Oregano
My second-favorite antimicrobial, oregano is well-known for its ability to boost the immune system. This is largely because of its antimicrobial and anti-inflammatory properties which can help with conditions as simple as the common cold and as dangerous as MRSA.
The most popular form of oregano is the plant’s essential oil. A member of the mint family, oregano originated in Europe, but has spread world-wide in
modern times. There are two varieties that provide health benefits, both are wild varieties. Origanum vulgare is native to the Mediterranean area, and thymus capitatus is from the hillsides of Spain.
I keep Swansons softgels 10:1 oregano oil extract on hand at all times. I give it to people suffering from colds and other infections.
Because it is very safe and very broad spectrum, I also use it along with garlic tea, stinging nettle, thyme, or others for fighting infections when I don’t know exactly which bug is causing the trouble.
Antimicrobial
Everyone should have oregano oil in their emergency medical cabinets. It contains the compounds carvacrol, a natural antibiotic, and thymol a fungicide.
Carvacrol destroys the membrane that bacteria surround themselves with to protect them from your immune system. It is most effective against the bacteria that cause things like respiratory illness, urinary tract infections, and staph infections, including Methicillin-resistant staphylococcus aureus (MRSA).
Thymol has been shown to be a powerful agent against yeast and other fungus infections, and even kills infections the pharmaceutical Diflucan can’t. In addition, it attacks and kills parasites like giardia.
Oregano’s antibacterial properties are further boosted by terpenes, which give it it’s spicy aroma and flavor and are also powerful antibiotics.
Cannabis (marijuana) is also high in terpenes which are credited for much of that plant’s health benefits.
Antioxidant
Oregano also contains Rosmarinic acid, a strong antioxidant that is known to protect against free radicals.
It has also been studied with promising results to reduce lipid and other oil oxidation in the arteries and as a cancer preventive substance.
And, finally, it is a natural antihistamine that helps control the symptoms of
allergy attacks and allergic asthma.
Dosage
As a supplement=100 to 200 mg of a 10:1 oil concentrate one to four times daily
To fight an infection=Up to 600 mg of a 10:1 concentrate, usually four to six time a day. In severe cases, you can take this dosage every two hours, up to 10 times per day.
However, if you are a small person, taking a smaller dose, 300 to 450 mg every two hours is more potent than taking the larger dose fewer times.