are truly needed. But the rise of antibiotic-resistant “superbugs” – along with the unwanted side effects that can accompany antibiotic use – has triggered an urgent search for naturally sourced substances, oregano oil, to kill pathogens safely and effectively.

In fact, recently published research reveals the potential of a familiar Mediterranean cooking herb to do just that, and the results are stunning.

Oregano oil has potent effects against Candida albicans

A member of the mint family, oregano is scientifically known as origanum vulgare L.  The name “oregano” derives from the Greek words for “mountain” and “joy” – and oregano certainly seems to be bringing joy to researchers when it comes to its surprising antimicrobial properties.

In a study conducted at Georgetown University Medical Center and published in Molecular and Cellular Biology, the research team investigated the ability of oregano essential oil to kill Candida albicans.  This fungal yeast overgrowth can cause joint pain, exhaustion, and digestive problems.

They found amazing results: at concentrations of .25 mg/ml, wild oregano oil – a blend known as P73 – completely inhibited both the germination and the mycelial growth of C. albicans in cultures.

The team credited the oil with “potent’ antifungal effects against C. albicans.

Defend against dangerous bacteria and viruses

In a 2012 study, researchers found that oregano essential oil inhibited the growth of 20 different clinical bacterial strains of E. coli – which can cause severe gastrointestinal problems, anemia, and even kidney failure – and 20 strains of P. aeruginosa, which can cause ear infections, skin rashes, and pneumonia.

The encouraging results led researchers to call for further study on oregano oil as an alternative antibacterial remedy – and to explore its use as an “effective means for the prevention of antibiotic-resistant bacteria.”

And there’s more.

Additional studies have shown that oregano oil kills at least 30 different strains of disease-causing bacteria, including staphylococcus aureus, the leading cause of skin and soft tissue infections, and coronavirus, a primary cause of the common cold, pneumonia, and other respiratory infections.

In addition, oil of oregano kills the H. pylori bacterium – a contributory factor in 90 percent of all duodenal ulcers and 80 percent of all gastric ulcers.

What makes this all-natural oil so potent?

Oregano’s two most formidable weapons are a pair of volatile oils, thymol and carvacrol. Carvacrol has also been studied for its therapeutic effects, and a 2016 study published in the European Review for Medical and Pharmacological Sciences showed that carvacrol from oregano oil protected against methotrexate toxicity.

Other constituents of oregano include various flavonoids, essential vitamins, and minerals, including iron, manganese, vitamin E, tryptophan, and omega-3 fatty acids. Oregano also contains ursolic acid, a powerful antioxidant and antibacterial agent.

Even MRSA is no match for this potent essential oil

Did you know that the World Health Organization (WHO) has classified the advent of “superbugs” as a global public health crisis?  Currently, methicillin-resistant staphylococcus aureus – or MRSA – strikes 80,000 people and claims over 11,000 lives worldwide every year.  Just don’t expect any organization – like WHO – to tell you the health benefits of a substance like, oregano oil.

By the way, the news about oregano oil just keeps getting better. A team of British and Indian researchers reports that the essential oil of Himalayan oregano – simply, origanum vulgare, which happens to grow in the Himalayas – is effective against the MRSA pathogen.

According to researcher Professor Vyv Salisbury, the essential oil kills MRSA at a dilution of 1 to 1,000. The oil kills MRSA both as a liquid and a vapor, and its antimicrobial ability is undiminished by heating in boiling water.

Plans are underway to develop an oregano-based soap for use in hospitals, both for washing hands and disinfecting surfaces.

How should I take this powerful essential oil?

P73 oil of oregano is available in capsule form.

Natural healthcare providers will often advise the use of oregano essential oil for colds, flu, sinusitis, and other respiratory illnesses, as well as for candida and yeast infections.

It can also be used for duodenal and gastric ulcers – in conjunction with other medications that target H. pylori – and, when mixed with coconut oil, can be used topically for athletes’ foot and ringworm.

Because oregano oil is so potent, you should only use it under the guidance of your trusted holistic physician, who can advise you on the correct amount.  Some experts say oil of oregano should be diluted with water or mixed with coconut oil and not taken internally for more than two weeks.

Because oregano oil is such an effective antibacterial agent, long-term use can deplete levels of friendly gut bacteria. So it’s wise to make sure you consume sufficient amounts of probiotic foods – such as live-cultured yogurt, miso soup, or raw sauerkraut – along with prebiotic foods such as organic garlic, onion, and asparagus.

Sources for this article include:

NIH.gov
NIH.gov
NIH.gov
Medicalnewstoday.com
Medicalnewstoday.com