Can Oregano Oil Really Repel Insects?
Is it true that oregano oil has the power to keep insects at bay? While there is some truth to this claim, it is important to understand the limitations and potential risks involved.
Research has shown that carvacrol, a natural compound produced by the oregano plant to repel pests, can also be effective in repelling bugs from humans. In fact, a study found that oregano oil can be as effective as DEET, a common insect repellent, in repelling ticks. Another study demonstrated that a 40% concentration of oregano oil was able to repel bed bugs.
Perhaps even more significant, a study published in Natural Product Research revealed that carvacrol has the ability to repel the yellow fever mosquito, which is responsible for transmitting dangerous viruses such as dengue, Zika, and yellow fever. However, it is important to note that the concentrations of oregano oil used in these studies were four to 40 times higher than what is typically recommended for skin contact.
It is worth mentioning that oregano oil itself can be highly irritating to the skin, and a growing number of individuals have reported experiencing allergic contact dermatitis as a result of using it. Therefore, caution should be exercised when considering the use of oregano oil as an insect repellent.
In conclusion, while oregano oil does possess some insect-repelling properties, it is crucial to use it with care and in the appropriate concentrations to avoid potential skin irritation or adverse reactions.
Can Oregano Oil Help Heal Skin?
There is some truth to the claim that oregano oil can promote skin healing. Many individuals have reported successful use of oregano oil on minor cuts, scrapes, burns, and even acne. This is mainly due to its antibacterial, antimicrobial, antifungal, and antiviral properties. According to a study published in the Journal of Drugs in Dermatology, oregano oil was found to be more effective than petrolatum in healing post-surgical wounds. The use of oregano oil resulted in reduced infection, improved healing, and less scarring.
It is important to note that the researchers used a water-soluble oregano extract obtained after distilling the essential oil. This extract did not contain the skin-irritating properties of the essential oil. As a result, patients did not experience any allergic or adverse reactions. However, it is worth mentioning that oregano oil can irritate open or broken skin, as stated by Nutrition Today. Therefore, it is recommended to use a heavily diluted version of oregano oil, specifically a 1% concentration, when treating minor cuts and burns.