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Oregano: Miracle of NatureOregano, meaning "joy of the mountains", is derived from the Greek words oras "mountains" and ganos "joy". The oregano plant is an aromatic herbaceous perennial that is native to the Mediterranean area and central Asia. Its oval green leaves and tubular flowers contain the precious essential oil used for hundreds of years in the treatment of infection-related illness and disease. Greeks and Romans used oregano extensively for many medicinal purposes. Hippocrates (460 - 377 BC) used it for curing various digestive and respiratory disorders. Paracelsus (1493 - 1541), the father of Hermetic medicine, used it for diarrhea problems, psoriasis and fungal disease. The Roman scholar, Pliny (23 - 79 AD) recommended oregano for scorpion and spider bites and Aristotle (384 - 322 BC) reported that tortoises that swallowed poisonous snakes would immediately consume oregano to prevent death! With the resurgence of natural medicine, people are becoming more wary about the use of pharmaceutical products and drugs. In addition to known side effects, we are learning there are many other harmful implications with using pharmaceuticals, some of which have yet to be fully determined. Of all the drugs that have been manufactured to date, antibiotics have proved themselves the most detrimental despite all their cures. Many of us have heard about the personal health risks and dangers of antibiotic use, but few know of the larger consequences for humanity and the planet as a whole. There was a time when antibiotics were considered to be the answer to all bacterial disease. Granted, since the breakthrough of penicillin in 1928, countless lives have been saved with antibiotic use. Interestingly however, today these drugs are being referred to as "The Downfall of Conventional Medicine". Wide-spread overuse of antibiotics in humans and animals has allowed for the unexpected evolution of bacteria that is now beyond the treatments of modern medicine. In simple terms, science has underestimated the ability of germs to adapt and develop resistance to drugs. Germs mutate and evolve rapidly in response to whatever threatens their survival and, as a result, the appearance of antibiotic resistant bacteria exceeds crisis proportions. Today, many of the bacteria that cause infections of the respiratory tract, skin, bladder, and large intestine are now resistant to all common antibiotics. And, more frightening is the fact that Vancomycin—the most powerful antibiotic, intended to be administered only as a last resort—is now ineffective against a new strain of Staphylococcus Aureus (The New York Times, August 2,'98). As a result, government health authorities are fearful of potential outbreaks of what are now being called "bacterial superbugs". According to Stephen Harrod Buhner of the Rocky Mountain Center for Botanical Studies, "Human-kind now faces the threat of epidemic diseases more powerful, and less treatable, than any known before". In response the pharmaceutical industry is trying to develop stronger antibiotics, which only contributes to the problem. These new "high-tech" drugs have actually given rise to even stronger, more resistant strains of germs so that an increasing number of North Americans are dying from drug-resistant infections every year. In the words of James A. Duke, renowned author and former botanist for the US Department of Agriculture, "We are running out of weapons in the war on germs". Allopathic SolutionsPrior to the modern era, mankind had always relied on herbal medicine to heal infection. In fact, medicinal plants were used for thousands of years as the primary means of treating a variety of health problems. With the scientific revolution of the 1800's, herbal essential oils were studied for the first time, and a subject of great interest and exhaustive research was the ability of these oils to halt the spread of microorganisms. Ironically however, these studies led to the development of the first synthetic drugs and the growth of the modern drug industry; and before long herbalism lost its momentum and credibility as medical treatments left the hands of individuals and were restricted to corporate certified and pharmaceutically tutored institutional professionals. In the years to follow, society abandoned its wisdom and knowledge of medicinal plants, in favour of "medical progress". It is interesting to note that despite all our medical advances, leading pharmaceutical companies have been looking at plant chemistry (phytochemistry) with renewed interest over the past 20 years. Studies have proven that certain essential oils derived from specific plants are as effective at destroying bacteria as leading antibiotics, yet their complexity does not allow for the development of microbial resistance. In other words, bacteria are incapable of adapting and developing immunity to these natural herbal formulas. How could essential oils be so complex? Through years of evolution, Mother Nature has designed miraculous synergies among countless beneficial plant-protective compounds to ensure the survival of each plant species. This complex phytochemistry exists in the essential oil of the plant, its "life-blood". The complexity of phytochemical actions within certain herbs and their oils is beyond the evolutionary capabilities of germs and currently beyond the full understanding of modern science. Profits vs. SolutionsNot long ago, pharmaceutical companies chemically reproduced and "improved" the primary active ingredient in certain plants, which seemed effective at combating the germs of the time. However, it wasn't long before germs had easily outwitted these single-compound drugs and chemists have since recognized the necessity of building complexity and synergy into their formulas. Today pharmaceutical companies are developing antibiotics with three or four compounds in an attempt to more closely mimic the phytochemistry of certain herbal plants. However, once again these are the antibiotics that are failing us today. Their construction is still a far cry from the complexity of herbal medicine. Herbal SolutionsA logical question is, "If the answer to drug-resistant infections lies in herbal plant chemistry, why hasn't modern science found a solution?" The answer is that companies with the financial resources needed to invest in exploratory pharmaceutical research are motivated primarily by profit. The reality is, there is no financial incentive to explore plant chemistry in any depth because herbs and their derivatives cannot be patented. Pharmaceutical companies isolate and extract medicinally active molecules found in plants and then alter those molecules so they are unique enough to receive a patent. Once patented, the marketing branch of the company dreams up ways of selling the new drug, which could include lobbying legislators and federal control agencies to limit the use of the very herb the altered molecule originally derived from. This is how the big Pharmeceuticals have attained their overwhelming power over governments, universities and medical organizations. It's only recently been generally recognized that when constituents are isolated from the plant, the miraculous phytochemical actions occurring in the whole plant are lost. For-profit science overlooks the "synergy of the whole" in its search for profitable solutions to the antibiotic crisis. A profit is needed for any commercial enterprise to survive, but profits attained misleadingly or through extortion or overall public harm is not acceptable as evidenced by the mammoth fines levied in the tobacco industry. Studies—that are not paid for by big corporations only interested in supporting their own claims—are proving oregano oil to be as effective as traditional antibiotics, but without the tendency for the development of microbial resistance. This has the attention of health authorities that are increasingly concerned with the growing problem of drug-resistant germs. As honest research continues to prove oregano's effectiveness and discover its many uses, we can look to European herbalists and Chinese medical practitioners for what has always been known of oregano. Oil of oregano's primary active ingredients are carvacrol and thymol, two phenolic compounds known for their antiseptic properties and synergistic relationship. These phenols are found in greater or lesser percentages within oregano plant oil, depending on the species and growing altitudes. It is important to note that only certain plants produce higher levels of carvacrol, which is the key to oregano oil's effectiveness. The finest oregano grows wild on the hillsides of the Mediterranean. There, it is hand-picked at elevations as high as 10,000 feet, where carvacrol levels are typically higher. Fatal CyclesThere's little doubt that the cycle of new drugs producing new stronger germs will continue for some years. Unwilling to forego pharmaceutical handouts and kickbacks, the medical system will continue to rely on antibiotics in the treatment of infection related illness despite their harmful side-effects and knowing that antibiotics are to be used only as a last resort. Of course, this is outrageous. This uncontrolled and irresponsible use of antibiotics on a global scale is the primary reason why we are confronted today with drug-resistant infections. By exposing the bacterial world to more and more antibiotics, we encourage the continuing growth of resistant bacteria through "survival of the fittest" evolution. As it is today, millions of pounds of antibiotics are produced for human and animal consumption every year. These antibiotics find their way into the environment where they remain active unless destroyed by high temperatures or damaged by ultraviolet light. Here they continue to kill off susceptible bacteria and stimulate evolutionary development of resistant bacteria, causing further imbalances in our global ecosystem and having direct consequences for humanity. According to Mark Lappe, pathologist at the University of Illinois College of Medicine: "We have let our profligate use of antibiotics reshape the evolution of the microbial world… Resistance to antibiotics has spread to so many different and such unanticipated types of bacteria, that the only fair appraisal is that we have succeeded in upsetting the balance of nature." ActionDespite the severity of the antibiotic crisis we all face, experts agree that our situation is not without hope if we begin to take personal responsibility and act immediately by doing the following things:
In his book, Herbal Antibiotics, Natural Alternatives for Treating Drug-Resistant Bacteria, author Stephen Buhner stresses the urgency of our situation and the critical importance of severely curtailing antibiotic use around the globe. He explains that if antibiotics are strictly confined to hospital settings where there is an "absolute and verifiable need for them", and entirely eliminated from livestock and fish farming then there is reason to believe that these drugs will be effective for years to come. Studies have shown that resistant bacteria forget how to resist antibiotics when no longer confronted with them regularly. So if antibiotics are used as a last resort, as they were always intended to be, then they may remain a reliable source of treatment for times when they are really needed. Progressive countries like Sweden have demonstrated this to be true in practice, as reflected in the reduced occurrence of drug-resistant infections within their population. Immune SystemsIn addition to restricting antibiotic use, experts agree that changes need to be made in our approach to combating infection. The traditional medical model views infection as the "invading enemy" that must be eliminated, without considering why the infection occurred in the first place. We need to adopt a more holistic approach to our health, which considers the role of the immune system. In her book Herbal Gold, author Madonna Sophia Compton explains that an infection begins with an undermined immune system, which is typically linked to nutritional deficiencies. In her words: "Instead of viewing disease as an attack of something evil, we should ask: What is the essentially good presence that is missing? What is lacking nutritionally that makes the body disease-resistant, as it should be? Where there is malnourished, enzyme-depleted tissue, there is the opportunity for bacteria and viruses, which are cell scavengers, to invade." Plant SolutionsAccording to the holistic perspective, when the body is properly nourished it is fully capable of protecting and healing itself. Compton stresses that if today's germs are mutating and getting stronger, then we need to take personal responsibility for building even stronger immune systems in ourselves and our children. To do this, we must replenish our bodies with nutrient dense food that supplies the full spectrum of vitamins, minerals and enzymes necessary for good health. However, in an age of processed food, chemical additives and preservatives it has become increasingly difficult to do this, which explains the growing popularity of nutritional supplements. But as Compton points out, most supplements provide only a portion of what is required, and because they are sometimes synthetically derived, the body treats them as foreign substances and only a small percentage is actually assimilated into the system. This is why the plant-based diet is experiencing a comeback. The phytonutrients within plants are easily absorbed by the body and include not only important vitamins, but the minerals and trace minerals that are critical in strengthening the immune system. Studies have concluded and experts agree that including phytonutrients in our diets is one of the most effective ways to preserve health. In fact, they are fast becoming known as the preventive medicine of the future. Compton explains that the best sources of phytonutrients are herbal plants and whole-foods such as fruits and vegetables, provided they are organically grown in a natural, mineral rich environment. She remarks: "…I have come to the conclusion that whole foods and herbs provide the best source of energy necessary in assisting our bodies to maintain optimum health. Herbs, in their natural wholesome state, are a food, containing the vitamins, minerals, enzymes, and amino acids necessary and in correct proportions, to correct many of the malfunctions that plague our modern society." In fact, many consider herbs to be the perfect food. By providing optimal nutrition, they enable the body to activate its own resources to combat disease, build immunity, and actually heal itself. At the same time, herbal plants support the body medicinally. For instance, some have immune-boosting properties such as antioxidants, immunostimulants and adaptogens. And some assist the immune system by combating infection directly. Of course, these are the plants of particular interest to us. Watch for our articles on Bee products and Greens supplements. Natural AlternativesDespite our best efforts to keep the immune system healthy, inevitably there will be times when infection gains a foot-hold. In addition to providing the body with proper nutrition, we also need alternative treatments to antibiotics to assist the immune system in its work. Without question, herbal plants are the best alternative we have. Studies have shown that certain herbs and their essential oils possess strong antibacterial actions, in some instances being equal to or even surpassing the power of modern antibiotics. In addition to their antibacterial strength, "herbal antibiotics" contain an unfathomable complexity of phytochemical compounds and synergistic relationships that have developed over years of evolution to ensure the survival of the plant. Due to this complexity, pathogenic bacteria are incapable of adapting and developing resistance and so, in simple terms, they die. The reason pharmaceutical antibiotics are proving ineffective is because they are simple substances,not complex ones, and as a result bacteria can more easily figure out how to counteract their effects. In addition to this, herbal antibiotic plants are safe for human consumption and the environment. As plants, they are naturally organic and work in harmony with the human body, boosting the immune system with phytonutrients while destroying infection with medicinal action. And, unlike their synthetic counterparts, herbal antibiotics are biodegradable so they do not remain active in our environment, tampering with Mother Nature's delicate balance. Though treating infection with herbal plants is still considered "alternative medicine" in North America, it is commonly practiced in European and Asian countries where "phytotherapy" (medical herbalism) is widely accepted and integrated into modern medicine. Some of the better known herbal antibiotic plants include familiar names like garlic, oregano, thyme, clove, savory, cinnamon, ginger, grapefruit seed, eucalyptus, juniper and sage. It may be hard to believe that these simple plants are effective at killing bacteria, but it is true. Furthermore, some kill viral and fungal infections as well, which is something that synthetic antibiotics cannot do. In fact, there have been no drugs developed that can effectively eradicate viruses and cure the illnesses that they cause. Can you believe it? Like bacteria, viruses are evading modern medicine. It is the same situation with fungi, notoriously difficult to kill. This is a major concern today, given that infections—bacterial, viral and fungal—are the underlying cause of most illness and disease in North America. Oregano OilOf all the herbal plants that have been studied to date, the oregano plant has proved to be one of the most powerful and effective natural antibiotics available to us. For many this comes as a surprise: Oregano? The spice? Yes, oregano, but it is not the species that is commercially grown for culinary purposes. There are over 40 species of oregano plant that exist around the world, but only a few less common types have been shown to possess powerful antimicrobial properties. What distinguishes these plants from the rest is their phytochemistry: they possess significantly higher levels of carvacrol, which is the primary active compound responsible for oregano's growing reputation as an antibacterial, antifungal, antiviral and antiparasitic. The best known of these species is the origanum vulgare, which has been used repeatedly in scientific studies confirming the germ-fighting powers of oregano. There are several species of origanum vulgare, and of particular interest is the subspecies hirtum, which is now becoming known for its exceptionally high levels of carvacrol (70 %+). Hirtum is considered by many to be the "true" medicinal oregano, having an ancient reputation for its powerful healing abilities. Described as a creeping rhizomatous perennial, it is distinguishable from other origanum species by its white flowers, rich supply of essential oil, and exceptionally strong and pungent flavour. Together, hirtum and other varieties of origanum are still growing wild on the hillsides and mountainous regions of the Mediterranean, and are generically referred to as "Wild Mediterranean Oregano". Wild Mediterranean oregano became better known in 1996, with the introduction of North American Herb & Spice Company's "Oil of Oregano". Owner of the company, Dr. Cass Ingram is a strong advocate of these plants and is well known for his scientific contributions to the biomedical literature. In his book entitled, The Cure is in The Cupboard: How to use Oregano for Better Health, he makes strong claims about the benefits of medicinal oregano, which has caught the attention of the academic community and the general, public. Dr. Ingram makes it clear that most essential oils derived from herbal plants are not safe for internal use, but the essential oil of wild, mountain-grown Mediterranean oregano is an exception. He explains that oregano, along with other edible herbs and spices such as garlic, cinnamon, onion, and mint are food grade herbs, and as such, their concentrated essential oils are much less toxic to the human body than those derived from inedible plants. However, because the phytochemical composition of oregano varies from species to species, Dr. Ingram stresses that to be edible, oregano essential oil must be made from only the wild, mountain-grown varieties of the Mediterranean. These oregano species have low, negligible levels of thymol (less than 2%), which is an antimicrobial compound with known toxicity. In comparison, the essential oil sold for aromatherapy purposes is sometimes Thymus Capitatus (Spanish Oregano), which contains high concentrations of thymol that are toxic to internal organs if ingested. Unfortunately, some people are making the dangerous mistake of ingesting this oil, thinking it is the same essential oil found in oil of oregano products. Some discerning consumers still question the safety of ingesting oil of oregano and essential oils of any sort. This is because standard aromatherapy practice advises that it is best to use essential oils as external remedies only. However, aromatherapists do recognize that there are exceptions, if the oils are used correctly and diluted safely. Following is a general guideline:
Further, conflicting information is found in some herbal and aromatherapy texts that advise against using the essential oil from origanum vulgare altogether, due to its strength and potential to irritate the skin. However, this is referring to the undiluted essential oil. Certainly in undiluted form the essential oils of origanum vulgare and other species would irritate and cause discomfort even when applied externally. This is why oil of oregano comes diluted. By emulsifying oregano essential oil in a carrying agent such as extra virgin olive oil (or hemp seed oil), it becomes gentler to the skin and mucous membranes; even to the delicate lining of the digestive tract. In fact, oregano actually works to relieve spastic and inflamed tissue of the digestive tract lining, with its antispasmodic and anti-inflammatory properties. The phytochemistry of herbal plants (and all botanicals) is quite complex and the oregano plant is no exception. Origanum vulgare and other wild species of the Mediterranean have been analyzed and are shown to possess over a hundred compounds, some of which are unidentifiable. Each of these compounds has a unique purpose, working synergistically with the others to ensure the well being and survival of the plant. It is interesting to note that no two plants have identical phytochemistry. The phytochemical composition and potency of any one oregano plant is the product of various factors, such as species type, climate, growing altitude, soil conditions, plant genetics and weather. In general, wild Mediterranean oregano is known for its higher levels of carvacrol and safe levels of thymol, but it is important to recognize that there is variability even among these plants. For instance, carvacrol levels can vary from 20% - 85% of essential oil content, depending on plant type and growing altitude. It is worth noting that "Wild Mediterranean" oil of oregano products also vary in carvacrol potency. Carvacrol is the primary active compound responsible for oregano's antimicrobial strength and effectiveness; and essential oils containing higher concentrations of this phenolic compound have been shown to be more effective in destroying pathogens and healing infectious disease. Thymol is another phenolic compound that has been shown in laboratory studies to work synergistically with carvacrol to boost its effectiveness. Even at low concentrations, thymol contributes significantly to oregano's overall effects. Phenolic compounds or "phenols" are remarkable antimicrobial compounds that are rarely found as main components within essential oils. Only a few plants are known to have a high phenolic content, notably oregano, thyme, ajowan and summer and mountain savory. Like other plant-derived phenols, carvacrol and thymol destroy pathogenic microorganisms by disintegrating their cell wall and have proven significantly more effective (and safer) than synthetic phenol, which is a well known antiseptic. According to Dr. Kurt Schaubelt, French-trained medical aromatherapist and founder of the Pacific Institute of Aromatherapy, carvacrol and thymol are "a perfect example of the advantages natural substances hold over synthetic ones". In addition to these phenols, oregano essential oils consist of numerous terpene hydrocarbons, long-chain alcohols and esters, all of which contribute to oregano's antimicrobial strength and complexity. Dr. Schaubelt advises: "When it comes to combating bacterial infections, oregano is aromatherapy's heavy artillery". Research HighlightsIn the past five years or so, there have been many scientific studies from around the world investigating the antimicrobial effects of oregano essential oil and the results are remarkable. Most of these tests have been conducted in a laboratory setting typical of most research into plant medicines at this time. In the future, more clinical trials are expected. Here are some of the research highlights:
The Oregano SolutionSince its introduction to the North American market, news about oil of oregano has spread. An increasing number of studies have provided further proof of oregano's tremendous antimicrobial strength and effectiveness, and personal success stories have contributed to rising public interest. Many naturopathic doctors and herbalists are now successfully treating a variety of infection-related conditions with medicinal oregano (dried leaves and distilled oil). Its ability to kill bacteria as well as fungi, viruses and parasites makes it a very useful and versatile remedy. In fact, when you consider how prevalent these types of infections are today—and that modern drugs are frequently proving ineffective and dangerous—it appears that oil of oregano is an answer to the global health concern: How do we treat infection now and in the future? According to Dr. Ingram, infections play a much larger role in public health than we recognize and medical doctors frequently overlook infection as the underlying cause of illness or disease. For example, a variety of diseases such as arthritis, chronic fatigue syndrome, Crohn's disease, ulcerative colitis, psoriasis, eczema, sinusitis, peptic ulcer, cancer, fibromyalgia and gastritis are frequently caused by chronic infections that are overlooked and never treated. When infection is identified, in the case of a flu or wart, doctors have little to offer except antibiotics or anti-fungal drugs that are known for their toxic effects on the body and have no guarantee of working. This is why oil of oregano has been so well received. It is safe and it is effective. It eradicates all types of infections found in the human system; from the ones you know about to the ones you don't. And, because it's not patented, you don't need a prescription; it can be self-administered whenever an infection is suspected or taken as a preventative to stop infections from arising. Other Benefits of OreganoIn addition to being a superior, full spectrum antibiotic (antibacterial, antiviral, antifungal, antiparasitic), oregano's phytochemistry also gives rise to many other actions and uses. Scientific studies and human experience has confirmed that oregano is an excellent anti-inflammatory, analgesic (relieves pain), antispasmodic, antioxidant, expectorant, antitussive (relieves coughing), febrifuge (combats fever), anti-rheumatic, carminative (settles the digestive system), vulnerary (heals wounds & sores), antitoxic (counteracts the effects of poison), choleretic (promotes bile excretion), and may increase white blood cell activity. * The information on this web page comes primarily from literature supplied by the Joy of the Mountains Company, based in British Columbia's Okanogan. Their products are available in health food stores. You can contact them at: Sharon (Question?) (About Sharon) (Print This) | |
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horses | dogs | store | glossary | assurance | newsletter Essential oils should never be ingested and should be used with care under the advice of a trained Aromatherapist. The information provided on this site is for educational purposes only since Health Canada prevents us from claiming anything on this site as a treatment, preventative or cure for practically any disease, disorder or abnormal physical state. Aromatherapy is being extensively researched and although we make every effort to update this site, we cannot guarantee that it is fully complete. Kindly report any inconsistencies to Sharon Lee Wells. Copyright © 2000-2008 by Sharon Lee Wells. All Rights Reserved.
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