Oregano, or Origanum vulgare, a member of the mint family, is widely cultivated in the Mediterranean countries. Early Greek physicians used oregano oils to aid in healing wounds, relieving headaches, and even counteracting hemlock poisoning. Modern-day researchers have discovered other uses for oregano, especially its antioxidant properties.
Numerous scientific studies have verified the medicinal properties of high-grade oregano oil. Several studies have shown that oregano oil can destroy or inhibit the growth of a number of strains of bacteria, fungi, and parasites. A 2000 study in the Journal of Applied Microbiology showed oregano oil to be effective against 25 different bacteria. A 2001 study by researchers at the University of Tennessee confirmed oregano oil's antibacterial function. A 1988 study published in the International Journal of Food Microbiology indicated oregano oil to be effective against nine different fungi. Further studies must be done before specific health benefits can be established.
When choosing oregano oil, it is important to be certain it is true oregano. Many products on the market that claim to contain oregano oil are actually composed of thyme or marjoram oil, which do not possess the same beneficial qualities as oregano oil. It is critical to ascertain that the primary component of your oregano oil is carvacrol, not thymol. The highest-quality oregano oils are made from wild-harvested oregano grown in the Mediterranean mountains. You can use Vitabase Oregano Oil with confidence, knowing it is high quality and standardized to 70 percent carvacrol.
