Benefits Of Oil Of Oregano

Oil Of Oregano

If you're not familiar with oil of oregano, you're overlooking a powerful remedy. This natural solution can combat prevalent health issues in dogs like ear infections, yeast infections, and even cancer – all without the adverse effects of traditional antibiotics and antifungals.

Which is The Right Oil Of Oregano?

There might be some confusion regarding oil of oregano. Before discovering its benefits for your dog, it's important to distinguish between oil of oregano, oregano essential oil, and oregano oil.

Select Oil of Oregano for Your Canine Companion.

Oil of oregano is a potent extract that is diluted in a carrier oil like olive oil or almond oil. It includes carvacrol as the active component, which we'll delve into later on. This oil can be applied topically or ingested for its healing properties. Sometimes referred to as oregano oil extract or oregano oil (which can be confusing), we will stick to calling it oil of oregano in this article. You can purchase oil of oregano alongside vitamins and supplements at grocery stores, pharmacies, and health food stores.

Be cautious when purchasing oil of oregano; ensure that it is pre-diluted in a carrier oil. If you are uncertain, opt for a different product or dilute it yourself before use.

Is Oregano Essential Oil Safe for Use?

Oregano essential oil is a concentrated extract from the oregano plant, known for its potency. To ensure quality, seek a product produced by drying leaves and then extracting the oil through steam distillation, preserving its strength and purity. This essential oil, rich in carvacrol, provides medicinal benefits. However, due to its high potency compared to oil of oregano, it is advisable to consult a professional before internal use. Oregano essential oil is safe for aromatherapy or topical application after dilution with a carrier oil.

PRO TIP

When purchasing oil of oregano or oregano essential oil, opt for wild-crafted or wild-harvested Mediterranean oregano.

Avoid Using Oregano Oil.

Oregano oil is oregano-infused oil primarily used in cooking to enhance the flavor of dishes. While available at grocery and specialty food stores, it is important to note that it does not offer any medicinal properties.

7 Ways To Use Oil Of Oregano For Your Dog

Kills Bacteria

Oil of oregano is renowned for its natural antibiotic properties due to the presence of carvacrol. Carvacrol, an organic compound classified as a phenol, is responsible for oregano's distinctive taste and scent. Among the various phenols in oil of oregano, carvacrol is the most prevalent and is also present in oregano essential oil. Research indicates that carvacrol has the potential to inhibit the growth of various bacteria, including MRSA (Methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus) responsible for staph infections. Additionally, oil of oregano might be effective against antibiotic-resistant bacteria such as E. coli and Pseudomonas aeruginosa. (P. aeruginosa is a frequent cause of ear infections, as you will soon discover more about.)Blending oregano essential oil with cinnamon bark enhances its effectiveness. In a study, this combination successfully eliminated the bacteria responsible for Lyme disease (B. burgdorferi).

Boosts Antioxidants

Carvacrol serves not only as an antibiotic but also as one of the three primary antioxidants present in oregano, alongside thymol and rosmarinic acid. Among 39 frequently used herbs (both culinary and medicinal), oregano boasts the highest antioxidant levels. Gram for gram, it contains four times more antioxidants than blueberries and 42 times more than apples.

Combat Yeast Infections

Yeast overgrowths are a major cause of ear infections in dogs and can cause skin and gut issues as well. Conventional vets will prescribe antifungal medications. The problem is that these drugs have harmful side effects and yeast can build up resistance to them. Oil of oregano possesses natural antifungal properties due to carvacrol and thymol, making it an effective yeast fighter. Research conducted on dogs suggests that it may serve as a viable alternative treatment to traditional medications. In one study oregano essential oil was effective against 5 different types of Candida yeast. And another showed that carvacrol may even help fight oral candida.

Enhances Digestive Health

Previously, you discovered that oil of oregano has the ability to eliminate E. coli and other harmful bacteria, benefiting your dog's gut health. However, the benefits of oil of oregano extend beyond this. Leaky gut is increasingly common in dogs, where damage to the intestinal lining allows foreign substances to seep into the bloodstream. These substances can range from food particles to bacteria, viruses, and other microbes. Over time, these invaders may lead to food allergies, inflammation, and chronic diseases.

Oregano essential oil can help improve leaky gut by strengthening your dog’s intestinal lining. This stops invaders from leaking into your dog’s bloodstream. Carvacrol also has anti-ulcer properties that help improve gut health.

Aids in Combating Parasites

Oil of oregano has the ability to fight parasites. In a 6-week study, a 600 mg dose of oil of oregano reduced parasites in human participants, leading to complete recovery in 77% of them. It is also effective against giardia and serves as a dewormer.

Moreover, oregano essential oil's antifungal properties make it beneficial for treating ringworm, a skin fungal infection caused by mold-like parasites. These same antifungal properties can also combat valley fever.

Helps Prevent Cancer

The antioxidants in oregano oil help prevent free radicals that increase the risk of cancer. But Carvacrol has an even more direct effect. In a test tube study, carvacrol helped inhibit cell growth and increased cancer cell death.

Ear And Skin Issues

You're aware that oil of oregano has the ability to eliminate microorganisms accountable for various skin and ear infections due to its antifungal and antibiotic properties.

A study examined the efficacy of oregano and thyme essential oils in treating ear infections. The combination was tested on 100 bacteria and fungi linked to ear infections in dogs. Remarkably, the blend proved highly effective in vitro, successfully eliminating even drug-resistant bacteria and fungi.

How To Use Oil Of Oregano For Your Dog

Most oil of oregano available is already diluted, making it safe for internal use. However, it's important to carefully check the bottle label. If the product lacks a carrier oil, consider switching to another one or follow the guidelines for essential oils. To administer it to your dog internally, simply add a drop or two to your dog's food. This can aid in protecting your furry friend against bacterial, viral, and fungal infections, as well as preventing waterborne illnesses. For oral health benefits, mix it into your dog's toothpaste to reduce mouth bacteria, which is crucial as gum disease bacteria can also contribute to heart disease. When applying oregano oil topically, you can use it on the skin 3 to 4 times a day. For ear care, blend oregano essential oil with 1 oz of warm aloe vera juice or use pre-diluted oil of oregano. Soak a cotton ball in the oil and gently clean the visible parts of the ear.

How To Use Oregano Essential Oil

Oregano essential oil should not be ingested without professional guidance. However, you can safely use oregano essential oil topically by diluting it first. Simply mix 1 to 3 drops of oregano essential oil with a teaspoon of carrier oil such as olive or almond oil.

Precautions to Take with Oregano Essential Oil

Remember to always dilute your essential oil to prevent skin irritation, overpowering scents, or potential harm to your dog.

Avoid using oil of oregano and oregano essential oil on dogs prone to seizures. If you have any concerns about using oil of oregano on your dog, consult your holistic vet.