Just Ask Terry-February 22, 2013

Q. Dear Terry, “We recently adopted a cat 3 months ago. We have been working with the vet to treat a long-standing yeast infection in his ears. We have tried everything! I feel so bad for this guy; he finally has a home………now to get him healthy.  Thank you for any suggestions.” — Jane P., Green Bay, WI

A. Dear Jane, The first thing to do for a cat with chronic yeast is to put him on a grain free diet. You must be vigilant and pay close attention to the labels, as even canned food can have grains.

My other suggestion would be to use oregano oil topically on his ears.  You want to use a highly concentrated, encapsulated form of Moroccan oregano oil. This rare form of oregano has been used traditionally for generations. Research shows that the powerful plant phenols in Moroccan Oregano (Origanum compactum) show antioxidant activity and are also known for their antibacterial, antiviral, and antifungal activity.

When choosing a product, look for one that features concentrated plant oils which have been laboratory tested to accurately identify elements of their natural chemical composition. Unlike essential oils used for massage and aromatherapy, these plant oils are tested and “fingerprinted” based on specific molecular makeup, species, marker compounds, purity and safety for internal medicinal use. The extraordinary potency of these tested plant oils allows for relatively low doses, but very powerful health benefits.

Just pierce a softgel with a pin and squeeze 2-3 drops in each ear.  If you purchase oil that is not encapsulated, you should dilute it in another oil such as olive or sesame seed oil before applying topically. In that case, I recommend using 2-3 drops of oregano per tablespoon of oil. Make sure to rub it in well. We have two Australian Shepherds that we use different oils on for different conditions and they do extremely well. I think this should work out well for you.  Please let me know.

Healthy Regards!

Terry . . . Naturally

Tags: Antibacterial, antiviral, cat, Children and Pets, chronic yeast, ear infection, ears, grain free diet, moroccan oregano oil, oregano oil, Origanum compactum, pets, yeast infection

Newsletter - October 14, 2011

There’s no denying it – we’re coming up on cold and flu season. Chances are pretty high that we, or someone we love, will be at risk of a viral illness that affects the ears, the nose and/or the throat. Bacterial and viral infections inevitably follow cooler, damp weather, reduced sunlight exposure, and greater concentrations of people congregating indoors. If you’re like me, you don’t want to deal with over-the-counter drug approaches that leave you feeling almost as bad as colds or the flu does, or deal with their dangerous adverse effects.

Tags: Antibacterial, antimicrobial, Bio-Typed oil, Bio-Typing, carvacrol, cold season, E. coli, ear, essential oil, Flu, Moroccan oregano, nose, oregano, oregano oil, Origanum compactum, staph infections, throat, thymol

Weekly Articles-October 14, 2011

There’s no denying it – we’re coming up on cold and flu season. Chances are pretty high that we, or someone we love, will be at risk of a viral illness that affects the ears, the nose and/or the throat. Bacterial and viral infections inevitably follow cooler, damp weather, reduced sunlight exposure, and greater concentrations of people congregating indoors. If you’re like me, you don’t want to deal with over-the-counter drug approaches that leave you feeling almost as bad as colds or the flu does, or deal with their dangerous adverse effects.

Fortunately, there’s a botanical oil that is one of nature’s strongest antibiotics. Traditionally, it’s been used for generations and now, current research shows that it may be as strong – if not stronger – than many anti-bacterial drugs – without the risky side effects.

A Pharmacy Unto Itself

One of the best natural ingredients for ear, nose and throat infections, and one that I recommend heartily, is Moroccan oregano oil.

While most of the oregano oil supplements sold in the United States use the species Origanum vulgare, Moroccan oregano, (Origanum compactum) has been used traditionally in Moroccan medicine for generations. In more recent years, the reason for this has been made known – it is practically a pharmacy unto itself. Especially when provided in a form called a “Bio-Typed” oil.

Bio-Typed plant oils are oils that have been examined and certified to be the correct plant species and correct key compounds, and are extremely concentrated. In fact, they are up to 100 times more concentrated than herbal extracts.

Current studies in Europe found that Bio-Typed Moroccan oregano oil is very effective for treating colds, sore throats, sinusitis, retinitis, and dermatological disorders. That’s because oregano oil is a strong antibacterial and antimicrobial ingredient. The popularity of oregano is gaining in research centers in the United States, too, and studies have been conducted at Georgetown, Cornell, and the University of Tennessee. Research points to one especially potent compound found in Origanum compactum, called carvacrol. Studies on a wide variety of diseases are extremely promising. Experts believe that all the compounds in this Bio-Typed oil work synergistically, suggesting that the whole oil extract is more powerful than just extracting a key ingredient.

In Moroccan research, the antimicrobial activity of Origanum compactum has been very impressive. It shows strong results against Staphylococcus aureus (the major cause of staph infections) and Escherichia coli (a cause of serious food poisoning). Considering the damage these bacteria cause each year, from skin irritation to emergency room treatment, this is good news. It is more evidence of the herb’s amazing value to natural medicine.

At Georgetown University, researchers concluded that oregano oil used alone or in combination with monolaurin (which can be derived from coconut oil) is highly effective against bacteria, including E. coli and H. pylori (responsible for chronic gastritis and ulcers). The authors concluded that due to the safety record of these natural interventions, oregano oil might help prevent
and treat severe bacterial infections, especially those that are difficult to treat or are resistant to antibiotic drugs.

Considering how overused antibiotics have become (and as a result, virtually useless in some applications), this news proves again that much of what we really need can be found in nature.

In addition to this already impressive list of abilities, oregano oil is also a powerful parasitic expellant, is valuable as a food preservative, and has been used to decontaminate foods from potentially harmful pathogens.

Researchers have even investigated more intensive uses for Origanum compactum. In a comparison of traditional botanicals native to Morocco, it appeared to have an inhibitory effect on breast cancer cells. While further study is necessary, this indicates an exciting application of this widely-used medicinal plant.

Finding the Right Dose

A strong Bio-Typed oil is good – but more isn’t necessarily better. Generally, taking 150 mg per day of Origanum compactum Bio-Typed plant oil is perfect. Scientific research in Europe has found a dosage in this range to be highly effective and free of side effects. For a short period of time – no more than 7 to 10 days – you can boost that amount to one, 150 mg softgel three times a day, but higher dosages aren’t generally necessary.

The most potent and perfect blend of active components in oregano, the carvacrol and thymol, are found in the compactum species. Although most oregano supplements use the vulgare species, I’d recommend compactum (Moroccan oregano) as the best.

You can fight back against the threats of seasonal colds, flus, and bacterial infections without having to resort to drugs with risky side-effects. Natural, effective, and powerful, Moroccan oregano is one of nature’s perfect botanicals. It’s truly a pharmacy unto itself.

Tags: Antibacterial, antimicrobial, bio-typed plant oils, Bio-Typing, carvacrol, cold season, E. coli, ear, essential oil, Flu, Immune and Respiratory Health, Moroccan oregano, nose, oregano, oregano oil, Origanum compactum, staph infections, throat, thymol