You may primarily think of oregano as a culinary spice to jazz up your Italian dinner. However, essential oil derived from the leaves and shoots of the oregano herb can serve as a potent antimicrobial and antioxidant agent, and may offer other powerful health benefits, including helping your body's immune system fight off viruses such as herpes.

Oregano essential oil contains two important compounds: carvacrol and thymol. These monoterpenoid phenols are the force behind oregano oil's fragrance as well as its powerful antimicrobial, antioxidant, and anti-inflammatory properties. In a 2011 study, both of these phenols, but especially carvacrol, were shown to "permeabilize and depolarize the bacterial cytoplasmic membrane, resulting in cell death." In other words, kill bacteria.

The same study, which was specifically related to the swine industry but findings of which have far wider implications, also found that the high antioxidant activity of oregano essential oil may protect cells against inflammatory damage. The antioxidant properties of oregano can also help protect your body from damage caused by free radicals, which can build up in your body and lead to serious long-term health problems.

Impact on the Herpes Virus

A 1996 study tested the antiviral effects of oregano essential oil on enveloped viruses (such as herpes virus type 1), and found that the oil disintegrates the viral envelope, thus having a significant impact on enveloped viruses.

Research has also been done on the effects of oregano essential oil on strains of antibiotic-resistant bacteria such as E.coli, and found that oregano oil inhibits the growth of E.coli and therefore may be an effective tool to fight this type of bacterial infection, in addition to viral infections such as herpes.

The potential health benefits of oregano essential oil are numerous, and if you're suffering from herpes or other viral infection or bacterial issue, oregano oil could help your body fight it off, or help strengthen your immune system to prevent you from getting sick in the first place.

We recommend using about 1-2 drops of Oregano Essential Oil or 4-10 drops of OHN Herpes Support Essential Oil Blend in a coconut oil suppository one to seven times a week to help fight herpes outbreaks.

The close proximity of the rectum to the sacrum contributes to the effectiveness of this treatment. The herpes virus attacks nerve cells and lies dormant within the sensory nerve ganglia in the sacral spine.

Cautions: Due to its potency, start with the smallest dose possible of oregano essential oil or a blend including it. Possible skin sensitivity. Oregano oil should be diluted with a carrier oil when applied to the skin. High in phenols, oregano may irritate the nasal membranes or skin if inhaled directly from diffuser or bottle. If pregnant or under a doctor's care, consult your physician. Keep out of reach of children. Avoid using it if you're allergic to mint, sage, basil, or lavender. If you're allergic to any of these, you're likely allergic to oregano as well. Don't take oregano oil if you have a bleeding disorder or are on any medications that alter clotting of your blood.

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Labels: antiviral, essential oils, herpes, oregano, suppository, viruses