Oregano and Thyme Oil for Cough and Cold Season

Today’s overuse of antibiotics and antibacterial cleaners has led to more aggressive pathogens, while weakening our immune defenses. Fortunately, nature provides safe, traditional solutions, and two standouts are oregano oil and thyme oil.

Oregano Oil: A Powerful Plant-Based Antiseptic 

• Botanical source: Origanum vulgare, grown in the high mountains of the Mediterranean
• Rich in minerals and used traditionally for centuries
• Key compound: Carvacrol, a natural phenol and the major active ingredient
• Historical note: W.H. Martindale called oregano oil “the most powerful plant-derived antiseptic known.”¹

Research Highlights:

• In comparative studies, essential oils were found to be significantly more effective than antibiotics at killing moulds and staphylococci²

Thyme Oil: Traditional Respiratory and Digestive Support

• Like oregano, thyme (Thymus vulgaris) is rich in carvacrol and other phenols
• Traditionally used across Europe and the Mediterranean for respiratory and digestive concerns

Traditional Uses of Thyme in Herbal Medicine³:

According to Health Canada’s NHPD monograph, thyme is:

• Used as an expectorant to relieve symptoms of bronchitis and mucus buildup in the upper respiratory tract (anti-catarrh)
• Used to help relieve coughs (spasmolytic)
• Used to relieve indigestion, flatulent dyspepsia, and colic (carminative)

These uses are supported by authorities, including the European Medicines Agency (EMA) and ESCOP.

How Oregano and Thyme Oil Work Together

• Often used together in liquid form, diluted in olive oil
• Users report a warm, soothing sensation on the throat when taken orally
• Offer a wide spectrum of properties:
  • Antiviral
  • Antibacterial
  • Antifungal
  • Antioxidant

Anti-Inflammatory Potential

• A 2010 study showed thyme oil high in carvacrol reduced COX-2 enzymes, linked to inflammation⁴
• Benefits are comparable to other well-known antioxidant compounds

Carvacrol: The Star Compound

Found in both oregano and thyme, carvacrol has been studied for a wide range of properties⁵:

• Antimicrobial
• Antispasmodic
• Analgesic
• Antioxidant
• Hepatoprotective
• Gastrointestinal support

Orega Supreme: Trusted Essential Oils in Liquid Form

Orega Supreme from Health First is a high-quality liquid blend of oregano and thyme oils, combined with certified organic extra virgin olive oil.

Key Features:

• High Carvacrol Content:
  • Oregano oil: minimum 80% carvacrol
  • Thyme oil: over 63% carvacrol
  • Combined: over 20% more total carvacrol than the Orega First formula
• Low in Thymol:
  • Less than 2% in both oils, making it suitable for oral use
• Pure and Tested:
  • No synthetic phenols (e.g., carbolic acid)
  • Free from additives and chemicals
• Wild and Organic:
  • Harvested by hand in the eastern Mediterranean
  • Soil and carrier oil certified organic by ECOCERT^®
• Easy to Use:
  • Can be taken directly or diluted in water if too strong

When to Use Orega Supreme

This liquid oregano and thyme oil formula can be used orally to support the body during:

• Coughs and colds
• Sinus congestion
• Sore throat
• Bronchitis
• Immune support
• Gum and tooth discomfort
• Digestive upset (gas, indigestion, diarrhea)
• Gastrointestinal parasites
• Bad breath caused by oral microbes
• Antioxidant protection

Oregano and thyme oils offer time-tested support for respiratory and digestive health. With its high carvacrol content and organic ingredients, Health First Orega Supreme provides a simple, natural option for those looking to support their wellness during cough and cold season.

References:
1. http://www.articlesbase.com/health-articles/oil-of-oregano-nature-208071.html
2. Belaiche, P. Traité de Phytothérapie et d’Aromathérapie – Tome 1. Paris : Maloine S.A. Éditeur, 1979.
3. Health Canada. Natural Health Products Directorate (NHPD) Monograph: Thyme – Oral. Date of preparation: December 2, 2008. References cited in the monograph include: European Medicines Agency (EMA) 2014; Bradley 2006; Mills and Bone 2005; ESCOP 2003; Hoffmann 2003; Blumenthal et al. 2000.
4. Mariko Hotta, Rieko Nakata, Michiko Katsukawa, Kazuyuki Hori, Saori Takahashi, and Hiroyasu Inoue. Carvacrol, a component of thyme oil, activates PPAR-gamma and suppresses COX-2 expression. Journal of Lipid Research, January 2010.
5. Husnu Can Baser. Biological and Pharmacological Activities of Carvacrol and Carvacrol-Bearing Essential Oils. Anadolu University, Faculty of Pharmacy, Department of Pharmacognosy, 26470 Eskisehir, Turkey.

---