Oregano isn’t just a pizza topping spice; it’s also a powerful oil. Surprisingly enough, oregano oil is linked to providing numerous health benefits for the body inside and out. It may be worth incorporating it into your beauty regimen.
Our hair can have a mind of its own, and it’s pretty challenging to figure out what treatments promote healthy strands. Also, it can be time-consuming to read the ingredients on every hair product to determine if it’s right for you.
Thankfully, oregano oil poses a natural ingredient that can bring life to your hair. Also, oregano oil isn’t nearly as popular as other oils when it comes to skin or hair care. However, it has the potential to keep hair healthy, shiny, and strong.
So, what the surprising benefits of oregano oil for the hair? Whether you’re dealing with uncomfortable scalp issues or want to promote growth, oregano oil has the potential to care for your strands. It also provides other health benefits for the body.
However, keep in mind that essential oils are incredibly potent, including oregano essential oil. It’s vital to understand how to incorporate essential oils into your beauty routine to avoid any adverse reactions.
What Is Oregano Oil?
Oregano oil (check out this pure and organic oregano oil from SVA Organics) is derived from the oregano plant.
It’s important to keep in mind the difference between oregano oil and oregano essential oil. Essential oils are more used in beauty spaces and not for oral consumption.
Surprisingly enough, oregano is from the Origanum vulgare plant and it’s in the mint family.
According to Medical News Today, “Oregano oil contains Carvacrol, the main active compound in oregano oil and a type of antioxidant called a phenol, and Thymol, which may help protect against toxins and fight fungal infections.”
How Is Oregano Oil Made?
Oregano oil can be extracted with various methods, and it usually involves drying these leaves and stems to being pressed. However, this method is most common when producing oregano essential oil rather than pure oregano oil extract.
Healthline states, “Oregano oil extract, on the other hand, can be produced via several extraction methods using compounds like carbon dioxide or alcohol. It’s widely available as a supplement and can be found in pill or capsule form.”
While oregano is often used in culinary practices, its oil form is said to provide numerous health benefits.
The Benefits Of Oregano Oil
Various studies claim that oregano oil can potentially provide a wide range of health benefits. However, it’s still unsure how many of these claims are effective. Regardless, it can instill hope this natural remedy can treat multiple causes.
For example, oregano oil can potentially improve gut health, relieve pain, contain cancer-fighting properties, etc. However, some may argue that it can even offer benefits in beauty-related fields, including hair and skin.
What are some general benefits of oregano oil?
Antibacterial
Oregano oil is said to be antibacterial thanks to its main compound Carvacrol and may be an effective antibiotic.
According to Heathline, “one mouse study found oregano essential oil to be almost as effective as antibiotics against common bacteria, though much more research is needed.” More studies will need to be conducted on humans as well.
However, oregano oil possesses the potential to treat various forms of fungi. For example, yeast infections might be able to be alleviated with the use of oregano oil. It may also relieve concerns like athlete’s foot or infected nails.
Antioxidant Properties
Medical News Today states, “Oregano oil is also a potent antioxidant. Antioxidants help protect the body from damage caused by oxidative stress and free radicals…Thymol and carvacrol are powerful antioxidants that may help reduce oxidation.”
Antioxidants are not only essential to combating certain diseases or illnesses, but they can also provide numerous benefits for the hair, skin, and nails. For example, antioxidants can shield the hair from harsh external environmental factors.
Anti-Inflammatory
Finally, oregano oil has displayed it carries anti-inflammatory properties. Most diseases or illnesses include some form of inflammation. If you have an injury, chances are you’re also dealing with an inflamed area.
Healthline states, “one study directly applied different concentrations of carvacrol to the swollen paws or ears of mice…Oregano oil and its components may help reduce inflammation in mice, though more human studies are needed.”
However, carvacrol may reduce inflammation, especially for those with gut issues.
Benefits Of Oregano Oil For Hair
Oregano oil possesses benefits like being antibacterial and anti-inflammatory and contains antioxidants. However, what can these properties do for our hair? It can be challenging to incorporate a natural ingredient into your hair regimen.
So how can oregano oil help your strands? Oregano oil has the potential to eliminate dandruff, boost hair growth or overall hair health, and alleviate hair conditions such as alopecia.
However, it’s crucial to consider that everyone will react to oregano oil differently. While various studies claim oregano oil’s effectiveness, few studies prove these benefits among humans.
Eliminates Dandruff
Dandruff is not only uncomfortable to deal with, but it can also lower self-esteem. However, oregano oil may be able to help. Dandruff can appear every once in a while in minor cases, but it can also be severe and challenging to eliminate.
Thanks to the antibacterial properties of oregano oil, it may be able to relieve some forms of dandruff. It may provide other soothing components to the scalp to alleviate inflamed areas.
Potentially Treats Alopecia
Do you struggle with Alopecia Areata? While this may be an intense treatment to alleviate, but oregano oil may be able to help. Again, the potential antibacterial and antimicrobial properties of oregano oil may provide benefits for alopecia areata.
One study affirms “the ability of FI-Or-NCu loaded aloe ferox gel could be an effective strategy that would enhance FI release and permeation through skin and maximize its favorable effects in treating alopecia areata.”
However, if you struggle with Alopecia Areata, consult your doctor before beginning any oregano oil based treatments.
Potentially Boosts Hair Growth
Oregano oil can also potentially promote hair growth. There are few known side effects of using oregano oil on the hair, but it’s always wise to conduct a patch test before applying it to the scalp or strands.
We’ve mentioned that oregano oil contains powerful antioxidants that can significantly benefit hair health. Antioxidants are essential to maintain youthful, healthy, and resilient strands.
Even if you don’t notice much hair growth occurring, you may reap other benefits like smoother or shinier strands.
How To Use Oregano Oil
Oregano oil can be used either orally or topically. However, only oregano oil can be safely consumed, not its essential oil counterpart.
So, if you’re looking to use oregano oil for your hair, you’ll focus on using this oil topically to gain the best results.
How you incorporate oregano oil into your routine can be determined if you’re using the extract or essential oil. Regardless, you’ll want to mix your oregano oil into an existing product or carrier oil to avoid any adverse reactions.
Oregano oil can potentially treat dandruff, promote growth, or improve overall hair health.
Mix With A Carrier Oil Or Hair Product
You can achieve the best results for your hair by mixing or unifying oregano oil into another product. However, oregano oil can be potent, and to avoid unnecessary aggravation; you’ll want to dilute your oil, especially for oregano essential oil.
Essential oils are incredibly potent and should never be applied topically to the skin or hair alone. You risk a high chance of the skin or scalp getting irritated if they are.
So, mix essential oil into a carrier oil like jojoba to reduce the risk of irritation and to potentially gain benefits from your oregano essential oil. You can even add a few drops of oregano oil into your shampoo or conditioner of choice.
For Dandruff
How can you treat dandruff with oregano oil? First, you can add a few drops of oregano oil to your shampoo. You may want to test using oregano oil with a regular shampoo before deciding to use it with a medicated shampoo.
Also, if you’re unsure about this DIY treatment, consult your doctor before using it. Then, you can conduct a patch test to ensure you won’t have any adverse reactions. Next, simply use your shampoo mixture as you normally would.
For Hair Growth
Oregano oil can also be used if you’re looking to promote hair growth. One way to do so is by creating a hair and scalp mask. Coconut oil acts as a great hair mask base, and it’s fantastic carrier oil if you are only using oregano essential oil.
You may or may not add other essential oils as you see fit. Conduct a patch test to avoid adverse reactions once your mask mixture is ready to use. Finally, allow the mask to sit for about 20-30 minutes and rinse it.
You can use this mask up to twice a week. As always, consult with a doctor or hairdresser regarding any concerns.
When Will You See Results?
You may be wondering, when will I see results from oregano oil? Unfortunately, there is still little evidence regarding the effects of oregano oil on the hair. Some claims may be anecdotal, but countless studies are still being conducted.
However, like most hair products or treatments, it may take a while to witness any noticeable changes. For example, if you’re using oregano oil to treat dandruff, you may notice a difference within a few uses.
Also, it may take a few months or even up to a year to see any changes if you’re using oregano oil to treat hair loss or promote growth.
Side Effects Of Oregano Oil
All beauty treatments have a price, primarily DIY or natural remedies. While oregano oil is very promising and offers numerous health benefits, it may not be for everyone. Also, consult with a doctor if you’re a good candidate for oregano oil.
Unfortunately, oregano oil does have its risks. For example, oregano oil may trigger allergic reactions or interfere with certain medications.
Skin Irritation
Oregano oil may or may not cause skin irritations. Also, the risk for skin irritation may be high if you’re using oregano essential oils. Essential oils are incredibly potent, and it’s advised to avoid using them on its own.
However, skin irritation can be avoided in some cases. For example, you can conduct a patch test to see if your oregano oil extract or essential oil will be safe for skin and hair.
Burns Internal Tissue
Some versions of oregano oil should never be consumed. For example, oregano essential oil is the most beneficial when used with a carrier oil or topically; it should never be consumed because it can cause extreme harm to your body.
Medical News Today states, “there is significant risk of burning internal tissue if a person takes the oil orally. Always follow the manufacturer’s guidelines.”
Can Interfere With Medications
It will be wise to consult your doctor before using oregano oil for hair, especially if you take medications. Sometimes oregano oil can interfere with medications and cause adverse reactions.
Oregano oil may trigger unknown allergies. Patch tests or consulting with your physician can help determine if you’re potentially allergic to oregano oil.
According to Medical News Today, “Oregano oil can interfere with some medications, including lithium and diuretics.”
Related Questions
We’ve mentioned that oregano oil exists in different forms. For example, you can choose to work with oregano oil extract or oregano essential oil. These oregano oils have other uses or effects.
It’s crucial to know how to properly use each oregano oil to achieve safe and effective results. What’s the difference between oregano oil and oregano essential oil?
Oregano oil and oregano essential oil have some notable differences. First, they are both processed differently. Oregano oil often undergoes several extraction methods, while oregano essential oil takes dried oregano plants and presses them.
Oregano oil extract can be safer to consume, but always follow the manufacturer’s or doctor’s directions. However, oregano essential oil will work best in a diffuser or diluted to be used topically.
You can potentially dilute various oregano oils when you plan to use them for the hair. First, however, conduct a patch test to ensure safety.
Always Consult A Doctor
If you’re looking to take a more natural approach to haircare, consult your physician.
This is crucial, especially if you take specific medications or are prone to allergic reactions. Also, you may be able to find the correct dose of oregano oil for your strands.
It may be helpful to consult a hairdresser who can recommend the best way to incorporate oregano oil or another alternative product.
Final Thoughts
Overall, oregano oil can potentially provide multiple health benefits. For example, it contains antibacterial, anti-inflammatory, and antioxidant properties that can impact your hair. It may also improve gut health or even shield against oxidative stress.
Oregano oil can be used to treat dandruff, alopecia areata, and promote growth. However, there is still little evidence to back up these anecdotal claims. Also, consult with a doctor or conduct a patch test to maintain safety.
Finally, oregano oil is best used when incorporated into another product. For example, mix oregano essential oil with a carrier oil like jojoba. You can also mix oregano oil into your shampoo and conditioner.
Check out the video below from Green Beauty for more information on oregano oil for natural hair.
Related Articles
Best Oils For Low Porosity Hair