Oil of Oregano, 60 Capsules, From Source Natural

Source Naturals Oil of Oregano is made from wildcrafted true oregano (Origanum vulgare), an aromatic herb that is native to the Mediterranean region. Traditionally, oregano was used to support digestive, respiratory and joint health. Recent in vitro research indicates that carvacrol, an active constituent of oil of oregano, may provide support to the immune system. Source Naturals Oil of Oregano is one of the most potent on the market and is standardized to 70% carvacrol.

The essential oil distilled from oregano contains varying amounts of thymol and carvacrol, compounds that can apparently inhibit the growth of fungi, worms, and possibly other organisms. In fact, some sources even recommend rubbing a drop or two of oregano oil into an area that is itching due to athlete's foot, a common condition caused by the Tinea versicolor fungus.

Mild stomach-settling and cough-clearing qualities are attributed to oregano oil; they are likely due to the presence of thymol and carvacrol as well. (Another common culinary herb--thyme--also contains high concentrations of these compounds.) A drop or two of oregano oil mixed with milk or juice may well calm an upset stomach and aid digestion.

Disease-fighting antioxidants have been identified in oregano, although it's not clear whether they appear in the oil as well as in the leaves and other above-ground parts of the plant. Oregano oil has been used as an antiseptic in hand cleansers and shampoos, and as a remedy for headaches when rubbed into the temples.

Specifically, oil of oregano may help to:

• Alleviate toothaches. Diluted oregano oil rubbed gently into inflamed and aching gums around an ailing tooth may ease pain. The oregano oil may even help to stave off infection given its slight antiseptic properties.

• Fight Candida overgrowth syndrome. Some nutritionally oriented doctors enlist oregano oil's antifungal actions to fight this syndrome, a condition believed to be caused by an imbalance in the body's fungi and bacteria levels.