Spotlight Oil - Oregano

Oregano - it's not just for cooking Italian food.  The story of Oregano for wellness goes back to at least the time of Hippocrates, when he wrote about the Wild Oregano oil and it's healing qualities for digestion, skin ailments, and respiratory problems.  Oregano oil is considered to be anti-microbial, antibacterial, anti-inflammatory, anti-fungal... the list is long.  I looked online to find some ways to use Oregano, and I found many!  Keep in mind that Oregano is "neat", which rhymes with heat - it's a hot oil that needs to be diluted for many people who may not react well to the burning sensation Oregano can have.

Some of the documented uses of Oregano oil:

• Allergies
• Asthma
• Athletes Foot
• Bacterial Infection
• Boils
• Bronchitis
• Candida
• Chronic Pain
• Cold Sores
• Cough
• Dandruff
• Digestive Problems
• Ear Aches (never put oil directly IN the ear)
• Fatigue
• Flu
• Headaches
• Immune System
• Metabolism
• Oral Infection
• Pneumonia
• Respiratory Infections
• Ringworm
• Strep Throat
• Tooth Aches
• Warts - Common and Plantars
• Arthritis and Rheumatism
• and so many, many more...

Here are a few ways I have used Oregano recently:

• Recently when I felt the beginning of a cold, I went home and put 8 drops of Oregano, 5 drops of On Guard and 1 drop of Frankincense in to a gelatin capsule, and washed down with water.  Sure, I burped Oregano, but I was confident that the Oregano was going to help nip this cold in the bud.  For the next few days, I put 3 drops Oregano, 3 drops Melaleuca, and 3 drops On Guard in a gelatin capsule and took twice a day for 2 days.  The next few days, I've been making P.O.O.F (see below).  I did get the cold, but it was not as bad as my husband or co-worker, nor was I in bed. I was just a little congested, and the sore throat was only for about a day. And not succumbing to the cold was the point of taking the Oregano.  Overkill?  Some people may say so.  But this is what worked for me.  For someone who is sensitive to Oregano, I would cut the Oregano in half on the first day, and reduce the twice daily mix down to 2 drops. 
• Oregano also makes a good gargle for numbing a sore throat and canker sores.  I've seen someone post a recipe that put 2 drops Oregano in 4 oz water with 1 drop Melaleuca, and gargle. I tried this - it was very spicy, and it numbed my lips. My daughter tried it too - she was not keen on it, numbed her mouth and tongue.  I tried it again the next morning with just one drop - worked much better, with less bite.
• P.O.O.F. - 4 drops Peppermint, 3 drops On Guard, 2 drops Oregano, 1 drop Frankincense (www.essentialoilsforthefamily.com) - I liked this combo - loved the cooling affect of the Peppermint.
• Sanitizer - Add a few drops of Oregano, and a few drops of On Guard to Fractionated Coconut oil in a glass roller bottle. Mix well and use as needed.

Some ways I have found around the web, and plan on trying as needed:

• Carpal Tunnel Syndrome - Massage oil on to hands, wrists, and up the arms, moving up towards the heart.
• Immune System Booster - Use daily on the soles of the feet (one drop per foot), or add 1 drop to food, bathwater, or a cup of steaming water to inhale.
• Inflammation - Massage gently into the inflamed area, massaging towards the direction of the heart.
• Staph Infection, Parasites, Pneumonia, MRSA - Rub oil into the soles of the feet for fast absorption.
• Ringworm - Mix a 1:3 ratio of Oregano, Lavender and Melaleuca oil to Coconut oil and massage directly over the site.
• DIY Candida Cleanse - 5 drops Lemon, 5 drops Melaleuca, 3 drops Oregano - put in gelatin capsule and take twice daily for 10-14 days. Rest for 2 weeks and repeat. (this was found on www.campwonder.com - a great place for lots of EO ideas!)

There are so many healthy ways to use this oil.  Look online, read, research and find what works for you. Just remember that a little goes a long way!  I would love to hear stories of how Oregano worked for you.

Mel
doTerra - Earths-Gift

www.mydoterra.com/melkiper