Everything You Didn’t Know about Magnesium & Oil of Oregano!
What is known as oregano, the plant, is actually composed of at least 61 species and 17 genera which belong to 6 different botanical families. Oil of oregano, the essential oil derived from the plant, has been used for centuries in folk medicine and today is still used to aid in human health!
Essential oils generally speaking are “complex mixtures of volatile compounds that are present in aromatic plants. These compounds can be isolated from distinct anatomic parts of the plants mainly by distillation or pressing.”
Recent studies have shown perhaps what folk healers have thought for generations, which is that oils of oregano can be used for their “antimicrobial…antiviral and antifungal properties.”
Let’s explore what that means!
The most common compounds found in oregano are thymol and carvacrol. Studies have shown that carvacrol can be utilized in fighting a bacteria called Staphylococcus aureus, that nasty bug which can contaminate meat and dairy products, otherwise known as the primary cause of foodborne illness worldwide. Additionally, researchers have found that oregano oil can treat SIBO (small intestinal bacterial overgrowth), which is a digestive condition.
Researchers in recent years have also found that these compounds are also wicked strong antioxidants, anti-inflammatory, antidiabetic and cancer suppressing agents.
What is inflammation? Inflammation is the human body’s natural response to damage of the tissue, “infections and chemical or physical agents.” Once inflammation occurs, inflammatory mediators are triggered. Cytokines, prostaglandins, enzymes and nitric oxide are some examples of inflammatory mediators.
When inflammation is in overload, and there is an overproduction of mediators, this can lead to illness including arthritis, atherosclerosis and cancer. Thus it’s important to inhibit such mediators when treating an inflammatory disease.
Since oil of oregano has shown to have anti-inflammatory properties, when used topically, it has shown to reduce acne by clearing up blemishes. Oral antibiotics can cause a slew of side effects which is why some consider oil of oregano to be a safer, alternative option. Other topical uses include wound treatment as oil of oregano is antibacterial.
In addition to being antimicrobial, antiviral, anti-inflammatory and antidiabetic, oil of oregano has proven to be antifungal and an antioxidant. Antioxidants stop free radicals from causing cellular damage which can ultimately lead to cancer.
Amongst these benefits, oil of oregano has even been discovered to reduce LDL, also known as “bad cholesterol.” Too much bad cholesterol can lead to heart disease as it’s one of the primary causes of clogged arteries.
We’re not done yet! Oil of oregano is also used commonplace to aid in digestion issues including belly cramps, bloating and IBS. It’s carvacrol, previously mentioned, that aids in relieving digestive discomfort caused by bacteria.
Lastly, oil of oregano can be a friend to you if you’re fighting a yeast or fungal infection as it’s antifungal. Used topically, oil of oregano could be used to treat a toenail infection even, due to thymol.
You don’t want to be underprepared – get your bottle of oil of oregano today!
***While oil of oregano has been proven to aid in human health, always consult your health practitioner before beginning a supplement.***
Links:
https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC6152729/
https://www.webmd.com/diet/oregano-oil-good-for-you
https://www.goodrx.com/well-being/supplements-herbs/oregano-oil-benefits
The Magic of Magnesium!
Magnesium is essential to many human bodily functions, however it does not produce it on its own. Let’s explore what it is, what it’s good for, and how to consume it!
Unfortunately as many as 50 percent of the US adult population is deficient in the mineral, magnesium. This is important to note as magnesium is part of over 300 different enzyme processes which assist biochemical reactions in the human body. Some of these processes include energy production, muscle and nerve function, blood pressure regulation and heart
rhythm and even bone structure.
This deficiency is even more common in women and older adults. Additionally, magnesium levels are also often not examined in routine bloodwork. As Dana Habash-Bseiso, MD states, “if people are experiencing certain symptoms and/or take medications that can affect magnesium absorption such as proton pump inhibitors (PPIs) like Prilosec and Nexium or diuretics (water pills) we will order blood tests to check their magnesium levels.” So, what are some tell-tale signs of magnesium deficiency, and what’s the best way to go about getting enough magnesium?
Symptoms of magnesium deficiency can include:
● fatigue, muscle weakness
● loss of appetite
● nausea
● headaches
● constipation
● chest pain
● numbness or tingling and muscle cramps
● abnormal heart rhythms
● low energy
● insomnia
● diarrhea or vomiting
Dartmouth Health Obstetrician Gynecologist, Dr. Emily A. Donelan recommends supplements to women for a number of conditions “not infrequently,” she states.
Dr. Donelan has found magnesium supplements to be a safe option for pregnant women experiencing recurrent migraines and even sleep disturbance. “I would say the data is not great on sleep, but if I have a patient who has headaches, constipation and sleep disturbances–which a lot of women in menopause or perimenopause do–it can sometimes help with all of those things. There’s also some data to suggest that magnesium can help with dysmenorrhea, or painful periods, which I have used it for.”
On a more serious note, it’s possible for deficiency to lead to seizures, alterations in mood and subtle changes to one’s personality.
In terms of meeting an optimal level of magnesium, the best route to take is to eat a well- balanced diet. In various foods, it is a micronutrient, which means the human body needs to consume it in smaller amounts.
So where can magnesium naturally be found? Here’s a helpful list of go-to foods for magnesium consumption!
● Brazil nuts
● Spinach
● Pumpkin seeds
● Black beans
● Almonds
● Cashews
● Dried figs
● Dark Chocolate
● Avocados
● Tofu
● Salmon
● Banana
● Raspberries/Blackberries
In the busy nature of our culture, it can be difficult to reach a well balanced diet, so that’s where a supplement can come in handy. As with any supplement, you always want to take it under the care of a healthcare professional. It is possible to take too much magnesium, to the point where you’ve reached a level of toxicity. This can lead to diarrhea and low blood pressure. So talk to your healthcare provider before beginning anything.
https://www.uhhospitals.org/blog/articles/2022/09/the-surprising-health-benefits-of-magnesium
https://www.dartmouth-hitchcock.org/stories/article/are-magnesium-supplements-good-you
