Oreganol, also called oil of oregano, is an essential oil that is extracted from remote, wild, pollution-free mountain Mediterranean oregano plants, and steam-distilled, cold-pressed and blended with extra-virgin olive oil as a carrier oil. It was introduced and marketed as Oreganol P73 by North American Herb and Spice, and its extensive medicinal properties and uses are extolled in two books by Dr. Cass Ingram, D.O.
History
Oregano has been used for seasoning food and for its health benefits since the time of the ancient Greeks and Romans, who used it extensively for treating infections. Its name comes from the Greek words “oros” meaning “mountain” and “ganos” meaning “joy.”
Properties
Oreganol’s main active component is carvacrol, a powerful antibacterial, antifungal, antiviral and germicidal compound known to kill candida, parasites,staphylococcus, hepatitis and cold and flu viruses. It is also a natural antihistamine.
Medicinal Benefits
The first edition of the Physicians’ Desk Reference for Herbal Medicines states that oil of oregano is used for respiratory and digestive ailments, menstrual pain, urinary tract infections and rheumatoid arthritis, with no health risks or side effects when the proper dosage is administered.
Research
Oreganol P73 has been extensively researched and its medicinal properties are very impressive. Dr. Henry Preuss, Dr. Cass Ingram and a team of scientists at the Georgetown University Medical Center in Washington, D.C., tested Oreganol P73 on drug-resistant stapholococcus aureus, which is responsible for many hospital-contracted infections, and on candida albicans. Their findings, presented at the 42nd Annual Meeting (October 2001) of the American College of Nutrition, concluded that Oreganol P73 inhibited the growth of these bacteria more effectively than streptomycin and penicillin. In addition, Jennifer Billing and Paul W. Sherman of Cornell University also tested it on 30 bacteria species in vitro and verified that it killed 100 percent of them, including lethal pseudomonas aeruginosa, listeria and bacillus anthracis (anthrax).
Home Uses
Place 1 drop of Oreganol P73 under your tongue or in a glass of juice to relieve sneezing and congestion resulting from hay fever and other allergies. This treatment also relieves a sore throat and boosts your immune system to ward off cold and flu viruses. Use 1 to 2 drops under your tongue immediately if you experience food poisoning symptoms or feel sick after eating anything.
Dilute 1 to 2 drops Oreganol in 1 tbsp. water and work it into ground beef before cooking it as a precaution. E. coli has been found far more often in ground meat than in steaks. Oreganol will kill any E. coli bacteria that may be in the meat.