The essential oil distilled from oregano contains varying amounts of thymol and carvacrol, compounds that can apparently inhibit the growth of fungi, worms, and possibly other organisms. In fact, some sources even recommend rubbing a drop or two of oregano oil into an area that is itching due to athlete's foot, a common condition caused by the Tinea versicolor fungus.Mild stomach-settling and cough-clearing qualities are attributed to oregano oil; they are likely due to the presence of thymol and carvacrol as well. (Another common culinary herb--thyme--also contains high concentrations of these compounds.) A drop or two of oregano oil mixed with milk or juice may well calm an upset stomach and aid digestion.
Alleviate toothaches. Diluted oregano oil rubbed gently into inflamed and aching gums around an ailing tooth may ease pain. The oregano oil may even help to stave off infection given its slight antiseptic properties.
Fight Candida overgrowth syndrome. Some nutritionally oriented doctors enlist oregano oil's antifungal actions to fight this syndrome, a condition believed to be caused by an imbalance in the body's fungi and bacteria levels.
Oregano oil has been used as an antiseptic in hand cleansers and shampoos, and as a remedy for headaches when rubbed into the temples.
