Take Oil Of Oregano When You Have A Cold

Having a cold is one of the most common ailments that every human being will suffer from. It is the leading cause of days off school and work all over the world. In the United States alone, it is estimated that people suffer 1 billion colds per year. If we convert that in terms of school absences per year, that would be about 22 million days.

The way we live will give us an indication whether we will catch the common cold or not. If we are not careful about our diet and do not engage in regular physical exercise, we will surely get it every once in a while. Our bodily wastes will accumulate, and our eliminatory organs will not be able to handle them, giving rise to conditions that are very conducive for cold viruses to grow and multiply. Cold symptoms will then appear, being the body’s way of expelling the excess waste.

Colds – Their Nature
This condition is caused by viruses and they are very contagious. The viruses infect the mucous membrane or the soft lining of the nose. More than 200 types of viruses can cause a cold, making them very easy to catch. Among 30% to 35% of colds among adults are caused by the rhinovirus. Other cold viruses include respiratory syncytial virus, coronavirus, parainfluenze virus and adenovirus. This great variation in viruses is one of the reasons why our bodies cannot build up effective resistance against them, therby making them a recurring problem. However, colds are self-limiting and usually do not last more than a week.

Cold Symptoms
You will only experience the symptoms after about three days of being infected. The symptoms will vary depending on the type of virus infection. These may include the following:

• Sore throat
• Sneezing
• Stuffy nose
• Hoarseness
• Headache
• Watery eyes
• Fatigue
• Low-grade fever
• Cough

A cold usually starts with a runny nose, with nasal discharge that is clear and becomes yellowish as the condition worsens. Decrease in appetite also usually accompanies this condition.

Usual Treatments for Colds
Treatments for this condition usually involve home remedies such steam inhalation to soften the mucus that blocks the nasal passages. However this is not recommended for children because of the risks of scalding and burning, unless it is administered by an adult.

The most common and most convenient method is by using over-the-counter medicines. These includes nasal decongestants, special nose rubs applied to the nostrils and pills and capsules for colds.

However, treating colds with the use of pharmaceutical drugs may actually worsen the condition since they can prevent the normal waste expulsion from your body. If these wastes are retained, the symptoms may be prolonged and more serious consequences may result. Fortunately, there is a better way of treating colds because it involves using a natural substance – oregano oil. Unlike drugs, it can be easily absorbed by your body and it leaves no side effects.

The Nature of Oregano Oil
Oregano oil is widely known among alternative health practitioners as a very effective antimicrobial substance. It can kill pathogens of all types, be they viruses, parasite, fungi or bacteria. It is sourced from the Mediterranean wild oregano plant, Origanum vulgare, which was been used by the ancient Greeks for treating their colds, fever, skin diseases and stomach problems. Now, there are many experiments and studies that have proven that this oil can effectively limit the growth of harmful microbes. It can certainly help with colds and prevent them from spreading.

Oregano oil contains very powerful substances, such as phytochemicals, phenols and flavinoids. Chief among these potent substances are carvacrol and thymol which act synergistically to fend off these germs. There are also considerable amounts of vitamins, minerals and important trace elements that will help strengthen your immune system so you will be able to fight off disease effectively. With respect to colds, oregano oil contains vitamins C and A which are important in enhancing your respiratory functions as well as for fighting infections.

Using Oregano Oil To Treat Colds
There are two ways you can use this essential oil to treat your cold.

• Orally – at the first signs of a cold, take 3 drops of oregano oil. You can either place these drops under your tongue or mix it with a glass of water or your juice. Repeat this procedure every 3 hours for the next 10 hours. This will effectively stop your cold.
• Topically – you can use the oil’s essence by applying it to your throat, chest and the soles of your feet. The concentrated oil is very strong so you have to dilute it with virgin olive oil. Mix one part of oregano oil with four parts of olive oil. Your skin will readily absorb the mixture and make your immune system stronger.

Common Cold Prevention
It is better to prevent diseases than to treat them. Some of the things you can do to prevent yourself from catching colds are the following:

• Strengthen your immune system – you can do this easily by taking 2 to 3 drops of oregano oil every day
• Stay away from people with colds
• Don’t touch your eyes and nose after physical contact with a person who has a cold
• Avoid crowded places - the risk of infection is greater
• Keep your room well ventilated
• Always exercise good hygiene anywhere you go
• Engage in regular physical exercise