Oregano – we all knew it as a culinary herb, but it also has a variety of medicinal properties. So, it is also termed as a medicinal herb.
As like herb, oregano essential oil has several health benefits, ranging from anti-bacterial, anti-viral to lowering the cholesterol. Oregano essential oil is a safe and inexpensive option to treat warts when used as directed by the physician.
[thrive_text_block color=”blue”] Soak a sterile cotton ball in the mixture made from 20 drops of oregano oil and one teaspoon of olive oil and apply firmly against the wart. To keep the cotton ball in place, apply surgical adhesive tape or un-medicated band-aid.
Keep this oil-soaked ball overnight and remove in the morning. Repeat the procedure until wart dries up and fade away completely. [/thrive_text_block]
How does oregano oil work?
Carvacrol & thymol are two major active compounds of oregano oil.
Most health benefits of oregano essential are attributed to the presence of carvacrol. Various studies confirm the antimicrobial, antitumor and various other properties of carvacrol. Also, it has potent anti-oxidant and anti-inflammatory properties that inhibit the growth of cancer cells and platelet aggregation. [01] [02]
Oregano oil exhibits its strong antiviral properties due to the presence of carvacrol and it has been scientifically proven in an ‘in vitro’ study against human rotavirus, herpes simplex virus, respiratory syncytial virus & few bovine viruses. [03]
How do you dilute oregano oil for warts?
Oregano essential oil is a concentrated oil and should always be diluted before applying to the skin as it may trigger the skin irritation.
Add 1 teaspoon of oregano oil to 8 teaspoons of carrier oil i.e. either olive oil or coconut oil and mix it well. Coconut/olive oil help to dilute the oregano oil and also keeps its integrity.
Apply this mixture 3 to 4 times a day for a week, after which you will start to notice the difference. Simultaneously, the overnight application of a tape over wart will also help and will speed up the wart removing process. Get the pure oregano essential oil on Amazon.
Risk & other things to consider
Oregano oil is a versatile product that helps to combat various health condition when used as stated by a physician. But does come with certain side effects.
If you have ever experienced an allergic reaction to the other essential oils that belongs to the Lamiaceae family, like basil, lavender or mint then do not use oregano oil as it may trigger an allergic reaction like skin irritation, burning and nausea.
Often, these reactions are caused by thymol – an active ingredient of oregano oil. Thymol belongs to the phenols and may cause irritation of skin and eyes. [04] That’s the reason you should never use oregano oil over genital warts. The skin around the genital area is a bit more sensitive than other places.
[thrive_text_block color=”light” ] Bottom line: Oregano oil may help remove warts as it contains carvacrol & thymol, both of them work as an antiviral agent. Also, oregano oil is a rich source of anti-oxidant which helps in reducing an inflammation.
However, most studies are done in vitro and more clinical trials are needed to confirm the same effects on humans. So, it is always better to consult your doctor before using oregano oil.[/thrive_text_block]
References:
[01] Ané orchard & sandy van vuuren. “Commercial Essential Oils as Potential Antimicrobials to Treat Skin Diseases”. DOI: 10.1155/2017/4517971
[02] Umaya RS, Manpal S (2013). “Biological and pharmacological of actions carvacrol and its effects on poultry: an updated review.” World J. Pharm. Pharmaceut. Sci. 2 (5): 3581-3595 http://wjpps.com/download/article/1381301585.pdf
[03] Marciele Ribas Pilau, Sydney Hartz Alves,Rudi Weiblen, Sandra Arenhart, Ana Paula Cueto, and Luciane Teresinha Lovato. “Antiviral activity of the Lippia graveolens (Mexican oregano) essential oil and its main compound carvacrol against human and animal viruses.” DOI: 10.1590/S1517-838220110004000049
[04] Toxic Effects of Thymol. Via: Toxnet – HSDB