Oil of Oregano - A Natural Antibiotic

Extracted from the plant Origanum vulgare, oil of oregano is high in antioxidants, and known to bring many health benefits to those who use it. Origanum vulgare should not be confused with the common type of oregano we use to season Italian and Greek foods (Origanum majorana), although they are related.

 
Pressed from the leaves of the plant, oil of oregano contains thymol and carvacrol, which are thought to be the main ingredients that provide the benefitsof  oregano oil. Oregano oil cures mild stomach problems, helps clear coughs, works to kill fungus, heals digestive ailments, provides relief for migraine headaches, relieves athletes foot and sore throats, and helps with breathing difficulties. It's even known to have a very positive effect on dandruff, and can promote healing of other skin conditions. Oregano oil is also thought to help maintain a healthy immune system and keep joints and muscles flexible.

 
Because of its antibiotic properties, researchers are looking to oil of oregano as a possible avenue for heading off the antibiotic resistance that recently emerging "superbugs" like MRSA are demonstrating. It seems that drug resistance does not occur against naturally occurring antibiotics, such as those found in oil of oregano.