5. Treat Fungal Infections
Oregano is a natural antibiotic that can kill bacteria, but it can also wipe out fungus. Yeast is one notable example. Yeast infections are often assumed to occur only in the vaginal region, but they can actually happen anywhere on the skin that is warm and moist, like armpits, mouth, and between skin folds. Generally yeast infections are uncomfortable but harmless; however, overgrowth of yeast is associated with gut problems including Crohn’s disease and ulcerative colitis.
Candida is the most common form of yeast and it is this that has been tested extensively with oregano oil. Test tube studies determined that the oil can knock out at least five different types of Candida. It was actually found to be more effective than any other essential oil in this regard. Once again, researchers attribute the benefit to carvacrol, as this compound has also been tested independently for its effect on Candida.