Oregano oil is one of the best natural remedies if your immune system is under attack by a cold virus, the flu, respiratory infections, or any other illnesses. This is due to its expectorant, anti-inflammatory, antibacterial, antiseptic, and antioxidant properties. Beyond that, oregano oil treats both the symptoms and the underlying infection that caused the irritating symptoms in the first place.
What is Oregano Oil?
Oregano oil is distilled from the dried leaves of the oregano plant, the most common variety of which is known as Origanum vulgare. Native to the Mediterranean region, oregano oil has been used in traditional medicine for thousands of years, and is now widely available. It is dark yellow in color and has a very strong aroma, which is why some people choose to use it in culinary applications. However, as a therapeutic oil, oregano oil can be topically applied, sublingually used, consumed orally or inhaled, all of which can deliver an impressive list of benefits. These healthy effects of oregano oil for cold and flu can be attributed to the high levels of thymol and carvacrol, which are antioxidant phenolic compounds, as well as rosmarinic acid, various terpenes, zinc, calcium, potassium, vitamin A and vitamin C, among others.
Benefits of Oregano Oil for Cold & Flu
If it feels as though your immune system is perpetually under attack, particularly during the cold season, you should begin using oregano oil for cold and flu symptoms, as it contains various compounds that will strengthen the immune system.
Carvacrol
The most powerful compound in oregano oil is carvacrol, and it also comes with the highest concentration in this oil. Boasting numerous antimicrobial properties, this active ingredient is the main reason why this oil is so famed for eliminating symptoms of cold and flu. In fact, carvacrol is known to break through the outer cell membrane of bacteria, allowing them to be neutralized by the body’s immune system.
Vitamin C
Globally known as an immune system-booster, vitamin C is found in moderate quantities in oregano oil, where it can stimulate the production of white blood cells to counter the spread of a cold virus or bacterial infection. Vitamin C also soothes inflammation and functions as an antioxidant to relieve strain on the immune system. Finally, it is involved in collagen synthesis, which is needed to recover and heal the tissues following an extended cold or flu.
Thymol
Using oregano oil for cold symptoms depends highly on thymol, the secondary active ingredient in this natural remedy. Thymol possessesanti-fungal and antiseptic properties, which help detoxify and cleanse your respiratory tracts. It is also known to promote healing and shield the tissues of your respiratory tracts from damage as a result of coughing.
Vitamin E
Oregano oil can also be used to protect the body’s first line of defense against cold and flu – the skin. With antiseptic, anti-parasitic and anti-fungal properties, in addition to the antioxidant effects of vitamin E, oregano oil can help prevent cold and flu symptoms by preventing them from ever taking hold!
Rosmarinic Acid
This element of oregano oil plays a number of unique roles in the healing process. From an antioxidant to an antihistamine, this volatile acid can regulate the body’s immune response and prevent excess oxidative stress, allowing your natural defenses to function more properly against cold and flu symptoms.