Oregano Oil - A Great Remedy For Arthritis

Arthritis is a chronic condition that is characterized by the inflammation of the joint usually accompanied with pain and loss of mobility. It is the most common musculoskeletal disease in the world and it mostly affects those who are 55 years old and above. There are many types of arthritis but the most common are rheumatoid arthritis, osteoarthritis and gouty arthritis.

This condition is usually treated by following a controlled diet, application of special medications and specific joint exercises or physical therapy. The typical medication give to arthritis sufferers are NSAIDs or non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs to relieve the pain. They can be injected directly to the joint to obtain temporary pain relief. There are different forms of therapy used to increase the flexibility of the joints and muscles. These include hydrotherapy, relaxation therapy and mobilization therapy. It is commonly believed that this condition is incurable therefore these medical interventions aim only to reduce the effects of the condition but not to totally cure it.

However, there is an organic substance which was found to have longer positive effects when tested with patients who have arthritis. This is oregano oil, sourced from the Mediterranean wild oregano plant Origanum vulgare.

In the past centuries, this wild plant was used by the ancient Greeks for treating their common maladies such as skin diseases, respiratory ailments and digestive problems. Modern science has found that the essential oil taken from the leaves of this plant contains many beneficial substances that make it effective as an antimicrobial agent. It has plenty of phytochemicals, phenols and flavonoids, chief of which are carvacrol and thymol. There are also significant amounts of minerals, vitamins and important trace elements. No wonder, it is now being used in alternative medicine as an anti fungal, anti parasitic, anti bacterial and anti viral agent.

It is the carvacrol content of oregano oil that makes it effective for arthritis treatment. Scientists have found that this particular agent has effective anti inflammatory properties. In addition, it is also an effective substance that can reduce pain. This is perfect for arthritic patients since these are the two most serious conditions that they suffer. One of the studies has found that its pain relieving capability can be compared to morphine.

In this regard, oregano oil is one of the best treatments for arthritis for the simple reason that it is the best source of carvacrol. The true Mediterranean oregano oil has about 60% to 80% of carvacrol.