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There is a lot of talk about oregano’s ability to treat various physiological maladies. So, does essential oregano oil for yeast infection really work? The answer is yes; and, there is a significant amount of scientific research to back this up (which will be discussed below).
Although oregano oil is possibly the very best essential oil for yeast infection treatment; you should not focus on just one oil. Other essential oils contain helpful chemical constituents that oregano oil lacks. By using more than one type of essential oil, you can harness the power of multiple chemicals to combat, and kill yeast.
The renowned expert of herbal medicine, Dr. James A. Duke, wrote in his book The Green Pharmacy, that mixing several herbs together is a prudent way to treat a condition. Duke suggests that there is a healing synergy created when different herbs are mixed. By introducing multiple natural compounds to the body, they are often able to work together to remedy a malady. Phytochemicals may also react with other phytochemicals to create more beneficial compounds as well.
For a list of powerful Candicidal essential oils, you can peruse this page: essential oils for yeast infection.
Research
The journal of Molecular and Cellular Biochemistry [January / 2001; 228(1):111-117], published an interesting study on the effect oregano oil had on Candida albicans. The study used in vitro (in glass) and in vivo (within the living) analysis to arrive at their conclusions. The researchers found that oregano oil was a powerful inhibitor and killer of Candida albicans; both in vitro and in vivo.
The mice who were test subjects in the experiment, were also able to be cured of systemic yeast infections by receiving regular doses of oregano oil. The researchers also noted that those mice given the oregano oil looked better than those that did not get the oil; possibly a result of reduced levels of yeast in their bodies. This correlation, between taking oregano oil and appearance, was not said to be definitely the result of oregano’s candicidal ability. Researchers speculated this correlation could have also been due to other properties of the oregano oil—such as its antioxidant components.
The researchers also speculated that individuals with diabetes or HIV could help reduce their chances of developing harmful yeast infections by taking a daily dose of oregano oil. Therefore, oregano oil may also be an excellent way to eliminate a systemic yeast infection from the body—likely by cleaning the digestive system of yeast.
As you may know, there are many different strains of Candida albicans, and other species of yeast in the Candida genus, that can occasionally infest the body. To know with greater certainty how oregano oil will work on the different types of Candida, there was a study done to determine just this information.
The study was published in the Brazilian Journal of Microbiology [2010 41: 116-123], and analyzed 12 different samples of Candida albicans and several other species of Candida (C. dubliniensis, C. parapsilosis, C. lusitanie, and C. Krusei). The essential oregano oil used in the study was derived from Origanum vulgare. 6 dogs and 1 monkey with yeast infections were included in the research. The study reported that oregano essential oil was able to inhibit and kill all the tested fungi. The researchers reported that the differences in minimum fungicidal concentrations among the samples from living subjects and standard strains, were of no statistical importance. There was also no statistically important difference in the amount of oregano oil required to kill different Candida species.
The researchers in this study also cited other research done on oregano oil’s effects on non-albicans Candida. One species of note, in the cited study, was Candida glabrata. The cited research showed that glabrata was also susceptible to concentrations of oregano oil similar to those observed to be lethal in the researcher’s experiments. This cited research used two different varieties of oregano oil. Both types of oregano oil used in the cited research killed yeast and bacteria at similar concentrations.
The study also said that Candida albicans is the most pathogenic of Candida fungi; and the most frequently found in small animals. It is reasonable to conclude, that essential oregano oil will be able to cure your yeast infection—no matter what the exact type of Candida causing it is.
A final study to consider, published in Pharmaceutisch Weekblad [1986, Volume 8, Issue 6, pp 289-292], evaluated the effects of a plethora of essential oils (53 to be exact) against several different pathogenic microbiota. Candida albicans was among these pathogens. The study showed hard evidence that oregano oil was the most potent inhibitor of albicans fungus. No other essential oil performed as well at fighting this fungus.
Carvacrol in Oregano Oil Fights Candida
Carvacrol is an important chemical constituent of oregano oil. It has been shown to have competent antimicrobial capabilities. Yet, you cannot use much carvacrol on the skin, as this chemical can quickly cause irritation—even at low concentrations. Typically, according to Tisserand and Young’s Essential oil Safety, a 2% to 6% concentration of this substance should be tolerated well by the skin. But, concentrations that are above this are likely going to really burn your skin—especially if you use it in a sensitive area (Mizumoto,et al., 2003)! Carvacrol is likely a major reason why oregano oil can cause such irritation to the skin.
The levels of carvacrol differ for different oregano oils. A study that utilized oregano oil, published in FEMS Microbiology Letters [230.2 (2004): 191-195], found that their oregano oil contained only 14% carvacrol. The oregano oil used in the study was made from the aerial parts (parts exposed to air) of the Origanum vulgare plant. A much higher carvacrol level was reported for oregano oil derived from the Origanum majorana (wild oregano) plant, in Tisserand and Young’s Essential Oil Safety. Tisserand and Young reported that wild oregano oil contained about 76% to 80% carvacrol.
Using an oregano essential oil with a higher carvacrol content is likely going to be better for getting rid of Candida problems. A study published in the Brazilian Journal of Infectious Diseases [8.3 (2004): 217-226], demonstrated that carvacrol, by itself, would make an effective treatment for rats who had oral Candidiasis (thrush). The study found that by using two times the in vitro (in glass) minimum inhibitory concentration (MIC) of carvacrol, most rats were healed of oral thrush after 8 days of treatment. You will likely be able to use a bit more carvacrol when using your oregano oil, so you may see stronger, faster results.
Another study is very interesting, as it determined the MIC of carvacrol and analyzed this phytochemical effects on three Candida species’ biofilm production. The study relating this information, was published in the International Journal of Antimicrobial Agents [31.6 (2008): 572-576]. The study found that thymol, geraniol and carvacrol showed MICs less than or equal to 0.03% (volume / volume) for C. albicans. Thus, this shows that carvacrol is a powerful inhibitor of the most pathogenic member of the Candida genus: C. albicans (about 80% of all Candida infections are caused by C. albicans). Concerning the biofilm reduction of carvacrol, it was certainly powerful. Three different species were analyzed in the study: C. albicans, C. glabrata, and C. parapsilosis. The yeast were tested with carvacrol each day for five consecutive days. The researchers found that a solution of 0.125% carvacrol was able to powerfully inhibit about 80% of all the Candida species’ biofilms each day they were tested—that included 5 days of biofilm development (actual inhibition numbers ranged somewhat above and below 80% inhibition).
Biofilm can be a big deal, as its presence greatly reduces the effectiveness of antifungal drugs. A study, published in the Journal of Bacteriology [183.18 (2001): 5385-5394], found that biofilm presence radically reduced the effectiveness of 4 different antifungal drugs. While biofilm can slightly reduce the effectiveness of some essential oils; oils like lemongrass oil still power through thick biofilm and kill the yeast cells protected by this slime. Even if you are using a prescription antifungal, research indicates that essential oils can increase the effectiveness of antifungal drugs. So try adding in an essential oil or two to complement your prescription antifungal treatment.
A 1/2 Day & Yeast is Gone!
Linda Allen suffered from yeast infections for years. Through researching natural medicine & Candida, she found an efficacious solution!
Linda is one expert you want on your side! Let her show you how to get rid of a superficial yeast infection in just 12 hours; AND, keep it gone!
A 60-day, 100% money back guarantee is provided.
Visit Official Site!How to Use Oil of Oregano
- Topical Use: You may use this oil undiluted on the exterior part of the body that is in need of application.
- Oral use: Oregano oil is generally regarded as safe for human consumption by the U.S. FDA. In general, use 1 drop of oil in 4 ounces of liquid or 1 teaspoon of honey. Do not let children six years of age or younger ingest this oil!
- Cautions: This oil can potentially cause intense skin irritation. Do a patch test of a small amount of this oil before you apply it to a sensitive area of the body.
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Jennifer O’Brien is one prominent expert on BV that knows how to get rid of vaginal odor. BV is a common infection that you don’t have to put up with.
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Visit Official Site!Uses for Oregano Essential Oil
Of the different species of Origanum used to make oregano oil, you should probably choose oil made from Origanum vulgare. Origanum vulgare is believed to hold the most therapeutic value.
- Skin Conditions — It is believed that this oil is a good natural remedy for joint pain, muscle pain, cold sores, nail fungus, and dandruff. Because oregano oil is so strong, it is a good idea to dilute it with another oil before you apply it. Also, don’t use oregano oil on damaged skin; as it can be very irritating.
- Antibacterial — There is a good amount of scientific research showing that oregano oil can kill many types of bacteria. Some also consider this natural substance a good way to kill antibiotic resistant bacteria. Try using it on your body or adding it to cleaning solutions to naturally eliminate harmful germs.
- Antiviral — Some natural medicine practitioners say that this oil is able to help stop colds and flus. If you feel that you recently caught a nasty virus, you can take this oil daily and see if it offers any benefit.
- Digestive Health — Oregano oil has been used since the time of the Roman Empire to promote digestive health and functionality. Try taking some of this oil regularly with a suitable herbal tea (one that also aids the GI tract) to possibly allay a gastrointestinal problem.
Clair Goodall: Author & Nature Lover
Clair Goodall is a bee-obsessed natural medicine convert from Minnesota. She is one expert you might want to know more about!
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Visit Official Site!A Natural, 12 Hour Yeast Infection Cure
According to a research paper published in Clinical Microbiology Reviews [12.1 (1999): 80-96], Candida species are quite ubiquitous organisms. Candida are most frequently present in the mouth; and, live in 31% to 55% of healthy people. The species that causes approximately 70% to 80% of all Candida infections is C. albicans.
The Chinese Journal of Obstetrics and Gynecology [2011 Jul;46(7):496] reports there appears to be a correlation between intestinal Candida infections and vaginal yeast infections. And, this provides a clue, as to why yeast infections in general, can reoccur.
This study states, in 148 cases of vaginal candida infections, 33.1% of the women were infected in both the intestines and vaginal area. The recurrence rate of yeast infections, in women with simultaneous intestinal infection, was significantly higher than for women who did not have an intestinal infection. This study concluded that vaginal yeast infections are highly associated with simultaneous intestinal Candida infection.
As research appears to indicate, systemic Candida infections can and do happen. A more systemic Candida infection may primarily get a foothold in the intestines; and cause a wide array of problems. If your yeast infections keep happening, a systemic Candida problem may be why.
One woman who suffered from a systemic Candida infection, for about 12 years, was Linda Allen. The systemic Candida infection that attacked Linda caused a wide range of health problems in addition to yeast infections. Some of these problems, Linda describes in her own words in the following quote:
To be honest, it was hard to pinpoint exactly what was wrong: I wasn’t really sick, but I wasn’t really well either. I had listlessness, fatigue, brain fog, stomach ailments, unexplained rashes, skin infections, and so on. It seemed like every day brought a new challenge.
My energy was sapped and I felt exhausted, which affected my grades and put a big dent in my social life.
Linda Allen’s symptoms included an embarrassing vaginal discharge, severe itching, and burning sensations. Her infections were difficult to deal with, and Linda’s health problems cost her financially as well. Linda states these infections of Candida can become excruciating when they happen as frequently as a menstrual period.
Yet, Linda spent a great deal of time in research; and even questioned health professionals who were kind enough to share some time with her. Linda even tried an array of purported "cures." Although it took a while, eventually, Linda put together a natural treatment plan she hoped would solve her Candida situation.
After spending about a year refining her new approach, Linda tried her system on herself. It worked amazingly well. Linda even returned to a few medical doctors to get tested for the presence of infections. These tests revealed all indicators of infection had vanished! Linda was indeed well again, after such a long, difficult journey.
Linda has since published a book detailing how to copy her success. She also includes a 12 hour yeast infection cure that can get rid of a superficial (such as a genital yeast infection or oral thrush) yeast infection in about 12 hours.
Linda’s publisher protects those who get her book with a 60 day, 100% money back guarantee. Linda’s publisher, a subsidiary of the United States based firm Keynetics Incorporated, is a reputable digital retailer that has been around for a long time. They have great customer service, and make getting a full refund on Linda’s book quick and easy. If you’re not satisfied, you can quickly get all your money back.
If you would like to learn more about Linda’s journey to freedom from Candida, see reviews of others who tried her natural system, or find out more about her efficacious book; you can find more information at Linda Allen’s website.
Author: Mr. Nicholas Gross
Nick Gross is a natural medicine enthusiast who has been researching and writing about natural medicine since 2008. Nick is primarily a web developer but also researches and authors written and video content about natural health. Nick has a bachelor’s degree in Management Information Systems from the University of Northern Iowa.
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SOURCES:
- http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/11855736 — Anti-fungal activities of Origanum oil against Candida albicans. Molecular and Cellular Biochemistry (January / 2001; 228(1):111-117)
- http://www.scielo.br/pdf/bjm/v41n1/v41n1a18.pdf — IN VITRO ACTIVITY OF ORIGANUM VULGARE ESSENTIAL OIL AGAINST CANDIDA SPECIES. Brazilian Journal of Microbiology (2010) 41: 116-123. ISSN 1517-8382
- http://link.springer.com/article/10.1007/BF02280052 —Screening for antimicrobial activity of some essential oils by the agar overlay technique. Pharmaceutisch Weekblad 1986, Volume 8, Issue 6, pp 289-292
- http://dx.doi.org/10.1046/j.1523-1747.2003.12558.x — Mizumoto, Norikatsu, et al. "Keratinocyte ATP release assay for testing skin-irritating potentials of structurally diverse chemicals." Journal of investigative dermatology 121.5 (2003): 1066-1072. Full Text Available Here
- Tisserand, Robert, and Rodney Young. Essential oil safety: a guide for healthcare professionals. Elsevier Health Sciences, 2013.
- http://dx.doi.org/10.1016/S0378-1097(03)00890-5 — Nostro, Antonia, et al. "Susceptibility of methicillin-resistant staphylococci to oregano essential oil, carvacrol and thymol." FEMS Microbiology Letters 230.2 (2004): 191-195. Full Text Available Here
- http://dx.doi.org/10.1590/S1413-86702004000300005 — Chami, N., et al. "Antifungal treatment with carvacrol and eugenol of oral candidiasis in immunosuppressed rats." Brazilian Journal of Infectious Diseases 8.3 (2004): 217-226. Full Text Available Here
- http://dx.doi.org/10.1016/j.ijantimicag.2008.01.028 — Dalleau, Stéphanie, et al. "In vitro activity of terpenes against Candida biofilms." International journal of antimicrobial agents 31.6 (2008): 572-576. PDF Available Here
- http://dx.doi.org/10.1128/JB.183.18.5385-5394.2001 — Chandra, Jyotsna, et al. "Biofilm formation by the fungal pathogen Candida albicans: development, architecture, and drug resistance." Journal of bacteriology 183.18 (2001): 5385-5394. PubMed Full Text
- Google Books — Duke, J. A. (1997). The green pharmacy: New discoveries in herbal remedies for common diseases and conditions from the world's foremost authority on healing herbs. Emmaus, Pa: Rodale Press.
- Google Books — Higley, Connie, and Alan Higley. Reference guide for essential oils. Abundant Health, 1998.
- https://doi.org/10.1128/CMR.12.1.80 -- Fidel, Paul L., Jose A. Vazquez, and Jack D. Sobel. "Candida glabrata: review of epidemiology, pathogenesis, and clinical disease with comparison to C. albicans." Clinical Microbiology Reviews [12.1 (1999): 80-96].
- https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/22041440/ -- Lin XL, Li Z, Zuo XL. "Study on the relationship between vaginal and intestinal candida in patients with vulvovaginal candidiasis." Chinese Journal of Obstetrics and Gynecology (Zhonghua fu chan ke za zhi). [2011 Jul;46(7):496].
