Uses for Oregano Extract

The fresh or dried leaves of the oregano plant can produce an extract that has antifungal, antibacterial, antimicrobial, antiparasitic, antioxidant, antimutagenic and anticarcinogenic properties, according to the "PDR for Herbal Medicines." A common plant in Asia, America, Europe and northern Africa, oregano is considered by herbalists to be helpful when dealing with many different kinds of internal and topical concerns.

Fighting Diseases

• Studies on extracted oregano oil found that compounds such as thymol and carvacrol inhibit the growth of many viruses, bacteria and microbes. Traditional healers since the time of Hippocrates have used oregano extract to treat respiratory issues such as coughs, colds, flu, sore throats and bronchitis. Herbalists also use oregano extract to treat urinary tract and yeast infections. Acne responds to topical application of oregano extract, as do other skin issues such as athlete's foot, insect bites and stings and skin infections.

Removing Parasites

• Oil of oregano extract has proven to be effective at removing several different kinds of parasitic worms, flukes, cryptosporidium and giardia in human trials. It also demonstrates effectiveness in killing lice and scabies. Further, trials demonstrate that oregano extract is both safe and effective in dealing with parasites that attack birds. Using oregano extract may be more easily tolerated than some pharmaceutical products because it causes less stomach upset.

Digestion

• Many cooks use oregano in cooking pizza, stews and meatloaf. While the herb makes food taste and smell great, in extract form it also treats upset stomachs, gas, bloating and intestinal discomfort. Hippocrates used oregano to treat stomach pains and Paracelsus used it to treat diarrhea and vomiting. The gas reducing effect, known as carminative, soothes the digestive tract and eases painful gastric spasm. Oregano tea also provides an effective way to access this beneficial property.

Diabetes

• Oregano extract may benefit diabetic patients, according to a 2004 study in the "Journal of Ethnopharmacology." Oregano extract has a hypoglycemic effect on diabetic patients independent from the use of insulin. The effect was detectable in both single dose use and in regular daily doses. It may also help prevent retinopathy and peripheral neuropathy in those with diabetes.

Other Uses

• Research studies also verify the powerful antioxidant properties of oregano extract. Plant ingredients such as tocopherol, rosmarinic acid, caravacrol and thymol account for some of the antioxidant benefits from oregano extract. However, further studies need to be conducted to determine the value of oregano extract for this purpose in both long- and short-term use. In addition, oregano extract has anti-inflammatory properties. Herbalists and natural healers have recommended it for rheumatoid arthritis, painful joints and painful menstruation. However, no published research verifies the effectiveness of oregano for these afflictions.