Using Oil Of Oregano for Dogs
What is Oil of Oregano?
Oil of oregano is a highly concentrated oil that is extracted from the leaves of the oregano plant. The plant, which is native to the Mediterranean region, has been used for thousands of years in traditional medicine to treat a wide range of health issues. The oil is made by steam distilling the leaves of the plant, which produces a concentrated liquid that contains the plant's active compounds.
What are the Common Uses of Oil of Oregano?
Oil of oregano has a wide range of uses and is commonly used as a natural remedy for a variety of health issues. Some of the most common uses include:
Digestive Issues: Oil of oregano is often used to help relieve digestive issues, such as bloating, gas, and indigestion. It is believed to help stimulate the production of digestive juices and enzymes, which can improve digestion and reduce symptoms.
Respiratory Problems: The oil is also commonly used to treat respiratory problems, such as coughs, colds, and flu. It is believed to have antibacterial and antiviral properties that can help fight off respiratory infections.
Infections: Oil of oregano is also used as a natural remedy for infections, including fungal infections, bacterial infections, and parasitic infections. It is believed to have powerful antimicrobial properties that can help fight off harmful bacteria and fungi.
Skin Conditions: The oil is also used topically to treat a variety of skin conditions, including acne, psoriasis, and eczema. It is believed to have anti-inflammatory properties that can help reduce inflammation and irritation on the skin.
How Does the Oil of Oregano Differ from Oregano Essential Oil?
Although oil of oregano and oregano essential oil are both derived from the same plant, they differ in their composition and uses.
Oil of Oregano is less concentrated/powerful than an essential oil.
Oil of Oregano is steam distilled from the leaves of the plant, and may be in diluted form when bottled into large bottles of essential oil. It may go through several extraction processes and may be distilled with alcohol or other compounds. There may be unknown quality control factors. Oil of Oregano usually includes other oils like Olive Oil — the question then becomes about quality, rancidity, dilution amount, etc.
Oregano Essential Oil is steam distilled from the leaves and shoots. And a good quality essential oil is only distilled once and good brands have significant control of growth process/practices, harvesting, etc.
Oregano essential oil is highly concentrated and is often used for aromatherapy purposes. It is believed to have antibacterial, antifungal, and antiviral properties that can help boost the immune system and fight off infections. Pure essential oil of highly trusted quality has been deemed GRAS: Generally Recognized as Safe for ingestion when used with proper dilution, duration and purpose.
Using Oil of Oregano For Dogs
When using oil of oregano for dogs be sure you are diluting it, and much like an essential oil, using a fatty carrier oil. Most brands will already include the carrier.
You will find people suggesting to you to use Oil of Oregano in your dog’s food. That’s a risk because we don’t always know the quality of the brands, and they have not likely been tested on pets. We don’t even know the ratio of oregano in the bottle sometimes. Though there may be countless dog mamas out there telling you it’s ok. I cannot ensure that. Even the olive oil base can go rancid before you use the product and labeling practices may not give you all the detail. So even though I do support ingesting essential oils when appropriate — I do not support or recommend ingesting Oil of Oregano.
Other possible uses may include: homemade toothpaste or oral care, cleaning your dog’s ears, or ointments and salves to promote skin healing.
In conclusion, oil of oregano is a natural remedy that has been used for centuries to treat a variety of health issues. It is believed to have powerful antimicrobial and anti-inflammatory properties that can help fight off infections, improve digestion, and reduce inflammation. If you are interested in using oil of oregano, it is important to consult with a healthcare professional to determine the appropriate dosage and usage for your specific needs.