Most of us are familiar with Oregano as a culinary herb or spice used in Italian foods. It's often used in tomato sauces, fried vegetables and grilled meat. Together with basil, it adds much to the unique flavor of many Italian dishes.

So why in the world would I choose to discuss a spice used in your favorite Italian meals? Well, this particular herb has quite a few unique and powerful properties in the area of health, especially when it comes to boosting the immune system.

Studies have shown that Oregano Oil is a very powerful natural antibiotic, antiviral and antifungal. Using Oregano Oil on a regular basis stimulates the immune system and allows it to be much more effective in fighting off cold and flu viruses. Hepatitis and Herpes are two additional viral infections which have responded well to treatment with Oregano oil.

In addition to the antiviral properties of Oregano Oil, it also works as a potent antibiotic. In fact, testing has shown Oregano Oil to be as effective as Vancomycin, one of the strongest and most effective antibiotics used in killing staph infections, E.coli and other bacteria. But unlike pharmaceutical antibiotics, Oregano Oil does not contribute to the increase in mutant super-bacterial strains which become more and more resistant to conventional allopathic antibiotics, and Oregano Oil is effective without the numerous and dangerous side-effects of prescription medicines.

Today, Americans seem to suffer from an increasing number of internal infections. One of the most prevalent of late appears to be Candida infections. Candida Albicans is a fungus that occurs naturally in the digestive tract and is checked by beneficial flora that also reside there. However, when the essential and beneficial flora begin to be killed off, primarily by prescription medications, Candida begins to multiply. Additionally, a diet high in refined sugar and starches "feeds" Candida and contributes to its growth. The Candida, rather than staying put in the gut, begins to move into the bloodstream and causes a host of problems: nail fungus, thrush, skin disorders, vaginal yeast, allergies and chronic fatigue to name just a few. Oregano Oil is very effective in treating fungal infections such as Candida.

It is also a very powerful antiparasitic and has been shown to be quite effective against water-borne parasites, pinworms, and other unwelcome guests that tend to set up house in our digestive systems. Want to travel to Mexico but are worried about Montezuma's Revenge? A few drops of oregano oil before and after drinking the water will kill the parasites that can cause it.

Oregano Oil is also beneficial in combating inflammation, which is a precursor to various types of infections and diseases, including those of the joints and tendons. One study showed that Oregano Oil was nearly as powerful as Morphine for stopping pain! It can be rubbed onto arthritic joints as well as taken internally.

When looking for an Oregano Oil product or supplement, it's important to look at quality and processing. Since the benefits of Oregano Oil can be affected by heat, ingredient combinations, etc., it's important to make sure the oil is cold processed, organic and diluted with olive oil or an extract such as the type found in intraMax.

Oregano Oil is a powerful, natural weapon in your fight against, colds, flu, infections and should be a well-used addition to your growing list of natural alternatives to conventional medicine. Use it often!

Until next month...

Yours in health,

Dr. Mike