Did you know that oregano essential oil, extracted from the leaves of the oregano plant (Origanum vulgare)has been used for centuries to support lung health? Today, more and more people are turning to this powerful oil to aid their respiratory health. Let’s dive into what makes oregano essential oil so beneficial, how it works, and other ways you can support your lungs.
What is Oregano Essential Oil?
Oregano essential oil is extracted from the herb oregano by steam distillation. This type of extraction process pulls out the volatile compounds in the plant which contain the beneficial properties.
The most notable active compounds in oregano oil are Carvacrol, Beta-caryophyllene, and Thymol.
Carvacrol
Carvacrol is a compound found in a variety of plant-based essential oils and is known to produce a distinct, pungent aroma. Carvacrol has been studied for its antioxidant properties and has become increasingly popular as an additive in functional foods and natural health supplements.
Beta-caryophyllene
Beta-caryophyllene is a type of aromatic compound that has a spicy-peppery aroma, which is often used as a flavoring agent. Beta-caryophyllene has been studied for its potential benefits and is believed to act as an antioxidant, helping neutralize free radicals. Research also suggests that beta-caryophyllene might be beneficial in regulating stress levels by stimulating endocannabinoid activity in the body.
Thymol
Traditionally, Thymol was most commonly used for relief of cold and flu-like symptoms, as well as coughs. In addition Thymol is thought to be a powerful antioxidant, and has also been explored in relation to cancer research. Recent studies have also shown thymol to possess anti-inflammatory effects able to reduce symptoms associated with asthma and some allergies.
Benefits of Oregano Essential Oil for Your Lungs
The compounds listed above found in oregano essential oil may help support your body’s natural defense systems. The antioxidant qualities could help protect your cells from free radicals that can damage them. Additionally, studies have found that taking a daily supplement of oregano essential oil may help reduce symptoms associated with allergies and asthma.
How To Use Oregano Essential Oil
- Add a drop to a veggie capsule and take as a daily supplement (It is important to only use an essential oil labeled for ingestion such as Young Livings Oregano Vitality™)
- Add a drop to a smoothie
- Try adding a toothpick swirl to dishes, salad dressings, sauces
- Make a chest rub by adding a drop to at least a tablespoon of coconut oil, rub on chest as needed
- Add a drop or 2 to an essential oil diffuser
Try these diffuser blends:
2 drops peppermint
1 drop oregano
1 drop oregano
1 drop thyme
4 drops lemon
1 drop oregano
4 drops grapefruit
1 drop oregano
2 drops peppermint
2 drops lime
Other Ways to Support Your Lungs
In addition to taking oregano essential oil as a supplement or using it in aromatherapy treatments, there are other ways you can support your lungs naturally:
• Increase your vitamin and mineral intake – Vitamin C is especially beneficial for respiratory health as it supports immunity. Eating foods rich in vitamins A and E can also help keep your lungs healthy.
• Get plenty of antioxidants – Antioxidants like flavonoids found in fruits like blueberries are known to protect cells from damage caused by free radicals that enter our bodies.
• Exercise regularly – Regular exercise helps improve overall lung function by increasing airflow into the lungs and strengthening respiratory muscles which makes breathing easier. Walking outdoors is especially beneficial as fresh air helps clear out toxins from your body faster than indoor air does.
• Remove dust/pollutants – Dust particles accumulating on furniture or carpets can aggravate allergies or asthma symptoms so make sure you clean your home regularly with natural products such as baking soda or white vinegar solution to get rid of dust mites without exposing yourself to harsh chemicals that could further irritate sensitive tissues in your lungs like mucous membranes or bronchial tubes..
• Get an air purifier – Investing in an air purifier equipped with HEPA filters will help remove airborne pollutants from indoors so that you are not exposed to them when you are at home..
• Change furnace filter – Checking on the filter of your furnace regularly will make sure that dust does not accumulate within the device which will affect how well it works.
• Quit smoking - Smoking cigarettes exposes our bodies to hundreds of toxic chemicals which have been linked with various life-threatening diseases including lung cancer.
Overall, incorporating oregano essential oil into your routine is just one way that you can help keep your lungs healthy and functioning properly.
Be sure to consult with a doctor before beginning any new supplement regimen in order to ensure safety and effectiveness. This blog is not meant to diagnose, prescribe, treat, or cure, and is not a substitute for medical advice.
Remember that while the use of oregano oil has been shown to have certain benefits in supporting our respiratory systems when taken orally or topically applied -it's also important to practice good self-care habits and seek medical attention when needed! With these tips in mind -you're better prepared than ever before on how best to care for yourself--and keep those lungs healthy!
Grab my free PDF as a handy reference for 4 ways to use oregano oil HERE!
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