Researchers have discovered that a natural substance found in oregano could well prove to be a worthy opponent in fighting what’s often called ‘winter vomiting disease’.

Researchers have discovered that a natural substance found in oregano oil could well prove to be a worthy opponent in fighting what’s often called ‘winter vomiting disease’.

The malady is technically a case of having been hit by the norovirus, which causes bouts of vomiting and diarrhea.

Oregano oil, it seems, has the power to compromise the virus’s tough outer protein shell so other antimicrobial agents can be more effective in conquering it.

The bad news is that simply eating an oregano-laden pizza won’t do the trick.

For the herb to be effective, only its carvacrol-rich essential oil will do.

Further, the carvacrol is best used as a preventative sanitizer, not a remedy.

The good news is now that its powers are known, more effective germ-killing products can be made.

Once the carvacrol breaks the exterior layer of the norovirus down, then antimicrobials can do a faster and better job.

It could also prove helpful as a cleaning agent in places like hospitals and schools where stronger chemicals are sometimes not advised.

Carvacrol is also considered safe enough to be sprayed directly onto food.