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Benefits Of Oregano

Oregano is a popular Mediterranean and Mexican herb that belongs to the plant family Lamiaceae and is categorized under the botanical name Origanum vulgare. Although it is considered as a perennial plant, in harsher climatic zones like in North America, it grows as annuals. Oregano adds a typical warm, balsamic tinge to dishes and is regarded as important seasoning in many Mediterranean recipes. It is actually a small shrub, with multi-branched stems, covered with small pink or white flowers and oval-green leaves. This aromatic herb was especially popular amongst the ancient Romans and Greeks, who considered it to be a symbol of peace and happiness. So much importance was associated with this herb that it was regarded as a custom for the ancient Greeks and Roman brides and grooms to be crowned by laurels of oregano. The herb is particularly a good source of minerals and vitamins and helps the human body act against a number of diseases and immune related defects. Read on to know more about the health benefits of oregano.

 

Health Benefits Of Eating Oregano 

• Oregano is a very good source of fiber, which binds bile salts and cancer-causing toxins in the colon, leading to their removal from the body. This causes the breakdown of cholesterol in the body, to make more bile salts. Hence, regular intake of the high-fiber oregano is linked with reduced levels of cholesterol and decreased occurrence of colon cancer.
• Certain phytonutrients present in oregano, like thymol and rosmarinic acid, makes it a very powerful antioxidant. It helps in preventing oxygen-based damage to cell structures, throughout the human body.
• Two volatile oils present in oregano (thymol and carvacrol) inhibit the growth of certain bacteria, like Staphylococcus aureus and Pseudomonas aeruginosa.
• Research has also indicated that consumption of oregano is beneficial against a common bacterial disease, called giardia.
• The anti-parasitic properties of the herb helps in controlling a number of ailments related to the digestive system.
• The oil made from oregano help in treating skin infections, itchy skin and irritated gums, when applied topically.
• Oregano oil is also beneficial in the treatment of sinus or lung congestion. All you have to do is mix 2 to 3 drops of the oil with juice and consume it regularly. Within 3 to 4 days, you will be able to see the improvement.
• Oregano is helpful in maintaining a good respiratory health. It also helps increase the joint and muscle flexibility.
• The herb is considered to be quite useful for general strengthening of the immune system. 

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http://www.health24.com/Natural/Herbs/Herbs-a-z/Oregano-Origanum-vulgare-20120721

http://www.health24.com/Natural/Herbs/Herbs-a-z/Oregano-Origanum-vulgare-20120721

Oregano (Origanum vulgare)

Oregano (Origanum vulgare) leaves, stems, and flowers are used medicinally. Oregano has been recognized for its aromatic properties since ancient times. Today, oregano is commonly used as a food flavoring and preservative

Oregano (Origanum vulgare) leaves, stems, and flowers are used medicinally. Oregano has been recognized for its aromatic properties since ancient times. Today, oregano is commonly used as a food flavoring and preservative.

Traditionally, oregano has been used to treat respiratory, gastrointestinal, and menstrual problems. Modern herbalists recommend application of oregano oil on the skin for the treatment of infection.

According to early research, oregano may have antiparasitic, antifungal, antioxidant, antibacterial, and insect repellent properties. Oregano may also reduce the risk of heart disease and is occasionally used in dentistry. There is limited scientific evidence to support any of these suggested uses for oregano.

Dried Oregano Leaves

http://www.triedtastedserved.com/dried-herbs/dried-oregano-leaves.php

Dried Oregano Leaves

Introduction *Oregano is a perennial plant Origanum vulgare, native to Europe and Mediterranean regions. *It is called ‘wild marjoram’ in many countries, though it is distinctively different to marjoram in its flavor and fragrance. *The fresh and dried aromatic leaves of oregano are used to flavor the meat, vegetable dishes and other foods like sauces, soups, stews, etc. *Dried oregano leaves are just as fragrant and flavorful as the fresh ones. *They have a warm, aromatic, pungent, slightly bitter taste and impart an aromatic pungent flavor to the dishes. *Buying and storage: Select good quality dried oregano leaves or make your own by drying the fresh oregano leaves in shade at home. Store them in an airtight container in a cool, dry place in a cupboard. They keep well for several months. Is it raw? Yes, all dried oregano leaves in the supermarket are raw. Health Benefits 1. Fresh and dried oregano leaves have volatile oils thymol and carvacrol, which have antibacterial properties, and are shown to inhibit stubborn bacteria like Pseudomonas aeruginosa and Staphylococcus aureus. 2. The phytonutrients, thymol and rosmarinic acid, present in oregano leaves act as strong antioxidants that can fight against the free radicals in the body. 3. Very good source of beta-carotene, which is a precursor of Vitamin A. It enhances the eye sight, fights against acne, results in smooth radiant skin. 4. Very good source of Vitamins C and E, which along with beta-carotenes acts as antioxidants, scavenge the free radicals, preserve the integrity of cell membranes and prevent the damage caused by them. 5. Good source of magnesium that helps in relieving fatigue, relaxing the muscles, nerves and blood vessels, thus relieving the symptoms of asthma, migraine headaches, tension, soreness in muscles. 6. Very good source of manganese, which is an essential cofactor in many enzymatic reactions in the body, especially in the production of energy and antioxidants defenses. 7. Good source of other minerals like calcium, iron, potassium, phosphorus, magnesium, zinc, copper and manganese, which play a very important role in maintaining proper metabolic activities of the body. 8. Moderate source of soluble dietary fiber. It adds roughage to the contents of the intestines, promotes satiety, promotes the health of the colon, and also helps in relieving constipation, hemorrhoids, diverticular disorders, etc. 9. Oregano leaves used for steam inhalation clears the sinuses and nasal and laryngeal congestion. A herbal tea made with oregano leaves is also used to clear upper respiratory tract congestions.

Nutritional Information per Serving:   Serving Size 100 g of Oregano, dried   % Daily Requirements   Total Calories 306 15% Calories from fat 85.8     Total fat 10.3 g 16% Saturated fat 2.7 g 13% Monounsaturated fat 0.7 g   Polyunsaturated fat 5.2 g   Trans fat 0 g   Cholesterol 0 g 0%   Total carbohydrate 64.4 g 21% Dietary fiber 42.8 g 171% Sugars 4.1 g     Protein 11 g 22%   Minerals   Calcium 1576 mg 158% Iron 44 mg 244% Magnesium 270 mg 68% Phosphorus 200 mg 20% Potassium 1669 mg 48% Sodium 15 mg 1% Zinc 4.4 mg 30% Copper 0.9 mg 47% Manganese 4.7 mg 233% Selenium 5.9 mcg 8%   Vitamins   Thiamine 0.3 mg 12% Riboflavin 0.3 mg 15% Niacin 6.2 mg 31% Vitamin B6 1.2 mg 61% Folic acid 274 mcg 69% Vitamin A 6903 IU 138% Vitamin C 50 mg 83% Vitamin E 18.9 mg 94% Vitamin K 622 mcg 777%   Phytosterols 203 mg

Therapeutic Uses, Benefits and Claims of Oregano

• Oregano has strong antiseptic properties and it is highly potent as an antibiotic as well. As such, it could be very effective in treating conditions caused by microbial action, such as gastric problems, nausea and fever. It could also be beneficial for treatment of problems pertaining to the digestive, respiratory and immune systems.


• This herb had been used to combat problems caused by bacteria, such as the throat infections, pneumonia and diseases of the trachea. Moreover, oregano is thought to be highly effective in clearing up campylobacter and staphylococcus infections. Also, it has been used to eradicate the common amoeba giardia lamblia, which is responsible for several digestive disorders such as flatulence, vomiting anddiarrhea.
• Oregano oil has been used traditionally in treating toothache, earache and relieving the itch of insect bites. It contains a number of vital minerals such as manganese, copper, iron, zinc, potassium and calcium. It has also served in folk medicine as a treatment for yeast, fungus and parasitic infections, such as Candida and athlete's foot.
• Both oregano and marjoram have been used in traditional herbal medicine to treat colds, coughs, gastrointestinal problems and a variety of other conditions, and several plants in the genus reportedly have antibacterial, antifungal and antimicrobial properties due to the phenol carvacrol.
• Oregano is known to be rich in flavonoids. The latter are compounds found in fruits and vegetables and contain antioxidant properties. Perhaps, it is this attribute that makes oregano beneficial in maintaining a strong immune systemand in fighting a variety of diseases and infections.
• It should be noted that for maximum benefit, one needs to use the oily extract of oregano. The herb in dried form is rich in aroma and can be used in cooking and in salads. But dried oregano has few health benefits apart from its mineral content.
• The essential oils of both oreganum majorana and origanum vulgare are used commercially to scent soaps, lotions and perfumes.
• http://www.herbal-supplement-resource.com/oregano-herb.html

The World Most Popular Herbs - Oregano Health Benefits and Side Effects

The World Most Popular Herbs - Oregano Health Benefits and Side Effects

Oregano is a perennial herb with aromatic and balsamic flavor, of the genusOriganum in the family Lamiaceae, native to western and southwestern Eurasia and the Mediterranean. The herb has been used in traditional medicine as anti-bacterial, anti-fungal, and anti-viral agent and to treat skin burns, cuts and bruises, sore throat, asthma, colds, coughs and flu, etc.

Health Benefits 1. Anti inflammatory effect

In the assessment of two fractions (S1 and S2) of an oregano (Origanum vulgare) extract and testing the anti-inflammatory effects on activated human THP-1 cells, found that a decrease in pro-inflammatory TNF-alpha, IL-1beta and IL-6 cytokines synthesis, as well as an increase in the production of anti-inflammatory cytokine IL-10. These results may suggest an anti-inflammatory effect of oregano extracts and their compounds in a cellular model of atherosclerosis, according to "Supercritical fluid extraction of oregano (Origanum vulgare) essentials oils: anti-inflammatory properties based on cytokine response on THP-1 macrophages" by Ocaña-Fuentes A, Arranz-Gutiérrez E, Señorans FJ, Reglero G.(1)

2. Anti microbial effects

In the evaluation of Oregano essential oil (OEO) and its effect on the growth of natural contaminating molds on the surface of Spanish fermented sausage, found that the use of OEO to inhibit surface fungi did not affect the sausage drying process, pH, water activity, or color changes during ripening. These parameters change in a typical pattern for fermented dry-cured sausages during ripening. At the end of ripening, OEO-treated sausages had lower hardness and greater chewiness than the control but showed similar textural properties to sausages treated with potassium sorbate, according to "Role of Oregano (Origanumvulgare) Essential Oil as a Surface Fungus Inhibitor on Fermented Sausages: Evaluation of Its Effect on Microbial and Physicochemical Characteristics" by Chaves-López C, Martin-Sánchez AM, Fuentes-Zaragoza E, Viuda-Martos M, Fernández-López J, Sendra E, Sayas E, Angel Pérez Alvarez J.(2)

3. Antiurolithic activity 

In the evaluation of the crude aqueous-methanolic extract of Origanum vulgare (Ov.Cr) for possible antiurolithic effect, found that Antiurolithic activity in Ov.Cr, possibly mediated through inhibition of CaOx crystallization, antioxidant, renal epithelial cell protective and antispasmodic activities, rationalizes its medicinal use in urolithiasis, according to "Antiurolithic activity of Origanum vulgare is mediated through multiple pathways" by Khan A, Bashir S, Khan SR, Gilani AH.(3)

4. Antioxidants

In the comprison of twenty-five essential oils and their major chemical components, including Oregano, were screened for their possible antioxidant activities by assaying their DPPH free-radical scavenging activity (DFRS), total phenolic contents (TPC), trolox equivalent antioxidant capacity (TEAC), and ferric thiocyanate (FTC). Based on the TPC and TEAC assays

found that two major chemical components of the essential oils cinnamon bark extra, ajowan, and oregano were trans-cinnamaldehyde (90.61%), eugenol (2.58%), carvacrol (61.20%), p-cymene (37.44%), thymol (77.09%), and p-cymene (10.01%). It is clear that phenolic compounds in the aforementioned essential oils yield a positive correlation with the DFRS, TPC, TEAC, and FTC assays, according to "A study of four antioxidant activities and major chemical component analyses of twenty-five commonly used essential oils" by

Huang CC, Wang HF, Chen CH, Chen YJ, Yih KH.(4)

5. Wound healing

In the determination of the efficacy of 3% oregano extract ointment on wound healing found that Oregano extract ointment decreased bacterial contamination and subsequent infection on post-surgical wounds and had equivalent overall scar appearance compared to petrolatum, according to "Oregano extract ointment for wound healing: a randomized, double-blind, petrolatum-controlled study evaluating efficacy" by Ragi J, Pappert A, Rao B, Havkin-Frenkel D, Milgraum S.(5)

6. Liver cancer

In the observation of Carvacrol is one of the members of monoterpene phenol found in the volatile oils of Thymus vulgaris, Carum copticum, origanum andoregano and testing for its anti-hepatocarcinogenic activities found that that carvacrol may induce apoptosis by direct activation of the mitochondrial pathway, and the mitogen-activated protein kinase pathway may play an important role in the antitumor effect of carvacrol. These results have identified, for the first time, the biological activity of carvacrol in HepG2 cells and should lead to further development of carvacrol for liver disease therapy, according to "Anti-proliferative and pro-apoptotic effect of carvacrol on human hepatocellular carcinoma cell line HepG-2" by Yin QH, Yan FX, Zu XY, Wu YH, Wu XP, Liao MC, Deng SW, Yin LL, Zhuang YZ.(6)

7. Anti cataractogenesis

In the assessment of the antioxidant effect of Origanum vulgare extract against selenite-induced cataractogenesis, found that Ov extract have revealed a significant protective effect against selenite induced cataract when injected 1 and 2 day (2 times) before selenite injection. There is a protective effect of Ov against selenite induced cataract formation. It is supposed that the anticataract effect of Ov extract could be based on direct or indirect antioxidant mechanisms, according to "Prevention of selenite-induced cataractogenesis byOriganum vulgare extract" Dailami KN, Azadbakht M, Pharm ZR, Lashgari M.(7)

8. Prolongevity effects

In the demonstration of the oregano-cranberry (OC) mixture and its effect on longevity in the Mexican Fruit fly, found that OC extends lifespan and promotes reproduction partly through DR-independent pathways, and short-term supplementation have varied impact on longevity and reproduction. This also suggests a positive interaction between non-genetic interventions in promoting longevity and provides guidance for using botanicals as aging interventions in humans. according to "Prolongevity effects of a botanical with oregano and cranberry extracts in Mexican fruit flies: examining interactions of diet restriction and age" by Zou S, Carey JR, Liedo P, Ingram DK, Yu B.(8)

9. Cognitive effects

In the investigation of the extract from oregano leaves, with a specified range of active constituents and theirs effect on the modulation of mood, anxiety, cognition, sleep regulation and appetite found that extract prepared from leaves oforegano, a major constituent of the Mediterranean diet, is brain-active, with moderate triple reuptake inhibitory activity, and exhibits positive behavioural effects in animal models. We postulate that such an extract may be effective in enhancing mental well-being in humans, according to "Monoamine reuptake inhibition and mood-enhancing potential of a specified oregano extract" by Mechan AO, Fowler A, Seifert N, Rieger H, Wöhrle T, Etheve S, Wyss A, Schüler G, Colletto B, Kilpert C, Aston J, Elliott JM, Goralczyk R, Mohajeri MH.(9)

10. Antimalarial, antioxidant, and cytotoxic activities

In the determination of the the effects of 46 compounds of essential oil fromoregano leaves on antimalarial, antioxidant, and cytotoxic activities.found that the aqueous extract had the highest antioxidant activity with an IC50=4.8±0.2 mg/L (DPPH assay). Concerning antimalarial activity, Origanum compactum essential oil and ethyl acetate extract showed the best results with an IC50 of 34 and 33 mg/mL, respectively. In addition, ethyl acetate extract (30 mg/L) and ethanol extract (56 mg/L) showed activity against human breast cancer cells (MCF7). Theoregano essential oil was considered to be nontoxic, according to "Oregano: chemical analysis and evaluation of its antimalarial, antioxidant, and cytotoxic activities" by El Babili F, Bouajila J, Souchard JP, Bertrand C, Bellvert F, Fouraste I, Moulis C, Valentin A.(10)

11. Etc.

Side Effects

1. Overdose oregano may cause allergic effect such as tongue swollen, palpitation, etc.

2. Do not use the herb, if you are allergic to herbs of the mint family

3. Do not use the herb in children or if you are pregnant without approval from the related field specialist.

4. Overdose can be toxic.

5. Etc.

Sources

(1) http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/20332013

(2) http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/22221361

(3) http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/22004514

(4) http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/21982354

(5) http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/21968667

(6) http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/21938469

(7) http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/21850936

(8) http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/21455602

(9) http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/21205415

(10) http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/21535822

Oregano herb (Origanum vulgare), dried leaves, Nutritive value per 100 g. (Source: USDA National Nutrient data base) 4

See the table below for in depth analysis of nutrients:

Oregano herb (Origanum vulgare), dried leaves,
Nutritive value per 100 g.
(Source: USDA National Nutrient data base)

Principle	Nutrient Value	Percentage of RDA
Energy	306 Kcal	15%
Carbohydrates	64.43 g	49%
Protein	11 g	19.5%
Total Fat	10.25 g	34%
Cholesterol	0 mg	0%
Dietary Fiber	42.8 g	107%
Vitamins
Folates	274 µg	69%
Niacin	6.22 mg	39%
Pantothenic acid	0.921 mg	17%
Pyridoxine	1.210 mg	93%
Riboflavin	0.320 mg	24.5%
Thiamin	0.341 mg	28%
Vitamin A	6903 IU	230%
Vitamin C	50 mg	83%
Vitamin E	18.86 mg	126%
Vitamin K	621.7 µg	518%
Electrolytes
Sodium	15 mg	1%
Potassium	1669 mg	35.5%
Minerals
Calcium	1576 mg	158%
Copper	0.943 mg	105%
Iron	44 mg	550%
Magnesium	270 mg	67.5%
Manganese	4.667 mg	203%
Zinc	4.43 mg	40%
Phyto-nutrients
Carotene-ß	4112 µg	--
Crypto-xanthin-ß	11 µg	--
Lutein-zeaxanthin	862 µg	--

http://www.nutrition-and-you.com/oregano.html

Health benefits of Oregano 3

Health benefits of Oregano

• Oregano contains an impressive list of plant derived chemical compounds that are known to have disease preventing and health promoting properties.
• The herb parts contain no cholesterol; however, are rich source of dietary fiber, which helps to control blood cholesterol levels.
• Oregano contains health benefiting essential oils such as carvacrol, thymol, limonene, pinene, ocimene, and caryophyllene. The leaves and flowering stem of the plant are strongly anti-septic, anti-spasmodic, carminative, cholagogue (help gall bladder secretion), diaphoretic (sweat production), expectorant, stimulant, and mildly tonic properties. Its decoction is taken by mouth for the treatment of colds, influenza, mild fevers, indigestion, stomach upsets, and painful menstruation conditions.
• Thymol is also been found to have anti-bacterial, anti-fungal activities.
• The herb is rich in poly-phenolic flavonoid anti-oxidants (vitamin A, carotenes, lutein, zea-xanthin, and cryptoxanthin) and has been rated as one of the plant sources with highest anti-oxidant activities. These compounds help act as protective scavengers against oxygen-derived free radicals and reactive oxygen species (ROS) that play a role in aging and various disease processes.
• The active principles in the herb may improve the gut motility in addition to increase the digestion power by facilitating copious gastro-intestinal enzyme secretions.
• This marvelous herb is an excellent source of minerals like potassium, calcium, manganese, iron, and magnesium. Potassium is an important component of cell and body fluids that helps control heart rate and blood pressure caused by high sodium. Manganese and copper are used by the body as co-factors for the antioxidant enzyme, superoxide dismutase. Iron helps prevent anemia. Magnesium and calcium are important minerals for bone metabolism.
• In addition, fresh herb is an excellent source of antioxidant vitamin; vitamin-C. Vitamin C helps the body develop resistance against infectious agents and scavenge harmful, pro-inflammatory free radicals.

Oregano is a proven super "functional food." This herb is one of the foundation bases of healthy Mediterranean diet in addition to olive oil, fish and lots of greens, herbs and vegetables. It has an excellent nutritional profile; just 100 g of oregano herb provides:

Dietary fiber- 107% (Percent of RDA)    (RDA- Recommended daily allowance).

Folates- 69%

Pyridoxine- 93%

Vitamin-C- 83%

Vitamin-A-230%

Vitamin-K- 518%

Iron- 550%

Manganese-203%

Carotene-ß- 4112 µg 

from

http://www.nutrition-and-you.com/oregano.html