The Miraculous Healing Properties of Oil of Oregano
An In-Depth Interview with Roger Baird
Part 2
Hey, folks, it’s the Power Nutrition Guru coming at you with another very information-packed installment about this wonder oil. For those of you who may have missed Part One of this series, Roger helped bring to light some of the amazing health and healing properties that Organic Oil of Oregano has. Well, he is back once again to help explain some of the history behind this magical herbal medicine as well as some of its scientific functions and how this will relate to you fixing some of the different health ailments you may be suffering from. Now I don’t want to keep yakking away so I am going to get you back to the meat and potatoes of this interview so you can learn even more about this incredible oil.
Anthony: Can you tell us a little about the history of Wild Oil of Oregano as it dates back thousands of years?
Roger: We find references to Oregano being used medicinally dating back thousands of years in both Western and Chinese herbal texts. Hippocrates, the father of modern medicine, stated, ‘Let food be thy medicine and medicine be thy food.” This was around 400 BC and we would be well advised to heed this advice today. Hippocrates used Oregano to treat stomach and lung complaints, as an antiseptic for treating wounds and for headache, and as an antidote for poison.
In ancient Greece and Rome, it was used externally for poisonous bites to neutralize venom from snakes, spiders, and insects. Internally it was taken for food poisoning, narcotic poisoning, intestinal gas, and respiratory complaints.
Oregano oil was mixed with olive oil as a hair tonic to stimulate hair growth. A tea made from Oregano leaves was found useful for sore throats and halitosis. A combination of Oregano leaves and oatmeal, made into a paste, was applied topically to relieve pain from aching muscles, sores, itchiness, rheumatism, and swelling.
Roger is a Wealth of Holistic Knowledge!
Oregano was used in ancient China for the stomach, intestinal, and lung conditions. The Chinese also used the herb to treat eczema and to alleviate itchy skin.
Anthony: Can you go in-depth on why Wild Oil of Oregano is considered a natural antibiotic? Can you give some examples of some Studies to back this up?
Roger: The ancient Greeks and Romans were well aware of Oregano’s antibacterial powers. They used it to dress wounds in order to prevent infection. They also used it to preserve food. When modern researchers tested Oregano oil they were able to verify that it is indeed a powerful antibacterial. It has been found effective against the most common infection-causing bacteria such as E. coli, Listeria innocua, Salmonella enteritidis, Pseudomonas aeruginosa, Klebsiella pneumonia, and Staphylococcus aureus.
In 1910, researcher W.H. Martindale, studied Oregano oil and his findings prompted him to state, “The essential oil of Oregano is the most powerful plant-derived antiseptic known.” Mr. Martindale was able to demonstrate that, as an antiseptic, Oregano oil was 26 times more active than phenol, a powerful disinfectant used to sterilize hospital equipment.
Oil of Oregano has Been Proven to be a Powerful Disinfectant!
A French physician, Dr. Belaniche conducted research on Oregano oil. From this research, he created his “Oregano Index” which he presented at the Second International Congress of Phytotherapy and Aromatherapy Conference in Monaco in 1977. The “Oregano Index” provided a standard against which all other antibacterial substances are compared. He considered Oregano oil closest to being the ideal antibacterial. Dr. Belaniche summed up, “Among the most active oils, oregano is the ‘best of the best’. The essential oil of oregano has always provided me with amazing results in treating infectious diseases. Besides oregano oil’s bactericidal action, it also prevents spasms, convulsions, and nervous disorders.”
Infection continues to be one of the largest causes of death in North America. The CDC estimates deaths from MRSA may be as many as 19,000 yearly. This is more than AIDS, emphysema, or Parkinson’s disease. MRSA is only one infection. Food poisoning and water and airborne infections account for hundreds of thousands of cases a year. You can protect yourself from the dangers of these infectious bugs by simply using a few drops of Wild Oil of Oregano. You will be building a stronger immune system and improving overall health.
To list all the studies proving Oregano oil’s efficacy against the common bacteria, and their antibiotic-resistant mutant forms such as MRSA would take several pages. Following are a small sampling:
Researchers at the Department of Food Science at the University of Tennessee reported that, among various plant oils, oil of oregano exhibited the greatest antibacterial action against common pathogenic germs such as Staph, E. coli, and Listeria. [Journal Food Protection, Volume 64, July 2001]
British researchers reported oregano oil had antibacterial activity against 25 different bacteria. [Journal Applied Microbiology, Volume 88, February 2000] Antonia, Nostro et al. Effects of oregano, carvacrol, and thymol on Staphylococcus aureus and Staphylococcus epidermis biofilms. Journal of Medical Microbiology 56 (2007)
Anthony: Why do you feel Wild Oil of Oregano, in the long run, is much better to use when you get sick than going to the doctor and picking up a script for some antibiotics?
Roger: First of all, antibiotics are only useful against bacteria. They are not meant to treat viruses such as colds or flu or fungal infections such as Candida albicans. Unfortunately, the over-prescribing of antibiotics for every minor complaint has made them pretty well useless as the bacteria have adapted to them and the antibiotics no longer work against these new mutant forms of bacteria. Because of this dangerous situation, doctors in many areas have been instructed to cut back on handing out antibiotics to patients, except in the most serious of cases. Pharmaceutical companies are finding it very difficult to come up with new antibiotics that work against the new superbugs.
Antibiotics do Come with a Price!
Pharmaceutical antibiotics are also very hard on the immune system. Antibiotic means literally “against life”. That is exactly what they do. They destroy the good along with the bad. Beneficial bacteria in the gut that are necessary for digestion and absorption of nutrients are killed by pharmaceutical antibiotics. This gives an opportunity for the fungus, Candida, to quickly grow out of control in the gut and spread throughout the body and into the bloodstream. Candida infection has been linked to over 300 diseases, some of which are life-threatening. Candida infection is rarely diagnosed by the mainstream medical community so it can go undetected for a long time, during which time a lot of damage can be done.
Oregano oil has proven to be effective against disease-causing bacteria including mutant strains. Bacteria cannot build up a resistance to the action of Oregano oil. Oregano oil does little or no harm to beneficial bacteria in the body. Oregano oil helps the immune system which is your first line of defense against disease. Most importantly, when used as directed, Oregano oil will not cause harm. Oregano oil works on so many levels that it is effective for an amazing number of conditions. It doesn’t require a trip to the doctor and it is less expensive than drugs.
Anthony: Can you explain how it is used as an Immune Stimulant and what this entails?
Roger: Unlike Echinacea, Oregano oil does not “stimulate” the immune system. This is good news for people with autoimmune disorders such as Rheumatoid Arthritis, Multiple Sclerosis, Lupus, etc. Oregano oil works as an immune modulator. I liken this to stockpiling ammunition. When the situation arises, the ammunition is there and ready for use. Oregano oil kills many pathogens and parasites which are a drain on the immune system. By keeping these invaders’ numbers to a minimum, the immune system can work on more useful projects and build the body up.
Everybody is different so there is no “one size fits all” protocol for using Oregano oil. It is extremely potent and should be treated with respect. More is not better. Start with 2-3 drops under the tongue, let it sit for 20 seconds or more, and then swallow. See how you feel. If you want more you can take another couple of similar dosages 3-4 hours apart. Typically, 3 drops 3 times daily should help considerably to keep your immune system strong.
Echinacea Cannot be used by those with Autoimmune Issues!
Oregano essential oil in its pure form is caustic and will burn skin. Therefore to make it safe for human consumption, it is generally diluted with an edible vegetable oil such as olive oil. Different manufacturers use different ratios. We have found that 1 part Oregano essential oil to 4 parts olive oil works best for most people and can be used straight from the bottle. Any dosages recommended here are based on this formula.
Anthony: Now how would this differ from say Echinacea?
Roger: Echinacea literally kicks the immune system into overdrive so people with autoimmune disorders cannot use it. When taking Echinacea you must ‘cycle’ on it; that is take it for 10-14 days and then stop for the same amount of time before resuming. Oregano oil does not require cycling. You can take it as often as you like. It does not adversely affect people with autoimmune diseases. However, as with anything, it is a good idea to take a rest every once in a while.
Anthony: I have heard some great reviews about it in relation to combating fungus such as nasty toenail fungus that just doesn’t want to go away. Can you give us some insight on this?
Roger: It’s true that there are a huge number of success stories about using Oregano oil to treat toenail fungus. Oregano oil is one of the most powerful anti-fungal known. It has proven itself in studies for its ability to obliterate such fungi as Candida albicans and the fungi that cause Athlete’s foot and toenail fungus. Public pools and gyms often harbor these fungi in locker rooms and shower areas.
Treating fungal infection requires a commitment to better hygiene and eliminating sugars and refined flour products from the diet as well as treatment with Oregano oil. Wash the affected area at least twice a day and dry thoroughly. Apply Oregano oil with a cotton swab or your finger to the affected nail and surrounding skin. Put on clean cotton or light wool socks. Wear footwear that is not too tight or go with sandals or barefoot. Take 3 drops of Oregano oil 3 times daily under the tongue. Drink lots of water to help flush out toxins that occur when Oregano oil kills fungi and other pathogens. Be prepared to continue treatment for 3-5 months in the case of nail fungus. Athlete’s foot will usually clear up within a few days.
As a preventative, carry a bottle of Oregano oil with you to the gym and after a workout rub a drop or two of the oil around and between your toes. An ounce of prevention is worth a pound of cure.
Oil of Oregano works Amazing for Fungal Infections!
Anthony: Now going back about 20 years ago I was competing at my first World Championships Competition and I remember one older gentleman in the warm-up room with this condition on his lower leg. I remember asking my handler what that was and he said that he was a Vietnam vet and he had a case of “Jungle Rot” on his leg. Can you explain a little about his?
Roger: Jungle Rot is another fungal disease brought on by high humidity and poor hygiene. Many soldiers who went to Vietnam experienced this disease and had a difficult time treating it. It’s also called boot rot. Many say the Army doctors had no cure. To my knowledge, I have not had any clients use Oregano oil for this affliction but I would certainly give it a try. There are many testimonials from various people on blogs who say that Oregano oil cured their jungle rot. Oregano oil has proven itself effective against some of the most vicious fungi. If I were going to be exposed to jungle conditions for any length of time, I would use Oregano oil as a preventative by rubbing a few drops onto my feet.
Anthony: What makes it so strong against topical fungal infections?
Roger: Plants, like people, are prone to fungal infections. Plants have survived over millennia by building up their immune systems to produce chemicals that defeat microorganisms, certain insects, and other pests that threaten their existence. The practice of herbalism was built up through the observation of plants and their interaction with the natural world.
If we call this ability on the part of the plant to adapt to its environment “intelligence”, then the Oregano plant is a genius. What works for the Oregano plant to help its survival also happens to work for us. Think of the Oregano plant as a complex factory producing hundreds, if not thousands, of complex phytochemicals. So far we have only been able to identify a fraction of these compounds. The plant kingdom is way ahead of us in some respects.
Again, Carvacrol and Thymol play their part as antifungals along with the synergistic effect of other anti-fungal esters found in Oregano oil. In lab testing using different fungal strains such as Candida Albicans, Oregano oil was found to rapidly inhibit fungal growth.
Fungi play a part in many diseases and some of the symptoms related to fungal infection include thrush, nail fungus, eczema, psoriasis, dandruff, seborrhea, vaginal yeast, pruritis, chronic fatigue, allergies, bloating, gas, intestinal upset and inflammation, and much more. Many conditions caused by fungal infection can become life-threatening. It is wise to treat fungal infections at the first sign of symptoms. Candida infection can spread and enter the bloodstream. Once in the bloodstream, it is transported to vital organs where it can get a foothold and cause severe problems. Oregano oil is one of the most powerful anti-fungal known. Unlike prescription anti-fungal drugs, Oregano oil will not harm the liver when used as directed.
Anthony: I have also read that it has many different Antiseptic qualities as well. Can you go a little more in-depth on this?
Roger: Oregano oil is one of the most powerful antiseptics known to man. We have mentioned the important role of Carvacrol and Thymol in this regard. It is important to note that Oregano oil is much more powerful against infectious agents such as bacteria, fungi, viruses, and parasites than Carvacrol or Thymol alone. Most of the pathogens responsible for common infections are easily defeated by Oregano oil.
Fortunately, pathogens cannot build up a resistance to Oregano oil. Oregano oil will not produce mutant strains of bacteria as happens with antibiotics. Common bacteria that Oregano is effective against including Escherichia coli, Klebsiella pneumonia, Salmonella enterica, and Staphylococcus aureus as well as the mutant form MRSA.
In a study published in 1996 in Medical Sciences Research, Y.M. Siddiqui et al tested Oregano oil against RNA and DNA viruses, including the virus responsible for Shingles and Herpes type 1 and 2. Observation through an electron microscope showed that the outer protective membrane of the viruses disintegrated after exposure to the oil of oregano
In a study at the University of Salonika in Greece, a dilution of 1 part Oregano oil to 4000 parts of septic water was demonstrated to sterilize the water of bacterial and viral pathogens. You can make a great antibacterial soap by adding Oregano oil to liquid soap. This will be a superior alternative to the nasty chemicals found in typical antibacterial hand soaps.
Oil of Oregano can be a Great addition to Natural Soap!
Anthony: Wow I really like the thought of adding the Oil of Oregano to the hand soap. That really is a great idea and never thought of doing that. What other skin conditions have you seen treated with it? Can it help with Eczema and Psoriasis?
Roger: We briefly touched on this subject and I would like to elaborate. The skin is our largest organ. It is also an organ of elimination, as your readers know. When we see problems in the skin such as adult acne, psoriasis, or eczema, we are observing the body hard at work trying to eliminate internal toxins. Often these toxins are Candida related and often there may be a bacterial infection as well.
Diet plays a huge role here. Sugar and refined flour products should be eliminated along with dairy products. Essential fatty acids are necessary to reverse symptoms, particularly Omega 3’s (hemp seed oil, hemp seeds, walnuts, pumpkin seeds, Brazil nuts, sesame seeds, avocados, kale, spinach, purslane, mustard greens, collards, etc., wheat germ oil, salmon, mackerel, sardines, anchovies, albacore tuna) and Omega 6’s ( hemp seed oil, hemp seeds, grapeseed oil, pumpkin seeds, pine nuts, pistachio nuts, raw sunflower seeds, olive oil, olives, borage oil, evening primrose oil, black currant seed oil, chestnut oil, chicken). Be sure to supplement with zinc, magnesium, and folic acid along with riboflavin and pyridoxine to help metabolize the fatty acids.
Apply the oil topically twice daily to affected areas. Take 3 drops under the tongue 3 times daily or add to juice or water. The anti-inflammatory action of Oregano oil will help to stop itching and scaling and reduce any swelling. Oregano oil will defeat the fungal and bacterial components of these infections. We have a large number of very satisfied customers who have used Our Wild Oil of Oregano to treat these conditions.
Anthony: Wow that list of foods sounds like my refrigerator and kitchen cabinets. Diet will play a huge role in the healing process I couldn’t agree more. How would this work with an internal problem like Candida? Can you explain to the readers what Candida is and how Wild Oil of Oregano can help eliminate it?
Roger: Candida Albicans is a fungus that is found in the gut. Under normal conditions, it is held in check by friendly bacteria and poses no threat. Unfortunately, we are not living in normal conditions. As a result, Candida infection has become rampant. The overuse of antibiotics is chiefly responsible for this epidemic. Antibiotics destroy the friendly bacteria in the gut but do not harm the Candida because Candida is a fungus and is not affected by antibiotics. When these friendly bacteria are killed by the antibiotic, the Candida now finds a ripe terrain available to dominate.
A diet rich in sugar and refined flour products is the diet of choice for Candida. This is a big reason why Candida infection has reached epidemic proportions. Once Candida has established a strong foothold it can infect blood and organs. At that point, it can manifest life-threatening diseases so it must be treated at the first sign of symptoms.
Laboratory testing has shown Oregano oil to be effective against Candida. When treating Candida infection it is necessary to start with low doses of Oregano oil such as 2 drops twice daily. When Oregano oil kills the Candida it releases toxins into the blood. These toxins can accumulate and cause symptoms like headache, flu-like symptoms, and fatigue. This is known as a healing crisis. Drink lots of pure water throughout the day to flush out toxins. After a few days, if no symptoms occur, add a drop every day until you are doing 3-6 drops up to 5 x daily. Listen to your body and stay with a dosage that you feel is working well for you. If symptoms of a healing crisis occur, cut back on the Oregano oil and drink more water. Resume taking Oregano oil when symptoms have cleared up.
Candida infections require persistence to overcome, especially when they are long-standing. Expect to continue treatment for several months, When you are sure the worst of the infection is gone, stay on a maintenance dosage of 3 drops 3x daily.
Candida is a Common Problem in the West!
Anthony: Some people have Candida problems that are reoccurring can you explain why this is?
Roger: There can be multiple reasons for this. The most likely is treatment with antibiotics. Antibiotics destroy the immune system. They kill all the good flora in the gut which allows Candida to literally mushroom out of control and establish a very tenacious grip in the intestines.
The other most likely reason is diet. The North American diet, which is rapidly spreading worldwide, is very high in sugar and refined flour products such as white bread, donuts, cakes, pastries, chips, etc. These are the favorite foods of Candida. Candida thrives on sugars and refined flour. People with even a minor Candida infection must eliminate these foods from their diet in order to successfully defeat it. Often people with intense sugar cravings and carb cravings are receiving signals from the Candida to hurry up and deliver their favorite food! These cravings are often a good indication that you have Candida.
A few other factors contributing to Candida infection are chemotherapy, radiation, birth control pills, cortisone, alcohol and drug abuse, and antacids. Stress and negative emotions can also play a significant role.
Diet drinks containing Aspartame, Neotame, or similar artificial sweeteners are well known to produce carb cravings, besides having serious side effects. If you need a sugar substitute while defeating Candida, use Stevia or Xylitol which are both plant-based natural products without dangerous side effects.
Anthony: Now I am sure that all of you reading this have one time or another had a bad case of food poisoning. Roger, can you explain how Wild Oil of Oregano can help with this condition?
Roger’s Wild Oregano is of the Highest Quality!
Roger: Oregano has been known as an antidote for food poisoning for thousands of years. The reason for this is that Oregano kills the bacteria that cause food poisonings such as Salmonella, E. coli, and Aspergillus parasiticus. Research has shown that the production of the deadly poison aflatoxin from Aspergillus is stopped by Oregano oil. Water-borne parasites such as Giardia and Cryptosporidium can cause discomfort and even death. Oregano oil pulverizes both these parasites. It is also effective against viruses that may cause intestinal distress.
When eating away from home or drinking from an unknown water source, follow up with a few drops of Oregano oil. Usually, this will be enough to prevent an infection. If you suspect food poisoning and have symptoms like upset stomach or diarrhea, take 3 drops 3x daily and avoid solid foods. Continue until the condition clears up.
Anthony: Wow that was very interesting Roger and I am sure just about everyone reading this at one time or another has suffered from food poisoning. I remember getting a bad case of food poisoning when I ate out the day before one of the National Championships that I competed in. It was a disaster, to say the least. My whole team ate at the same place and it left everyone running for the bathroom. Believe me, it wasn’t a pretty sight in the least. I wish now that I would have known about this powerful oil way back then. I’m sorry Roger but I am going to have to reel this one in today so that I can let the readers digest all that they have read. Let’s touch base again so you can educate us even more about this very powerful oil.
Conclusion
Well, here you have it. I have gotten a lot of responses in regards to this series and the overwhelming amount of emails that I have received were from people that never even heard of this amazing oil before. I try my best to help bring you the most cutting edge information to not only help you in your quest for a bigger total but also to help keep you healthy on all fronts. In the next installment, Roger is going to bring some very interesting information once again so stay tuned to find out even more great tidbits next month. So until next month eat clean, train hard, and give the Oregano Oil a try I am sure you will be just as pleased as I have in my personal journey with it.
If you have any questions please feel free to email me at:
Aricciuto@NutritionXP3.com
Or if you would like to find out more about Roger’s Oil of Oregano you can check out his website at:
www.Wildoiloforegano.com
Or email him at: Wildoregano @gmail.com