How to use oregano oil for its health benefits

Several scientific studies have confirmed the anti-inflammatory, antibacterial, antifungal, and antiparasitic properties of oregano oil. While reliable human trials on its effectiveness for treating conditions such as fungal infections, parasitic and bacterial eradication, and reducing sinus inflammation or cold symptoms are still limited, there is abundant anecdotal evidence supporting the healing properties of oregano oil.

Consult with a doctor or healthcare professional first. Oregano oil in capsule form is not recommended for everyone. Before starting oregano as a remedy for internal symptoms, make sure to consult a healthcare provider to ensure you don't have any contraindications, such as pregnancy or anemia.

• Healthcare professionals may recommend a specific dosage of oregano oil as a natural therapy for the condition you're looking to treat.

Choose an emulsifying oil. During treatment, a maximum dosage of 600 mg/day (for short-term treatment) of emulsifying oil in capsule form is recommended for addressing intestinal symptoms and reducing inflammation.

• A lower dosage (100-150 mg/day) in capsule form is sufficient to treat mild symptoms or issues such as probiotic imbalance, infections, sinus problems, and indigestion.

Take the oil daily until symptoms subside. Oregano oil must be taken continuously to be effective in alleviating symptoms. To maximize the healing benefits of oregano oil, be consistent and don’t skip any doses. These doses can be spread throughout the day.

Mix the oil with water, fruit juice, or milk. Since concentrated oregano oil can be very potent and even risky, it’s advisable to take oregano oil capsules or dilute the concentrated oil with a small glass of juice, water, or milk before consumption.

• Mixing 3-6 drops of oregano oil with fruit juice is believed to help treat sore throats, colds, or sinus infections.
• When purchasing oil, choose a product with a concentration of 70% or higher.

Try gargling with diluted oregano oil for sore throat or sinus inflammation. Mix 2-3 drops of oregano oil with orange juice or warm water and gargle several times in the morning and evening to reduce inflammation and fight infections.

Treat skin conditions with oregano oil. There is some anecdotal evidence suggesting that oregano oil may be effective in treating acne, athlete's foot, oily skin, dandruff, rosacea, warts, and insect bites.

Follow the usage instructions on the oregano oil bottle. Depending on the concentration of oregano oil, you may need to mix the oil with different amounts of other oils before applying it to your skin.

Mix oregano oil with olive oil or coconut oil. If you have concentrated oregano oil, mix 1 drop of oregano oil with 1 teaspoon of a mild carrier oil like olive oil or coconut oil.

• If you need enough oil to cover a larger area of skin, be sure to mix in a 1-drop oregano oil to 1-teaspoon carrier oil ratio to make a blend.

Start a skincare routine with one application per day. If the infection or issue persists and only shows slight improvement, increase the dosage to 2-3 times per day (with diluted oregano oil).

• If there is no improvement after two weeks of treatment, or if symptoms worsen, stop using the oil and consult a doctor. It’s possible that your skin condition may not respond well to oregano oil treatment.

Be aware of allergic reactions. Oregano belongs to the same plant family as mint, thyme, basil, and sage, so individuals allergic to any of these herbs may experience similar reactions to oregano.

• If you are sensitive to any plants in this family, use oregano oil with caution, starting with a very small dose until you know how your body will react.

Avoid using oregano oil for prolonged periods. Since oregano oil can interfere with iron absorption and affect blood clotting, it should only be used for short-term treatment.

• Oregano oil is not recommended as a daily supplement, even for those with chronic intestinal inflammation or digestive issues, unless prescribed by a doctor.

Stop use immediately and seek medical attention if certain reactions occur. If using oregano oil causes vomiting, skin rashes, swelling, irritation, or difficulty breathing, consult a doctor. Even natural oils have powerful medicinal properties and can cause serious complications if misused or taken by individuals who are intolerant to the compounds in the herb.