Oregano Oil Is The Magic Ingredient For Fighting Colds

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The fragrant herb that you use to season pasta dishes, pizzas, and Mediterranean food, doubles as a cold-and-flu-fighting secret weapon. Oregano oil comes from the leaves and flowers of the oregano plant (Origanum vulgare), which is a member of the mint family. Before you go and take a bottle of oregano from the spice rack, know that the type of oregano used to enhance your immune system actually comes in the form of an essential oil and it’s extracted through steam distillation of fresh oregano leaves, resulting in a potent golden yellow color with a strong aroma.

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Oil of oregano is a powerful antimicrobial that can help fight off infections. It has antibacterial, antiviral, antifungal, antitumor, anti-inflammation, and antiparasitic properties. The main component that makes this an essential oil is the amount of carvacrol. When you use oregano oil topically, it can reduce redness and irritation and also help with pain from arthritis. When you take it internally, the oil helps to stimulate the production/function of white blood cells, which are actually your bodies main form of defense against sickness.

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Use oregano oil in your hand soap to help prevent the spread of cold and flu viruses throughout the day. If you fully commit to incorporating this into your natural remedy routine, the essential oil can also help with UTIs (urinary tract infections), yeast infections, cold sores, dandruff, and a sore throat. The carvacrol in the oil can also act as a natural insect repellent, so rub a few drops on your skin before heading outdoors in the summer. Take a few drops under your tongue for the most direct results, and be prepared for an extremely bitter aftertaste — yes, it’s worth it.