If you're dealing with colds, flu or now coronavirus, one of the most effective natural treatments is oregano(1,2). In certain situations, it may even be an effective alternative to antibiotics(3). Oregano, for example, is effective against pneumonia caused by streptococcus, a pathogenic bacterium(4). Unlike some antibiotics, oregano does not cause bacterial resistance. Because of this, oregano is sometimes used in combination with chemical molecules against certain bacteria, notably Escherichia coli(5).
The other advantage of oregano, or origanum vulgare as the botanists call it, is that it's a Mediterranean plant, easy to grow and inexpensive.
Oregano: an effective remedy for infections of all kinds
Oregano, a powerful antiseptic
L’origan est un puissant antiseptique qui est à la fois antibactérien, antiviral et antifongique. Il aide donc votre corps à se débarrasser des virus, des mauvaises bactéries et des champignons.
Oregano has anti-inflammatory properties
It is also recommended for its anti-inflammatory properties, which enable it to modulate your immune system's response to aggression(6). This enables your body to adjust its response to a threat and avoid over-reacting and over-producing cytokines.
Oregano is an antioxidant
This means it fights cell aging and the negative effects of oxygen(7). Antioxidant remedies or foods are important to help your body neutralize the free radicals produced by the burning of oxygen in your mitochondria, your body's energy power plants(8).
Oregano, a plant with powerful essences
Oregano's strength lies in its ability to act on different fronts. This is a characteristic often found in medicinal plants, and is linked to the fact that they contain various active molecules, and that these molecules can interact to produce new effects. Oregano in particular contains terpenes, which are natural hydrocarbons most often found in conifers(9).
Oregano contains 5 terpenes in particular:
1. Carvacrol is the most characteristic essence of oregano: it is an effective bactericide, annihilating Escherichia coli, for example. It is sometimes used as a natural food additive for this reason(10).
2. Thymol, which, as the name suggests, is found in thyme. It is an antifungal and antibacterial molecule. The Egyptians used it to embalm their mummies. But above all, it's a natural molecule useful for coughs and sore throats(11).
3. Borneol is indicated for respiratory and pulmonary infections. It is also anti-cancer and neuroprotective. It facilitates the regeneration of brain tissue. It is also a stress-reliever. Finally, it is an analgesic and anaesthetic: it moderates inflammation(12).
4. Pinene acts on the brain. It improves alertness and (short-term) memory. It may lower anxiety levels(13).
5. Terpineol: a relaxing essence whose sedative and analgesic effects make it an ally for sleep. It reduces nervousness and anxiety. It is also useful for clearing the respiratory tract. It protects the stomach and intestines. It is anti-inflammatory. It also has an antibacterial and antiviral effect(14).
Oregano is also good for the digestive system
All these substances make oregano a plant that protects the body's mucous membranes and boosts your immunity(1,2). Herbalists consider oregano to be active against :
- asthma,
- bronchitis,
- respiratory infections and colds(1).
- But origanum vulgare is also said to be excellent for the digestive system, soothing and protecting it(1).
It combats gastritis, colitis, flatulence and diverticula(1).
Finally, the painkillers it contains mean that it is sometimes recommended for migraines, muscular or joint pain.
Oregano in the kitchen: prevention and joie de vivre
One of the easiest ways to enjoy oregano is to regularly add fresh or dried flowering tops to your dishes(15,16). From May to September, fresh oregano is readily available from your local market gardener.
However, fresh oregano is much more fragrant than dried. You can use just a little(15).
How to cook with oregano?
You can also store it in the freezer for the winter. To do so, wash, dry and place in a plastic bag(15). Oregano is excellent for all your pizzas, tarts and pissaladières(15,16).
But it can also be used to flavour zucchinis or eggplants stuffed with vegetables, meat or both.
It goes well with cheese and enhances the taste of spreads(15,16).
You can also add them to your salads.
It can also be used to flavour olive oil, vinegar, homemade tomato sauces and even butter!
Regular consumption of oregano boosts your immune system and protects votre système digestif.
A healing and soothing infusion
If you wish to use it as a remedy, oregano should first be taken as a decoction(1).
- Take one tablespoon of flowering tops per cup of water and pour into a saucepan(1).
- Fill the pan with cold water and bring to the boil.
- Boil for 3 minutes.
- Then leave to infuse for 10 minutes.
Decoctions are used for roots, rhizomes, barks or hardier plants. This process extracts more of the plant's active ingredients(17).
How to prepare oregano powder?
You can also eat oregano powder. The leaves will have been dried and ground into a powder(1). In this case, you can take one or two level teaspoons with a small glass of water(1).
This remedy is useful for respiratory ailments or for treating les troubles digestifs.
L'origan sous huile essentielle : décapante à utiliser avec précaution
L' is by far the most powerful solution(18). So don't hesitate to ask your herbalist or pharmacist for advice before using it, especially if you're not used to using essential oils.
How to use oregano essential oil?
As with most essential oils, oregano oil cannot be applied pure to the skin(1).
To use, pour one or two drops of essential oil into a tablespoon. d’huile d’amande douce(1).
Use this mixture to gently massage the area of the body you are targeting: the bronchial tubes in the case of respiratory ailments, or a painful joint, for example.
You can also consume it orally by taking une goutte d’huile essentielle dans une cuillère à café de miel.
The essential oil is also effective against coronavirus when combined withhuile essentielle de thym et de sauge(18).
In addition, some therapists recommend using l’huile essentielle d’origan avec un inhalateur alors que d’autres, au contraire, réprouvent cette technique(18,19).
How do I inhale oregano essential oil?
L’inhalation, même si elle peut aider, peut aussi abîmer les muqueuses du nez. Dans ces cas, l’alternative est d’utiliser un diffuseur d’huile essentielle dans une pièce où vous ne dormez pas(18). Enfin, certains thérapeutes en recommandent l’usage en cas de maladie de Lyme, mais cela mérite d’être discuté avec votre médecin(20).
As you can see, having oregano at home, fresh or dried, in powder or essential oil, is essential to your health, especially in winter!
Sources
- Michel Pierre, The plants of well-beingEditions du Chêne, 2014
- https://www.compagnie-des-sens.fr/huiles-essentielles-coronavirus/
- https://www.healthline.com/nutrition/9-oregano-oil-benefits-and-uses
- https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/36810055/
- https://academic.oup.com/femspd/article/53/2/190/495620
- https://www.sciencesetavenir.fr/sante/systeme-sanguin/inflammation-definition-causes-traitements_120001
- https://polaar.com/blogs/blog/antioxydants-roles-bienfaits#:~:text=The%20r%C3%B4le%20of%20antioxidants%2C%20as,fixing%20on%20other%20cells
- https://planet-vie.ens.fr/thematiques/cellules-et-molecules/physiologie-cellulaire/stress-antioxydants-et-mitochondries
- https://www.aquaportail.com/dictionnaire/definition/1200/terpene
- https://www.compagnie-des-sens.fr/carvacrol.
- https://www.compagnie-des-sens.fr/thymol/
- https://www.greatandgreen.fr/terpenes/borneol/
- https://www.growbarato.net/blog/fr/quest-ce-que-le-pinene/#:~:text=What%20is%20that%20the,spectacular%20they%20offer%20us%20?
- https://www.greatandgreen.fr/terpenes/terpineol/
- https://cuisine.journaldesfemmes.fr/encyclopedie-produits/1957392-origan/
- https://chefsimon.com/recettes/tag/origan
- https://www.herbonata.fr/blog/les-conseils-de-myriam-2/decoction-bienfaits-et-preparation-47
- https://www.compagnie-des-sens.fr/huile-essentielle-origan-compact/
- https://www.sweetcures.co.uk/blogs/health-hub/oregano-oil-uses
- https://www.aude-maillard.fr/maladie-de-lyme-huile-essentielle-tique-aromatherapie/