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http://www.findarticles.com/p/articles/mi_m0NAH/is_7_32/ai_91563260

 

Fight infection with oregano oil: this essential oil is a potent germ

killer - Herb Brief

 

 

OREGANO IS A WOODY SHRUB NATIVE to the Mediterranean. The oil is

steam-distilled from fresh or dried leaves.

 

How It Works

 

Carvacrol is the primary component in oregano oil. Research suggests

that oxygen molecules in it react with water in your body to create heat

that kills germs by dehydrating them.

 

Evidence

 

Preliminary research for oregano oil supports its use for infections.

Several test-tube studies have shown that oregano oil can inhibit or

destroy many strains of bacteria, fungi, and parasites. A handful of

human and animal studies, sponsored by an oregano oil manufacturer, have

found similar results. Anecdotal evidence supports its use for athlete's

foot.

 

In an abstract in the Journal of the American College of Nutrition that

appeared last year, 18 mice were injected with the bacteria

Staphylococcus aureus. Three of the six mice that received oregano oil

orally survived the infection, while two of the six mice that received

the antibiotic vancomycin did. All six of the mice that received no

treatment died within three days.

 

The same researchers also tested oregano oil's effects on mice who had

been injected with the yeast Candida albicans. In the study, published

last year in the Journal of Molecular and Cellular Biochemistry, all six

of the mice fed oregano oil survived more than 30 days with no sign of

Candida infection, while all six mice that were fed just olive oil died

within seven days.

 

A small study published in Phytotherapy Research in 2000 examined the

effects of oregano oil on n adults with the intestinal parasite

Blastocystis hominis, which can cause diarrhea, anal itching, and weight

loss. Participants took 600 mg of oregano oil daily for six weeks. Eight

were completely free of the parasite, and the remaining three

participants had a reduction in symptoms.

 

How to Take It

 

For an infection in your gastrointestinal tract (whether bacterial,

fungal, or parasitic), take 0.3 ml of enteric-coated oregano oil

capsules three times a day before meals, says Jennifer Brett, N.D., a

naturopathic physician and chair of the botanical medicine department at

the University of Bridgeport College of Naturopathic Medicine in

Connecticut. The enteric coating ensures that the capsule won't release

the oil before it reaches your intestines.

 

To treat bacterial and fungal infections that occur in other parts of

your body, place I drop of the pure oil under your tongue twice a day,

suggests Brett.

 

For fungal infections on your skin and nails, dilute I teaspoon oregano

oil in 2 teaspoons olive oil and apply with a cotton swab to the

affected area up to three times a day, she says.

 

Oregano oil is potent, so you should not exceed these doses. Also,

discontinue use within three weeks, Brett advises.

 

Caveats

 

Oregano oil is safe for low-dose, short-term use. High doses cause

headaches and nausea and may be toxic to the liver. Avoid it if you're

pregnant.

 

Health Claims

 

Oregano oil (Origanum vulgare) contains natural compounds that combat

bacterial, fungal, and parasitic infections. It can be used for ailments

ranging from athlete's foot to food poisoning.

 

The Bottom Line

 

Though more human studies need to be done, oregano oil has shown promise

as a treatment for bacterial, fungal, and parasitic infections. It's a

powerful remedy that should be used carefully.

 

Stephen Camelio is a freelance writer in New York City.

 

COPYRIGHT 2002 Weider Publications

COPYRIGHT 2002 Gale Group