When I was a child, anytime we visited the doctor we left with antibiotics.  Whether it was a virus or bacterial, it was commonly thought that taking antibiotics would do no harm.  Not only have doctors over-prescribed antibiotics, these powerfully important medicines have been overused with farm animals creating a real threat to human health.  It is estimated that by 2050 10 million deaths will occur because of antibiotic resistance.((http://www.theatlantic.com/health/archive/2015/01/the-new-antibiotics-might-be-essential-oils/384247/))  One promising solution to antibiotic resistance are essential oils like oregano oil.  

Pezibear / Pixabay

80% of antibiotics consumed in the US are by livestock!((http://www.theatlantic.com/health/archive/2015/01/the-new-antibiotics-might-be-essential-oils/384247/))

Unhealthy living conditions and increased animal growth are the primary reason antibiotics are used heavily in the livestock industry.  70% of these antibiotics are the same ones used to treat human illness.  As stated in the Atlantic, Dr. Stuart B. Levy of Tufts University believes, “the misuse of antibiotics on farms to be the biggest influence on antibiotic resistance”.((http://www.theatlantic.com/health/archive/2015/01/the-new-antibiotics-might-be-essential-oils/384247/)) Fortunately, many farmers are experimenting with essential oils to reduce the need for antibiotics in livestock.  

The Atlantic reports:

Numerous recent studies—including several done by the USDA—have shown great promise in using essential oils as an alternative to antibiotics in livestock. One of their studies, published in October 2014 in the journal Poultry Science, found that chickens who consumed feed with added oregano oil had a 59 percent lower mortality rate due to ascites, a common infection in poultry, than untreated chickens. Other research, from a 2011 issue of BMC Proceedings, showed that adding a combination of plant extracts—from oregano, cinnamon, and chili peppers—actually changed the gene expression of treated chickens, resulting in weight gain as well as protection against an injected intestinal infection. A 2010 study from Poultry Science produced similar findings with the use of extracts from turmeric, chili pepper, and shiitake mushrooms.((http://www.theatlantic.com/health/archive/2015/01/the-new-antibiotics-might-be-essential-oils/384247/))

Furthermore, researchers have found that the children of farm workers carry antibiotic resistant germs at a greater rate than the general population.  Children whose parents worked at industrial hog farms in North Carolina were found to carry antibiotic-resistant (ABR) Staphylococcus aureus at a higher rate than other members of the community.((http://ehp.niehs.nih.gov/wp-content/uploads/advpub/2016/10/EHP35.acco.pdf))

Are Essential Oils like Oregano Oil the Solution to Antibiotic Resistance?

As an individual and family, you can help slow the growing problem of antibiotic resistance by choosing organic dairy and meat products, as well as reserve antibiotic use for health problems where they are truly required.  Many ailments can be safely and effectively treated with natural remedies like essential oils. 

Many essential oils have antimicrobial, antibacterial, and antifungal properties.  One really powerful essential oil is oregano oil.  According to DoTerra, oregano offers the following health benefits:

• Oregano supports healthy digestion.*
• It supports healthy respiratory function.*
• It may help to support a healthy immune system.*
• This essential oil can be used as a powerful cleansing and purifying agent.
• Dilute Oregano with doTERRA Fractionated Coconut Oil or add to a moisturizer and apply it to the skin.
• Oregano reduces the appearance of blemishes when applied to the skin.
• It promotes a clean and healthy mouth when used topically.
• Oregano may help to promote a positive mood.*
• It can calm the nervous system.*
• It may be relaxing to the musculoskeletal system.*
• It supports healthy liver function.*
• Along with better dietary and exercise patterns, Oregano can contribute to better overall health and wellness.*
• It supports the health of the cardiovascular system.*
• It provides a powerful antioxidant support.*((https://doterra.com/US/en/flyers-approved-claims-list))

I love oregano flavored foods, and I love to grow oregano.  Oregano is not just a culinary treat. It is a powerful herb that is as or more effective as antibiotics in treating common illnesses.  

Some in the livestock industry have embraced the use of essential oils, in particular oregano and cinnamon.  Poultry farmer Scott Sechler explains:

“With our chicken breed, housing environment, and feeding program, we’re able to promote healthy gut bacteria—we use oregano oil to kill the bad bacteria and cinnamon oil to support the good bacteria.”((http://www.theatlantic.com/health/archive/2015/01/the-new-antibiotics-might-be-essential-oils/384247/))

For humans, results are also promising. Living Traditionally explains how oregano oil can be helpful in treating pneumonia:

Oregano oil been used for centuries in Far Eastern and Middle Eastern cultures to treat respiratory infections, chronic inflammation, urinary tract infections, dysentery, and jaundice. Laboratory studies in which the oil was applied directly to food-borne pathogens showed that oregano oil has strong antibacterial properties (Dadalioglu I et al 2004). Medicinal oregano has a high mineral content that enhances its therapeutic benefits, including calcium, magnesium, zinc, potassium, copper, boron, and manganese. This oil is considered safe for humans and may be used in conjunction with antibiotics to fight bacterial infection (Preuss HG et al 2005).It is also known as an excellent early defense mechanism when you feel cold or sore throat coming on.((http://livingtraditionally.com/add-3-drops-of-oregano-oil-to-water-and-see-what-happens-to-your-lungs/))

We were sent two products that harness the power of oregano, specifically Oreganol P73.  Oreganol supports healthy cells.  It can be taken regularly to aid in digestion and as an antioxidant, or it can be taken when ill.

Oreganol P73 is the highest grade of oregano oil. According to the manufacturer:

This is the true wild oregano oil P73, a blend of edible species of wild oregano grown on natural mineral rich soils. This growing condition along with our dedication to a chemical and alcohol free extraction is the reason P73 Oreganol oil has a unique chemical profile, which is ideal for human consumption. This same oregano species can be grown elsewhere and not have the same effect of the P73, it is truly one of a kind. Oreganol P73 can be used either internally or topically.((https://www.northamericanherbandspice.com/product/oreganol-p73-1-fl-oz/))

 I just learned oregnal can be used on your scalp!  I can’t wait to try it on my sebhorreic dermatitis, which I currently treat with lavender oil. 

The two products we were sent from North American Herb & Spice are:

Oregaspray

OregaSpray is the only completely natural, edible, multipurpose spray. With hundreds of uses it is the ideal:

• Vegetable wash
• Air cleanser
• Hand cleaner
• Toothbrush spray
• Food cleaner
• Environmental spray
• Odor neutralizer
• Kitchen and bathroom cleaner
• Pet deodorizer
• Insect repellant
• Body or foot deodorant
• Skin toner
• Nursery spray
• Public disinfectant
• Breath freshener

Wow!  So many uses!

SinuOrega

Health practitioners agree: a saline-based nasal wash is the best approach for cleansing the nasal passages. SinuOrega combines a unique blend of the powerful essential oils of sage, bay leaf, clove bud, and oregano in a sea-salt/saline base. SinuOrega is the only completely natural nasal spray with the power of Oreganol P73. Use this to cleanse the nasal and sinus passages. Safe for everyday use. ☻ naturally diluted for the ideal solution, acting directly on the mucous membranes, the site of the problem ☻ best results when applied in the supine position (on the back), allowing gravity to do the work ☻ may be used daily or every other day until condition resolves

Researchers have found that antibiotics and essential oils can work effectively together.  This is what I practiced when I had pneumonia.  The Atlantic reports:

In the lab, scientists have been testing all kinds of combinations of essential oils and antibiotics, and they’re repeatedly finding that the oils—used on their own and in combination with some common antibiotics—can fight numerous pathogens, including antibiotic-resistant strains of E. coli, Staphylococcus aureus(which causes staph infection), and other common types of bacteria. Results consistently show that combining essential oils and antibiotics significantly lowers the amount of antibiotic required to do the job. For example, two recent studies showed that lavender and cinnamon essential oils killed E. coli, and when combined with the antibiotic piperacillin, the oils reversed the resistance of the E. coli bacteria to the antibiotic. Another recent study found that basil oil and rosemary oil were both effective in inhibiting the growth of 60 strains of E. coliretrieved from hospital patients. Other research has produced similar results for many other essential oils, both alone and in combination with antibiotics. Researchers believe that one mechanism by which the oils work is by weakening the cell wall of resistant bacteria, thereby damaging or killing the cells while also allowing the antibiotic in.((http://www.theatlantic.com/health/archive/2015/01/the-new-antibiotics-might-be-essential-oils/384247/))

Antibiotic resistance and overuse are real.  There are certain infections and ailments that require antibiotic treatment.  Many others can be safely treated with natural, herbal remedies like oregano oil, especially if used at the onset of symptoms.  Another option is the combination of antibiotics with essential oils.  Oregano oil has the potential to slow the growth of antibiotic use and antibiotic resistance. 

 It is always important to monitor your symptoms and consult a physician.

*These statements have not been evaluated by the Food and Drug Administration. This product is not intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any disease.