Beat Flu With Oil Of Oregano

Flu, or influenza, is a very contagious respiratory disease caused by viruses belonging to the RNA family, specifically viruses A, B and C. This condition appears mostly in early spring and winter.

Upon entering the body, it spreads through the lower and upper respiratory tracts. With most people, it results in headache, fever, cough and loss of energy. Some may develop a sore throat, nausea, vomiting and diarrhea. This condition may last for one or two weeks after which recovery takes place.

However, flu is a more serious illness than coughs and colds because in some people it can lead to death. There are people infected with the flu virus who develop life-threatening diseases like pneumonia. About 0.1% of people infected with the flu virus succumbs to it and dies. In terms of actual number of people, the average annual flu casualty around the world is about 250,000 to 500,000 people. In the United States alone, the reported deaths caused by the influenza viruses from 1979 to 2001 were about 41,400 every year.

This disease is highly contagious because the flu virus is transmitted through the air. When an infected person coughs or sneezes, small droplets containing the virus are spread out in the immediate surroundings. You can get infected by just touching contaminated objects and direct contact with nasal secretions.

Usual Treatments for Flu
If a person’s health is normal, home remedy care is sufficient enough to treat the illness. By using disinfectants, exposure to sunlight and frequent hand washing, the spread of the virus can be controlled. A person who already has the flu is usually given nasal decongestants to reduce nasal blockage, enhance the passage of nasal mucus and improve breathing. Over-the-counter drugs are also given to reduce the fever and headaches. If the symptoms gets worse, medical intervention is usually needed.

The use of prescription drugs and antibiotics, however, interferes with the body’s eliminatory processes. Most of these medications also have negative side effects. A better alternative is to use a form of treatment that attacks the virus and does not leave any side effects. In this regard, oregano oil can definitely do a better job of controlling and eradicating the influenza virus.

Nature of Oregano Oil
This substance is a 100% natural product. It is derived from the Mediterranean wild oregano plant Origanum vulgare. The wild plant has been used for hundreds of years, beginning with the ancient Greeks who used it for treating their common ailments. These days, we use the essential oil extracted from the crushed leaves of the same wild plant.

Hundreds of tests, experiments and studies conducted all over the world have proved the power of oregano oil to kill destructive microbes. It can stop the growth of bacteria, parasites, fungi and viruses, including the RNA virus family that causes influenza. In fact it was confirmed by several experiments that it can destroy cancer cells, and can also be effectively used for managing inflammation and pain associated with arthritis.

The Power of Oregano Oil
This oil is capable of killing harmful pathogens because of its chemical content. It contains many types of phytochemical, phenols and flavonoids. The main active ingredients are carvacrol and thymol. These chemical compounds act synergistically to kill all the harmful germs that cause our illnesses. This fact has been proven by scientists around the world.

Aside from these germ-killing substances, this essential oil also contains significant amounts of vitamins, minerals and trace elements. These substances will strengthen the body’s immune response to harmful germs.  This potent combination of phytochemicals and important nutrients is what makes oregano oil a better alternative for fighting flu.

One more advantage that needs to be mentioned is that unlike drugs and antibiotics, oregano oil has no known side effects. It is derived from an organic source, therefore the body can easily absorb it without any negative result.

Using Oregano Oil for Treating Flu
It is very easy to use this oil to treat influenza. You can relieve the symptoms by taking 6 drops of oregano oil each day until your condition improves. This oil has a strong essence and it is usually recommended to dilute the concentrated oil with virgin olive oil to soften its effects. You can also inhale the essence of the oil to relieve your headache. It is strongly advised to use only the correct dose of this oil to avoid the effects of over-dosage. You have to seek the advice of your doctor if you want to use a higher dosage.

Preventing A Flu Attack
You can also use oregano oil to prevent the attack of the flu virus. In fact, this way is better than treating the flu itself. Take 2 drops of oregano oil every day and it will help your body prevent the flu virus from spreading inside your body, even if it is the flu season. Again, you need to dilute the concentrated oil with olive oil to facilitate its absorption.