Oregano is an incredibly powerful and strong plant! This wonderful herb has many benefits and uses for our health. In this article we will detail the many benefits of oregano and how to use it.
Oregano: The Delight of the Mountain
Oregano is an aromatic and slightly bitter herb of the mint family. The name comes from the Greek meaning "mountain of joy" or "the delight of the mountain". It grows naturally in hot and dry climates (it is native to the Mediterranean). But it is now cultivated in many places in the world.
Oregano is a very tasty herb that is often used in Italian, Greek and Spanish cuisine. It is often used in seasoning blends, including Italian seasoning. It goes well with meats, tomato dishes and eggs.
But the benefits of oregano leaves go far beyond cooking!
Health benefits of oregano
Oregano is becoming increasingly popular as a natural remedy. Its use as a beneficial plant for health goes back centuries. Modern science confirms the reasons for this. It contains high amounts of omega-3, iron, manganese, vitamin K and antioxidants.
Oregano essential oil is well known in the natural health communities for its antibacterial properties. It is even being studied by the mainstream medical community for its potential health benefits.
High level of antioxidants and anti-inflammatory properties
Like fresh herbs, oregano oil contains very high amounts of antioxidants that help fight free radicals. These antioxidants include:
- phenols
- triterpenes
- rosmarinic acid
- ursolic acid
- oleanolic acid
Because of its antioxidants, oregano oil protects against damage from certain drugs, according to a 2015 study.
A 2007 study found that a combination of oregano and thyme essential oils could reduce the production of pro-inflammatory cytokines. If so, the essential oil blend may be helpful in reducing symptoms of inflammatory diseases such as colitis.
Another study published in the journal Experimental and Toxicologic Pathology found that oregano oil could reduce the negative effects of induced colitis in rats. This opens the door to new ideas about its benefits for the colon and liver.
Antimicrobial
Oregano has many antimicrobial properties. A recent study from the Department of Physiology and Biophysics at Georgetown University Medical Center said new antimicrobials are needed to prevent and treat infections. And that essential oils like oregano essential oil could be the solution.
Antibacterial
In an article published in Science Daily, oregano essential oil was found to be effective in killing Staphylococcus bacteria. It was also as effective at killing germs as common prescription antibiotics.
Helps fight parasites
A study published in Phytotherapy Research found that adults suffering from parasites showed significant improvements in their digestive symptoms after using oregano oil.
Helps athletes' feet
Oregano is also antifungal. One study found that of the 11 essential oils tested, oregano was the most powerful against athlete's foot. Combined with salt and heat, the researchers concluded that essential oils (particularly oregano) were a promising treatment.
Stimulates the immune system and fights cancer cells
According to a 2013 study, oregano and other herbs in the Lamiaceae family can help boost the immune system. This could explain the traditional use of oregano for the treatment of diseases. But oregano is more than an immune booster. A study published in Cancer Letters found that a compound in oregano showed promise as a potential cancer cell killer in prostate, breast, skin, leukemia and colon cancers.
Oil of oregano and essential oil of oregano: what is the difference?
This can be a confusing subject! Often when people talk about oregano, they use these terms interchangeably. But each one is slightly different. Here's how to do it:
- Oregano oil is an oil (often olive oil) that is infused with oregano. This oil can be used for medicinal purposes. But it is most often used for culinary purposes.
- Oregano essential oil (like all essential oils) is distilled from plant material and is incredibly concentrated.
Essential oils should never be used (especially ingested) undiluted. Topical use of oregano essential oils should also be diluted.
How to use oregano?
Oregano has many uses in the home:
- Recipes
- Homemade Italian seasoning
- Herbal mouthwash
- Ointment for cracked heels
- Homemade herb and spice mixes
Uses of dried or fresh oregano
It can be consumed as a culinary herb, tincture, tea or diluted essential oil.
Dried oregano, in combination with other dried herbs such as basil, rosemary, and thyme, can create an effective facial steam to decongest and soothe a cough.
Use of essential oils of oregano
The diluted oil can be consumed to speed up recovery in case of illness.
Oregano essential oil can be used on skin infections to stimulate healing.
It can be mixed with coconut oil as part of an oil extraction routine for healthy gums.
Diluted in a vegetable oil, oregano essential oil taken internally can help in case of allergies.
Oregano essential oil diluted in olive oil can be rubbed on muscle and joint pain to relieve pain.
It can be diluted for effective use on athletes' feet and fungal infections.
Because oregano has such strong antimicrobial properties, it can help treat many internal and external infections.
Some important notes
- Oregano likes warm, dry climates and full sun.
- Buy seeds or get instant gratification and buy seedlings.
- As they grow, pinch off the leaves to encourage a bushier plant.
- Harvesting oregano is also simple. Harvest the leaves as you need them and dry them for storage.
Is oregano safe?
Oil of oregano is not generally considered safe to use during pregnancy.
If you meet any of the following conditions, talk to your doctor before using oregano, as it may not be safe for you:
Due to its very potent nature, oregano essential oil should always be diluted for use on the skin or when taken internally. You should always consult your doctor before taking any herbs or starting a health routine.
What is your favorite use for oregano? As a spice or as a natural remedy? Share below!
Sources
Effects of a combination of thyme and oregano essential oils on TNBS-induced colitis in mice. (n.d.). Retrieved from https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC2233768/. benefits of oregano.
Force, M., Sparks, W. S., & Ronzio, R. A. (2000, May). Inhibition of enteric parasites by emulsified oregano oil in vivo. Retrieved from https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/10815019
Inouye, S., Uchida, K., Nishiyama, Y., Hasumi, Y., Yamaguchi, H., & Abe, S. (n.d.). Combined effect of heat, essential oils and salt on the fungicidal activity against Trichophyton mentagrophytes in a foot bath. Retrieved from https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/17287720. benefits of oregano
Dietary supplementation with two Lamiaceae herbs (oregano and sage) modulates innate immunity parameters in Lumbricus terrestris. (n.d.). Retrieved from frolivom.https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC3579013/
Johnson, J. J. (June 01, 2011). Carnosol: A Promising Anti-Cancer and Anti-Inflammatory Agent Retrieved from https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/21382660. benefits of oregano