Oregano Balm 45ml

Oregano contains compounds called phenols, terpenes, and terpenoids. They have powerful antioxidant properties and are responsible for their fragrance:

* Carvacrol. The most abundant phenol in oregano, it has been shown to stop the growth of several different types of bacteria.

* Thymol. This natural antifungal can also support the immune system and protect against toxins.

* Rosmarinic acid. This powerful antioxidant helps protect against damage caused by free radicals.

These compounds are thought to underlie oregano’s many health benefits.

Here are 9 potential benefits and uses of oregano oil.

1. Natural antibiotic

Oregano and the carvacrol it contains may help fight bacteria. While many reported benefits of essential oils come from anecdotal sources, limited research suggests oregano essential oil may have protective effects against Pseudomonas aeruginosa and E. coli, both of which are common causes of urinay and respiratory tract infections. 

2. May help lower cholesterol

Oregano and its oils contain numerous polyphenols including carvacrol and thymol. Older research suggests that these active compounds help to lower cholesterol.

While there is a limited study into how these polyphenols may affect humans, limited animal studies support the claim that compounds in oregano oil can have cholesterol-lowering effects.

3. Powerful antioxidant

Antioxidants help protect the body from damage caused by free radicals.

Free radicals are a natural product of metabolism but may play a role in aging and developing some diseases, such as cancer and heart disease. They can also build up in the body through exposure to environmental factors, such as cigarette smoke and air pollutants.

One older test-tube study compared the antioxidant content of 39 commonly used herbs and found that oregano had the highest concentration of antioxidants. Because oregano oil extract is very concentrated, you need much less oregano oil to reap the same antioxidant benefits as you would from fresh oregano.

4. Could help treat yeast infections

Yeast is a type of fungus. It can be harmless, but overgrowth can result in human infections. Certain forms of candida yeasts occur naturally on the skin but can cause infections in the mouth, genitals, blood, and internal organs. Studies show that oregano essential oil is effective against the development of Candida infections.

5. May improve gut health

Oregano essential oil may benefit gut health in several ways due to its anti-inflammatory, antifungal, antiparasitic, and antibacterial properties. Notably, research shows that the compounds carvacrol and thymol can help to treat small intestine bacterial overgrowth.

6. May have anti-inflammatory properties

Inflammation in the body is linked to several adverse health effects. Research has shown that oregano oil may reduce inflammation.

A 2017 review found that several compounds within oregano essential oil have anti-inflammatory properties but can exert a toxic effect on certain cells. 

7. Could help relieve pain

Research shows that oregano essential oils have promising applications in pain management. Older animal studies also suggest that carvacrol compounds specifically, may have pain-relieving properties when used in conjunction with other medicines.

8. May have cancer-fighting properties

A few studies have indicated that carvacrol, one of the compounds of oregano oil, may have cancer-fighting properties.

In test-tube studies on cancer cells, carvacrol has demonstrated promising results against lung, liver, and breast cancer cells. It has been found to inhibit cell growth and cause cancer cell death. 

Preliminary studies have shown that carvacrol — the most abundant compound in oregano oil — inhibits cancer cell growth and causes cell death in lung, liver, and breast cancer cells.

9. May help you lose weight

Thanks to oregano’s carvacrol content, oregano oil may aid weight loss and benefit obesity treatment.

The bottom line

Oregano oil extract and oregano essential oil are relatively cheap and readily available.

Oregano is higher in antioxidants than most fruits and vegetables, and it’s packed full of powerful compounds called phenols.

Oregano also contains compounds that may be effective against bacterial and fungal infections, inflammation, and pain, among other conditions.

Overall, it appears to have several health benefits and may be useful as a natural treatment for some common health complaints.

1x45ml balm 

£5