Oregano Health Benefits

http://www.themediteckwellnessgateway.com/blog/1456/oregano-health-benefits/

Oregano Health Benefits

Oregano (Origanum vulgare) is a common species ofOriganum which is a member of the mint family. The plant is a perennial herb that grows to around 20-80 cm tall, with olive-green leaves and pink flowers that are produces in erect spikes. It is native to warm-temperate western and southwestern Eurasia and the Mediterranean region. Oregano is sometimes called wild marjoram and is closely related to sweet marjoram.

History:

Oregano is native to northern Europe and has been recognized for its distinct aroma. Greek mythology dictates that the goddess Aphrodite invented the spice and gave the herb to man to make his life happier. The word “oregano” is actually derived from the Greek phrase “joy of the mountains”.  Hippocrates also used oregano as an antiseptic. The Greeks and Romans give high regard to the herb, making it a symbol of joy and happiness. It has become a tradition for the Ancient Greeks and Romans to crown newlyweds with a laurel of oregano.

Oregano has been cultivated in France and other parts of Europe since the Middle Ages, but was only brought to the US in the early 20^th century, when GIs returned from Italy.  Today, oregano is being enjoyed by those who love Mediterranean food.

Health Benefits of Oregano

During the Middle Ages, oregano was used as a cure for rheumatism, toothache, indigestion, and as a cold remedy. The spice then found its way to China via the spice road and since then has been used to relieve fever, vomiting, diarrhea, jaundice and itchy skin.  Today, we can find oregano mostly on pizza and other European dishes, but what we don’t know is that it has its share of health benefits.

Oregano is actually a good source of vitamin K, vitamin E, tryptophan, manganese, iron, calcium and fiber. Oil extracted from the herb is considered as an effective anti-bacterial because of its potent thymol and carvacrol content which have been shown to inhibit the growth of bacteria including Pseudomonas aeruginosa which can cause septic shock, pneumonia, and gastrointestinal infection, and Staphylococcus aureus which can cause septic arthritis and staphylococcal endocarditis. One research conducted in Mexico compared oregano to tinidazol, a prescription drug that treats amoeba infection. Researchers found out that oregano is more effective than the drug.

Oregano is also rich in phytonutrients including thymol and romarinic acid which function as potent antioxidants that can prevent oxidation of the cells throughout the body. A particular study found out that oregano has stronger antioxidant capacity than the two most synthetic antioxidants commonly added to processed food. In addition, the study also concluded that one gram of fresh oregano has 42 times more antioxidant activity than those in apples, 30 times more than potatoes, 12 times more than oranges and 4 times more than blueberries.

Cautions:

Oregano is not known to contain measurable amounts of oxalates and purines and is therefore generally recognized as safe, though oregano has been known to cause allergic contact dermatitis and eczematous rash to a handful of individuals.

OREGANO OVERVIEW INFORMATION

http://www.webmd.com/vitamins-supplements/ingredientmono-644-OREGANO.aspx?activeIngredientId=644&activeIngredientName=OREGANO

Oregano is a plant. The leaf is used to make medicine.

Oregano is used for respiratory tract disorders such as coughs, asthma, croup, andbronchitis. It is also used for gastrointestinal (GI) disorders such as heartburn andbloating. Other uses include treating menstrual cramps, rheumatoid arthritis, urinary tract disorders including urinary tract infections (UTIs), headaches, and heartconditions.

The oil of oregano is taken by mouth for intestinal parasites, allergies, sinus pain,arthritis, cold and flu, swine flu, earaches, and fatigue. It is applied to the skin for skin conditions including acne, athlete's foot, oily skin, dandruff, canker sores, warts,ringworm, rosacea, and psoriasis; as well as for insect and spider bites, gum disease, toothaches, muscle pain, and varicose veins. Oregano oil is also used topically as an insect repellent.

In foods and beverages, oregano is used as a culinary spice and a food preservative.

How does it work?

Oregano contains chemicals that might help reduce cough and spasms. Oregano also might help digestion by increasing bile flow and fighting against some bacteria, viruses, fungi, intestinal worms, and other parasites.

May all beings become free from physical and mental suffering Oregano (Origanum vulgare)

Oregano, popularly known as common Marjoram, is an aromatic herb belonging to the mint family. It is used extensively in Greek, Turkish, and Philippines cuisines for flavoring. This perennial plant reaches up to the height of 1 meter, bears small aromatic leaves and small purple flowers arranged in spikes. It is a native of Europe and grown in Mediterranean region.

Parts used: Fresh and dried leaves.

Chemical composition: Vitamins A, C, E, minerals calcium, copper, Potassium, Magnesium, iron, Manganese, essential oil, Thymol, Carvacrol, Phenolic acid, flavonoids and fiber

Medical benefits: Oregano leaves have several benefits. They are antiseptic and contain antioxidants. The leaves are used for treating stomach and respiratory problems. An extract of the leaves is used for congestion, removing phlegm in lungs and reduce breathlessness caused by blocked branchial passage. It is thus used in cough drops.

The leaves have high fiber content and help relieve constipation. Dried leaves are antibacterial and can be used against infection caused by Staphylococcus aureus, which causes pneumonia, respiratory infections, nasal problems, and stomach ailments. The antioxidants, vitamins C, and E prevent cell damage by free radicals and are beneficial for the eyes. Steam inhalation of dried or fresh leaves, leaf tea removes congestion and has a soothing effect.

Oregano oil is also an antibacterial and antifungal. It can be used internally and externally. It should be used in highly diluted form. A teaspoon of carrier oil needs just a drop of oregano oil. Oil is used in medicines for cough, bronchitis, and whooping cough. Steam inhalation and chest rub of the oil mixed with carrier oil reduces congestion and cough. 2-3 drops of oil with honey gives relief from congestion, flu, and cold symptoms. 2-3 drops of oil in a glass of milk reduces indigestion. Application of oil reduces joint pain, relaxes muscles and stiffness, kills external parasites such as mosquitoes, lice, bed bugs, treats skin infections such as acne Athlete’s foot, Candidiasis and vaginitis, intestinal worms, gum infection and ear infection.

Contraindications: Oregano oil is very strong. Excessive use can cause irritation on the site of application. Contact with eyes, exposed skin and wound should be avoided. It is not advisable for children below 18 years, pregnant and nursing women. Nausea and vomiting are some of the side effects. Medical advice is necessary before use of oil.

Oregano (Origanum vulgare) Trees and Herbs (with medicinal value)

Trees and Herbs (with medicinal value)

http://rullanamador.blogspot.in/2010/01/oregano-origanum-vulgare.html

Oregano (Origanum vulgare) Oil from dōTERRA(R) orac

Oregano (Origanum vulgare) Oil from dōTERRA^®

Powerful antiseptic properties, very strong antioxidant

herbaceous, spicy, pungent aroma that really lingers.  No one would ever confuse it with perfume.  However, what it lacks as a perfume, it more than makes up for in other important ways.  Oregano oil

• has powerful anti-viral properties.  Studies have shown it to be highly damaging to many kinds of virsuses.
• has been demonstrated to be 99% effective at reducing airborne bacteria.

With a score of 153,007 µTE/100 g on the antioxidant ORACscale, oregano oil has proven itself as an outstandingantioxidant that provides powerful help in fighting the effects of free radicals.

RESOURCES

• http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC2233768/
• http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/10815019
• http://naturaldatabase.therapeuticresearch.com/nd/Search.aspx?cs=OSU&s=ND&pt=100&id=644&fs=ND&searchid=32905773
• http://www.naturalstandard.com/databases/herbssupplements/oregano.asp

Health Benefits of Oregano Essential Oil

http://www.organicfacts.net/health-benefits/essential-oils/health-benefits-of-oregano-essential-oil.html

The health benefits of Oregano Essential Oil can be attributed to its properties like anti viral, anti bacterial, anti fungal, anti parasitic, anti oxidant, anti inflammatory, digestive, emenagogue and anti allergenic.

The Essential Oil of Oregano is extracted through steam distillation of fresh leaves of Oregano, bearing the scientific name Oreganum Vulgare. Its chief components are Carvacrol, Thymol, Cymene, Caryophyllene, Pinene, Bisabolene, Linalool, Borneol, Geranyl Acetate, Linalyl Acetate and Terpinene. The disinfectant and anti bacterial properties of this oil were recognized in ancient Greece where they used for treating bacterial infections on skin, woundsand otherwise and also to protect food stuff from bacteria. It is a plant of higher altitudes and normally grows in mountains, thus getting the name Oregano which means “Delight of the Mountains”.

Apart from being recognized for its anti microbial properties, this oil has many other medicinal properties. These properties are listed as under.

Anti Viral: It gives protection against viral infections. This means you become immune against cold, mumps, measles, pox and other problems created by virus.

Anti Bacterial: Just as it protects you against viral infections, it protects you against bacterial infections too. This gives you protections against most of the diseases caused by bacteria, such as infections in colon, urinary tract etc., typhoid, cholera, sores, skin infections and temporary problems such as foodpoisoning.

Anti Fungal: Virus, bacteria, fungi and protozoa are the four agents which are responsible for all types of communicable and infectious diseases. Out of these, fungi are responsible for some of the dreaded and fatal infections, internal and external. They cause some ugly infections of ear, nose and throat, which if not treated early, may reach the brain and prove fatal. Many skin infections are also caused by these fungi. Oregano Oil, if used regularly, internally or externally, can protect us effectively against these fungal infections.

Anti Oxidant: This property turns out to be very beneficial in the long run. This protects you from the damages done to the body by the free radicals or oxidants, neutralizes the free radicals and repairs the damages already done. This slows down aging and protects from certain cancers, macular degeneration, degeneration of muscle due to aging, wrinkles, loss of vision and hearing, nervous disorders and many such ailments related to aging and effects of free radicals.

Anti Inflammatory: This oil is good on sedating any type of inflammation, internal or external, caused due to any reason.

Anti Parasitic: Many types of parasites, such as round worms, tape worms, lice, bed bugs, mosquitoes, fleas etc., some living inside human body and some outside, use human body as a source of food as well as act as carriers of communicable diseases. Oregano Essential Oil, when ingested, gets you rid of intestinal worms. Applied externally, it keeps away lice, bed bugs, mosquitoes, fleas etc.

Anti Allergenic: This is another aspect of sedating property of Oregano Essential Oil. Allergy is hyper-reaction of body towards external stimuli. Oregano Oil, being sedative in nature, calms down this hyper-sensitivity and hence gives relief from allergy.

Digestive: Oregano Oil promotes digestion by increasing secretion of digestive juices.

Emenagogue: This oil is also beneficial for regularizing menstruations and pushing away menopause. Those who are suffering from obstructed menses may get a relief from this.

Other Benefits: Helps heal Psoriasis, Eczema, Athlete’s foot, flu and other infectious ailments. Further, it can be used to treat bacterial infections like E Coli, Giardiasis and food poisoning. It relieves congestion. Certain studies reveal that it is as powerful a painkiller as the best ones in the market, with the added benefit that it is without the side effects.

Few Words of Caution: It can cause irritation of skin and mucus membrane, if taken in higher concentrations or dosages. Pregnant women should avoid using it.

Blending: Essential Oil of Oregano blends well with essential oils of Lavender, Rosemary, Bergamot, Chamomile, Cypress, Cedar Wood, Tea Tree and Eucalyptus

This article was contributed by Aparup Mukherjee