<blockquote>Quote<br><hr><i>Originally posted by: <b>Anonymous</b></i><br>Hi my name is Rich I am 35 w/ CF. I'm in Phoenix, AZ
I noticed the things you were saying about these oregano oils. I'm always trying new things but havent really found anything thats worked that great. The last thing I did was Ambrotose with not much noticeable results. I would like to get more info as to what these olis are, where to get them and how exactly to use them. You also mentioned something about monolaurin is that something different than the oils and do you take them together? I look forward to hearing from you. Can you please write me at richzandlo@cox.net<hr></blockquote>
Here ya go:
(good FAQ)
http://www.thepowermall.com/oreganoproducts/faq.htm#1
Information from one of the natural medical databases I belong to (though doesn't emphasize CF application, and is about oregano in general, not sure if it's discussing oreganum vulgare - the plant that we take the oil from):
OREGANO
Also Known As: return to top
Carvacrol, Dostenkraut, European Oregano, Mediterranean Oregano, Mountain Mint, Oil of Oregano, Oregano Oil, Organy, Origani vulgaris herba, Origano, Origanum, Phytoprogestin, Wild Marjoram, Winter Marjoram, Wintersweet.
CAUTION: See separate listing for Marjoram.
Scientific Name: return to top
Origanum vulgare.
Family: Lamiaceae/Labiatae.
People Use This For: return to top
Orally, oregano is used for respiratory tract disorders such as coughs, asthma, croup, and bronchitis. Oregano is also used orally for gastrointestinal disorders, such as dyspepsia and bloating. It is also used orally for dysmenorrhea, rheumatoid arthritis, urinary tract disorders including urinary tract infections (UTIs), headaches, and heart conditions. The oil of oregano is also used orally for intestinal parasites, allergies, sinusitis, arthritis, cold and flu, earaches, and fatigue.
Topically, oregano oil is used for acne, athlete's foot, dandruff, insect and spider bites, canker sores, gum disease, toothaches, psoriasis, seborrhea, ringworm, rosacea, muscle pain, varicose veins, and warts. It is also used topically as an insect repellent.
In foods and beverages, oregano is used as a culinary spice and a food preservative.
Safety: return to top
LIKELY SAFE ...when used orally in amounts commonly found in foods. Oregano leaf and oil have Generally Recognized as Safe (GRAS) status in the US (4912).
POSSIBLY SAFE ...when used orally or topically and appropriately in medicinal amounts (12).
There is insufficient reliable information available about the safety of oregano oil when used in medicinal amounts.
PREGNANCY: POSSIBLY UNSAFE ...when used orally in medicinal amounts. Oregano is thought to have abortifacient and emmenagogue effects (19,7122).
LACTATION: There is insufficient reliable information available about the safety of oregano when used in medicinal amounts while nursing.
Effectiveness: return to top
POSSIBLY EFFECTIVE
Intestinal parasitic infection. Taking the emulsified oil of oregano orally 200 mg three times daily for 6 weeks can eradicate the parasites Blastocystis hominis, Entamoeba hartmanni, and Endolimax nana from the stools of infected patients (6878).
There is insufficient reliable information available about the effectiveness of oregano for its other uses.
Mechanism of Action: return to top
The applicable part of oregano is the leaf and oil. Oregano contains the constituents carvacrol and thymol which have anthelmintic, fungicidal, and irritant properties (2129). The essential oil is thought to have diuretic, expectorant, and antispasmodic properties. It might also stimulate bile production (11). Oregano oil also has in vitro activity against a variety of common gram positive and gram negative organisms, including Acinetobacter calcoacetica, Enterococcus faecalis, Escherichia coli, Klebsiella pneumoniae, Pseudomonas aeruginosa, Salmonella species, Serratia marcescens, Staphylococcus aureus, and the yeast Candida albicans (316,2129,2130,3702,3703,3704). The carvacrol and thymol constituents also inhibit bacterial growth, with additive or possibly synergistic activity in oregano oil (2130). Carvacrol has a bacteriocidal effect on Bacillus cereus, a common food pathogen, by altering bacterial membrane permeability (165). Oregano oil seems to inhibit the growth intestinal parasites in vivo (6878). There is preliminary evidence that oregano may contain phytoprogestins that bind the progesterone receptor (3701).
Adverse Reactions: return to top
Orally, large amounts of oregano can cause gastrointestinal upset. Concentrated, non-emulsified oil of oregano can cause localized irritation of the gastrointestinal tract (6878). Oregano might also cause systemic allergic reactions (3705). Individuals allergic to Lamiaceae family plants including basil, hyssop, lavender, marjoram, mint, and sage, might also demonstrate an allergic reaction to oregano (3705).
Interactions with Herbs & Supplements: return to top
None known.
Interactions with Drugs: return to top
None known.
Interactions with Foods: return to top
None known.
Interactions with Lab Tests: return to top
None known.
Interactions with Diseases or Conditions: return to top
CROSS-ALLERGENICITY: Oregano can cause reactions in people allergic to Lamiaceae family plants, including basil, hyssop, lavender, marjoram, mint, and sage (3705).
Dosage/Administration: return to top
ORAL: For intestinal parasitic infection, emulsified oil of oregano has been used in a dose of 200 mg three times daily for 6 weeks (6878). Traditionally, a typical dose is one cup of tea. To make tea, steep 1 heaping teaspoon of leaf in 250 mL boiling water 10 minutes, strain. Tea may be sweetened with honey (18).
TOPICAL: No typical dosage. Traditionally, unsweetened tea is used as a gargle or mouthwash (18). To use oregano as a bath additive, steep 100 grams dried leaf in 1 L water for 10 minutes, strain, and add to a full bath (18).
Comments: return to top
Oregano oil has been tested as an insect repellent for Culicodoides imicola, a pathogen-bearing species of insects commonly known as no-see-ums or biting midges. Oregano oil is not as effective as DEET for protecting horses (and presumably, people) from C. imicola (2119).
http://www.findarticles.com/p/articles/mi_m0NAH/is_7_32/ai_91563260
http://www.thewolfeclinic.com/oregano.html
http://www.ghchealth.com/oil-of-oregano-benefits.php
http://www.vrp.com/art/1185.asp
http://www.bytheplanet.com/Neem/WhatIsNeem/thewonderoils.htm