The antibacterial activity of the essential oil of oregano, Origanum vulgare, has been well-known since ancient times. However, there has not been much research on its mechanism of action. We studied the antibacterial activity of essential oils of oregano against a set of human pathogens and oregano oil benefits.
Our results revealed that at 6.25 micron/mL, essential oil of oregano exhibited antibacterial activity, while at 12.5 microg/mL, it was bactericidal. However, at 25 microg/mL, it was effective against only Staphylococcus aureus but not Staphylococcus aureus ATCC 33591.
The essential oils of oregano at 25 microg/mL inhibited the growth of Staphylococcus aureus ATCC 33591, methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA) and methicillin-sensitive Staphylococcus aureus (MSSA) at 1.25, 2.5, 6.25, 12.5 and 25 microg/mL, respectively.
Further, at 6.25 microg/mL, the essential oils of oregano acted synergistically with gentamicin to potentiate the antibacterial activity against S. aureus ATCC 33591 and MRSA.
Case Study: Treatment of Burn Infection in Mice by Oregano Oil
Oil of oregano in this case study is purchased from GYALABS.
Burn infections are common and can be challenging to treat. In this study, we investigated the efficacy of oregano oil against burn infection in mice. Oregano oil is a natural product that has been shown to have antibacterial and antifungal properties.
Mice were treated with either oregano oil or saline solution and then infected with a burn wound infection. The results showed that oregano oil effectively reduced the number of bacteria and fungi in the burn wound infection.
These results suggest that oregano oil may be a useful treatment for burn infection.
What you need to know about essential oil of oregano as a treatment
- An essential oil of oregano is a common usage in cooking, it also referred to as Bitter herb. It is a herb that has been used since ancient times for treating different ailments.
- It has various uses, including treatment of infections, colds, stomach upset, flu and indigestion.
- It can also help treat various skin problems, including insect bites and rashes. It can help with memory enhancement, and for lowering nerve pain and inflammation.
- It can reduce the chances of contracting cancer. Although oregano contains certain compounds which are popular antioxidants in humans, still there is not clear research to fully support or refute the cancer prevention effects of the herb.
- It may help in reducing the risk of cancer in mouth, esophagus, and stomach. But, it may also increase the risk of stomach cancer. Individuals using oregano as a treatment for breast cancer may face difficulty in carrying pregnancies, as the herb may lower the levels of estrogen in the body.
- Although its usage as a treatment isn’t popular, but it can help you in reducing the sweating during exercise. It is also used in treating muscle pain. It can help in reducing the signs of irritation caused by insect bites, including itching and redness.
- It can also reduce the symptoms of arthritis and joint pains. It can help in reducing the chances of infections in the gastrointestinal tract. It can help reduce the chances of stomach infection. It is associated with various skin ailments, including rashes.
- It may work as a blood thinning agent, so its use should be avoided by individuals taking blood thinning medications. It can bring on allergic reactions, such as hives and rashes. It can bring on dizziness, and drowsiness.
Other Uses for Essential Oil of Oregano
- Add a few drops of oregano oil to a glass of water and drink to help fight off a cold or the flu.
- Mix a few drops of oregano oil with a carrier oil and massage into your chest to help clear congestion and respiratory problems.
- Add a few drops of oregano oil to a diffuser and inhale to help clear your sinuses and fight infection.
- Dilute oregano oil with a carrier oil and apply to skin lesions to help fight infection and promote
healing.
- Add a few drops of oregano oil to your food to help improve digestion and fight infection.
- Rub a few drops of oregano oil into your scalp to help fight scalp infections and promote hair growth.
- Apply oregano oil to insect bites and stings to help reduce inflammation and swelling.
- Place a few drops of oregano oil in a bowl of hot water and inhale the steam to help clear a stuffy nose and relieve congestion.
- Add oregano oil to a carrier oil and use as a natural insect repellent.
- Take oregano oil internally to help boost your immune system and fight off infection.
The Antibacterial Activity of Essential Oil of Oregano, and Its Effect on Common Pathogens
The antibacterial activity of essential oregano oil and its effect on common pathogens. To control bacterial diseases, essential oils of oregano, which has antibacterial activity, is applied.
The essential oil of oregano is treated with 10 μL of 10% acetic acid, 50 μL of 1% sodium dodecyl sulfate, and 0.05% hydrogen peroxide, and then added to a Petri dish containing 1 mL of 5% defibrinated sheep blood.
The essential oil of oregano (0.5%) or triclosan solution (0.5%) is added to the Petri dish as a positive control, while 0.1% chlorhexidine solution and 0.1% phenol solution are used as negative controls.
The dish is incubated at 35 ± 0.5 °C for 3 days (2 days for Pseudomonas aeruginosa). After 48 h, the number of bacterial colonies exposed to different solutions is recorded, and the minimum inhibitory concentration (MIC) is determined.
What Are Essential Oils and Why Are They so Popular for Aromatherapy
Essential Oils are highly concentrated liquids extracted from flowers, plants, trees, roots, seeds, resins, and sometimes insects or seaweed. Essential oils have been valued for thousands of years for their healing, purifying, and aromatic properties across the globe.
Why?
Essential oils can improve your mood, are good for your skin, and help with anxiety, insomnia, depression, stress, and digestive problems.
How do you use them?
You can purchase essential oils online or from health food stores (they can be expensive, though).
You can use carrier oils, such as coconut or olive oil, to dilute your essential oils and inhale the scent of the oil without ingesting it.