oil of oregano is actually an herbal supplement...it's not something i mixed up. i bought it at whole foods. i'm thinking any store that has a bunch of herbal supplements would have it.
here is some information on it (just copy and pasted from some sites online):
Quote:
Numerous university studies have shown that Oil of Oregano is a highly potent purifier that provides many benefits for human health. Oil of Oregano is a natural substance that is extracted from wild oregano plants, and two key compounds found in it are carvacrol and thymol. Studies have shown that both of these compounds have significant effects on harmful microorganisms that cause many illnesses in humans.
It is important not to confuse Oil of Oregano with common oregano that is used as a spice for cooking. Common oregano is typically Origanum Marjoram, while Oil of Oregano is derived from Origanum Vulgare.
Quote:
The ancient Greeks were one of the first people to recognize oregano oil for its health benefits and medicinal qualities. It is known to be a potent antiviral, antibacterial, antifungal, and antiparasitic oil that can reduce pain and inflammation and effectively fight off infections.
Some of the specific benefits of Oil of Oregano are:
Destroying organisms that contribute to skin infections and digestive problems.
Strengthening the immune system.
Increasing joint and muscle flexibility.
Improving respiratory health.
Quote:
Oil of Oregano is an excellent early defense mechanism when you feel a cold or sore throat coming on. Simply take 3 drops of Oregano Oil once per day (you can mix it into a glass of orange juice) and you should notice results within a few hours. Repeat this once per day for up to 5 days until the symptoms are gone.
Quote:
Oil of Oregano is a wonderful natural remedy for sinus congestion. A common solution is to add 3 drops of the oil into a glass of juice and drink this mixture daily for 3 to 5 days.
and i agree with you PP, i think that eating healthy and drinking lots of liquids is probably the most important. but i'm the kind of person who likes to stay away from medicines...i'd prefer the natural route. my bf's mother (who is actually Polish!) was the one who recommended this to me. she's a big health nut and said it works really well.
now the dosage that the other website listed varies on the brand you get i guess. i was told that it's ok to take it a few times a day. i probably used it 3 times the other day. and have been taking a dose once in the morning and once when i get home just to be safe and make sure whatever it was that i had didn't come back.
and you might be right MerryH...it might have been allergies for me as well...but oil of oregano is actually good for respiratory health, so i'm thinking that it could help with things like that too. i was told to take it once a day during the common sickness months (winter time, when the seasons are changing, etc.) and it should help strengthen your immune system.
and as for the taste. i don't know how to describe it lol. it definitely could be compared to eating an extremely hot pepper that just lingers in your mouth (and with oregano oil...in your throat) for awhile. i'm pretty daring, so i take the highest dose they recommend and just push through the discomfort because it's worth it...it really helps me feel better. like if i'm stuffed up, i can sense that my sinuses are clearing up a bit...and that natural feeling of heaviness/stuffiness in your head goes away too. at least it does for me...i'd be interested to hear how other people feel after taking it.
Mr. Lubba...if you get around to trying it, let me know if you notice any changes. colds really suck, and i was really nervous that i was going to get worse and be sickly on thanksgiving, but as soon as i started to feel the first symptoms, i went right to this stuff and i really think that it was one of the main reasons it went away so quickly.