Oregano

Oregano is a warm and aromatic yet slightly bitter herb in the mint family. Good quality oregano has a pungency that numbs the tongue. The best quality oregano is grown in a warm, dry climate. The name is derived from the greek, meaning amountain of joya. Sunlight encourages the concentration of the essential oils that give oregano its flavor.

Origanum is also known as wild marjoram, mountain mint, origanum, wintersweet and winter marjoram. This erectly spreading plant has strong aromatic characteristics, with leaves and stems that are fleshy. The leaves of oregano are heart-shaped, with toothed edges, and which, grow for up to 9 meters in length. In other countries, the plant is primarily used as a culinary ingredient. However, in countries like the philippines, oregano is a known herbal medicine for its strong anti-oxidant properties.

Oregano is a common ingredient in italian and greek cuisine, and they have the right idea! oregano (and itas milder cousin, marjoram) are antiviral, antibacterial, anticancer and antibiotic. It is extremely high in antioxidants and has demonstrated antimicrobial properties against food-borne pathogens like listeria. Its oil and leaves are used medicinally in treatment of cough, fever, congestion, body ache and illness. Combined with basil, garlic, marjoram, thyme and rosemary, it creates a potent antiviral, anti bacterial, antimicrobial and cancer fighting seasoning blend. It can also be sprinkled on any kind of savory foods. A couple teaspoons added to a soup will help recovery from illness.

Oregano contains a rosmarinic acid compound, thymol, and carvacrol that are responsible for its anti-inflammatory, anti-bacterial, anti-oxidant, anti-fungal and anti-viral properties. Oregano also contains flavinoids, triterpenoids, sterols, vitamin c, and vitamin a.

Its anti-bacterial properties have been proven by recent studies to treat infections of the reproductive tracts, and which make it ideal to be given to women who have just given birth.

The volatile oils in oregano and its properties are believed to be responsible for slowing the process of spoilage of food and thus minimizing the risk of ingesting harmful bacteria, parasites and fungi.

Two other herbs are used in the same ways as common oregano but have different culinary and medicinal properties. Mexican oregano is a plant in the verbena family that has an even stronger flavor, while marjoram is a closely related plant that lacks oreganoas essential oil and has a different, gentler amouth feel.

Oregano has been gaining popularity as a natural remedy, though its use as a health-boosting herb is centuries old. Oregano contains high amounts of omega-3s, iron, manganese, and antioxidants.

In a telling statement, another prominent study from the department of physiology & biophysics at georgetown university medical center also verified these findings; anew, safe agents are needed to .. Overcome harmful organism infections.

Based on our previous experience and that of others, we postulated that herbal essential oils, such as those of origanum (oregano oil)..offer such possibilities".

Dried oregano, in combination with other dried herbs like basil, rosemary and thyme, can create an effective facial steam for loosening congestion and calming coughing.

A usda study found that, gram for gram, oregano has the highest antioxidant activity of 27 fresh culinary herbs.

To spice up tomato soup, add 3/4 teaspoon oregano to 1 can; add 1/2 teaspoon to 2 cups pasta or pizza sauce. Substitute 1 teaspoon dried oregano for 2 teaspoons fresh.

It can be diluted for effective use on athletes foot and fungal infections.

It can be helpful in redding the body of ringworm when used topically.

It can be effective in removing warts when used diluted on the skin.

Oregano leaves and flowers are used as antiseptic for cuts and burns.

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)a(rda-recommended daily allowance).

Oregano contains thymol, a crystalline substance that has antiseptic and fungicide properties.

Oregano is also used as herbal medicine to cure respiratory and stomach ailments.

Oregano is known to have antioxidant properties

Oregano tea is believed to have a soothing effect and helps in getting restful sleep.

Tea made with oregano is also used to relieve flatulence [gas problems] and menstrual pain.

The oregano herb is also a good source of fibre. [a diet high in fibre helps manage weight, reduces risk of colon cancer and increases breakdown of cholesterol in the body].

Oregano is a relatively good source of calcium, iron, manganese, vitamin a, c and k. [however, because the quantity consumed is very less, one cannot depend on oregano as a *wholesome source of vitamins and minerals].

Used as a steam inhalant, oregano helps clear sinuses.

The science regarding the ability of oregano oil to conquer infections is very clear, showing a very powerful effectiveness against candida albicans, aspergillus mold, vaginal infections, staff infections, and more.

One study straight from the united states department of agriculture even reported that oregano oil presented such a strong action against germs that it could easily fight salmonella and e.coli.

Oregano is a wonderful perennial culinary as well as medicinal herb. It has long been recognized as one of the "functional foods" for its nutritional, anti-oxidants and disease preventing properties. The herb, whose name means "delight of the mountains" in greek, is native to the mediterranean region. Botanically, the herb belongs to the mint (lamiaceae) family, of the genus; origanum and is known scientifically as origanum vulgare.

The plant is a small shrub, growing up to 75 cm in height with multi-branched stems covered with small grayish-green oval leaves and small white or pink flowers. Oregano is particularly used widely in greek and italian cuisines. Its leaves have a characteristic aromatic, warm, and slightly bitter taste. The intensity varies; however, good-quality oregano is so strong that it almost numbs the tongue.

There are many varieties of oregano cultivated across europe but the influence of climate, season, and soil on the composition of the essential oils is greater than the difference between various species. Origanum heracleoticum is another greek variety that is having characteristic sharp scent and flavor. Sweet marjoram (origanum majorana) is one of close related species of oregano.

Mexican oregano (lippia graveolens) is a different from origanum species but related to the verbena family of herbs. It is used in place of oregano in many central.

If youave ever consumed undercooked meat, non-purified water, or faced the daily routine that most of us endure in the united states and elsewhere, a number of unwanted and harmful organisms are likely to be currently residing inside of your body.

Thankfully, oregano oil has been shown to be highly useful when it comes to removing these organisms.

One study in particular, which examined the relationship between oregano oil intake and parasites within the body through a 6 week study, is worthy of note.

In the study, those taking 600 mg of oregano oil daily were recorded to have a complete disappearance of parasites within the body.

The usage of oregano oil can be an essential tool in the fight against a variety of parasites both within and outside of the body.

These include tape worms, bed bugs, lice, fleas, mosquitoes, and round worms.

Your overall health will revolve around the health of your gut and colon.

Without proper digestion, food will begin to compact and actually rot within the lengthy 25 to 30 feet of the digestive tract.

While i highly recommend using an oxygen-based colon cleanser to clean out the pounds of compacted fecal matter from the digestive tract, another key factor to consider here is stopping the build up in the first place.

Oregano oil is known to specifically stimulate the flow of bile into the digestive organs, enhancing the digestive process and helping to sustain your biological systems that help to determine your overall state of health.

Irregular, painful periods along with negative menopause effects are among one of the most commonly reported issues facing women today.

One of the best responses to this is oregano oil, which can actually help aid in supporting irregular menstruation as well as protecting against negative menopause attributes.

For women, this is a substantial bonus to the already lengthy list of uses and effects.

Perhaps the hottest health trend of the past few years is the science of combatting aging.

Oregano oil can help to slow down the process of cellular deterioration, and as a result can impact the rate at which negative aging effects occur.

The large number of antioxidants found in oregano oil can also aid in the protection against age-related issues like eye disease, muscle degeneration, and numerous nervous-system disorders.

Those suffering from allergies will find the soothing and therapeutic properties of oregano oil in regards to allergic reactions to be highly appealing.

Oregano oil can produce sedating effect on the hyper-sensitivty of allergies, which ultimately leads to a real relief for those with allergy concerns.

Instead of harsh medications with a long list of side effects, oregano oil can offer a serious natural alternative when it comes to curtailing the drastic effects associated with allergic reactions.

Despite its reputation as a natural immune booster, oregano oil also packs a punch against unwanted body fat.

As demonstrated by a recent study that focused on the fat burning capabilities of oregano oil, the active ingredient in oregano oil known as carvacrol can actually modulate genes and reduce irritation in white adipose tissue.

When fed a fattening diet, mice not given carvacrol quickly became obese.

In contract, mice given as low as 0.1 percent carvacrol gained significantly less weight and even had lower levels of cholesterol and trigylcerides in their blood.

Painful conditions such as arthritis, backaches, or carpal tunnel can wreak havoc on your daily lifestyle.

Without proper response, the issue can even become more prevalent a let alone dangerous.

Oil of oregano can be used topically to go deep inside the skin and help to assist in relieving the discomfort that stems from many of these issues.

Simply create a 50/50 mixture of organic oregano oil and organic olive oil and apply the mixture topically to the affected area for relief.

Those suffering from sore muscles, sports injuries, and backaches may also reap these benefits.

Coming down with a case of the common cold or even the seasonal flu can be a major detriment to your way of life.

Oregano oil can help to add a layer of protection to your immunity when used appropriately.

If you feel a cold coming on, try placing 3-6 drops into an empty capsule and take 2-3 times daily before meals.

Continue this regiment for 5-10 days.

In addition, you can help to stop the cold before it starts by taking the recommended serving of organic oregano oil at 1 capsule full of 3-6 drops.

Always remember that the quality of the oregano oil you are purchasing does matter.

Organic oregano is much different than the traditional oregano oil you may find at your local grocery or drug food store.

Organic oregano is an excellent addition to any emergency medical kit, beauty aid (when dilluted with water), and general wellness ingredient.

When you feel a cold or sore throat coming on, simply add three drops of oregano oil to a glass of orange juice. Drink it once daily for up to five days until your symptoms are gone. You can also drink oregano tea two or three times a day for symptom relief.

Oregano is a wonderful natural treatment for nasal congestion as it works as a safe and reliable antihistamine

To clear blocked throat and nasal passages, add two or three drops of oregano oil to one-half cup of boiling water.

Cover your head with a towel and inhale the vapor coming off the mixture.

Do this twice daily; alternatively, you can add three drops of oregano oil to a glass of juice and drink it daily for three to five days.

The antiviral property in oregano can effectively shorten the duration of flu symptoms.

Some common telltale symptoms of the flu are high fever, cough, sore throat, headache, vomiting, loss of appetite as well as aches and pains in the joints and muscles.

To treat these symptoms, simply mix a few drops of oregano oil in a glass of water and drink it once daily for three to five days.

Oregano is also known as a pain reliever and is very effective when suffering from menstrual cramps

You can simply chew some fresh oregano leaves three times a day to reduce menstrual pain.

You can also drink oregano tea for relief in a matter of minutes.

To make the tea, mix one-half teaspoon of oregano in one cup of water and bring it to a boil.

Strain it, and add sugar to taste.

Drink it three or four times a day during your cycle.

You can also use oregano oil to regulate your menstrual cycle, reduce the negative effects of menopause and prevent premature menopause.

Intestinal parasites are unwanted inhabitants of the gastrointestinal system that can seriously increase the risk for various diseases.

To kill these harmful parasites, dried oregano is a good natural option because it is extremely volatile and antiparasitic.

Also, oregano oil contains two powerful anti-microbial agents known as thymol and carvacrol.

These substances have shown to be very effective in treating intestinal parasites.

To treat intestinal parasites, add two or three drops of oregano oil to water, along with some freshly squeezed lemon juice, and drink it three times a day.

This aromatic herb is an excellent source of potassium, an important component of cell and body fluids that helps control rapid heart rate and blood pressure caused by high intake of sodium.

The disease-fighting antioxidants present in oregano are believed to help prevent and repair oxidative stress and heart disease.

Plus, oregano is a natural source of omega-3 fatty acids.

Omega-3 fatty acids help reduce inflammation throughout the body and also lower the risk of heart disease.

Drink one cup of oregano tea daily to improve your heart health.

One active agent in oregano is rosmarinic acid, which is a strong antioxidant that may support immune system health.

Oregano has one of the highest antioxidant activity ratings, with 42 times the antioxidant punch of apples.

While 20 g may be large amount of the herb, you can gain these nutrients and vitamins at amounts relative to how much you do eat.

The research has not yet been effectivaly provven in the killling of mrsa but it has some promises of improvement.

Carvacol and thymol, two phytochemicals in oregano, are powerful anti-microbials.

Research has shown essential oils from oregano may kill the foodborne pathogen listeria4 and the superbug mrsa (making it a useful addition to hand soaps and disinfectants).

According to one of the researchers involved in the mrsa study; "we have done a few preliminary tests and have found that the essential oil from the oregano kills mrsa at a dilution 1 to 1,000.

The tests show that the oil kills mrsa both as a liquid and as a vapor and its anti-microbial activity is not diminished by heating in boiling water" studies have also found essential oils of oregano to be useful against certain candida species.

Oregano contains beta-caryophyllin (e-bcp), a substance that inhibits inflammation and may also be beneficial for conditions including osteoporosis and arteriosclerosis,8 as well as metabolic syndrome.

Oregano also has potential anti-viral activity, and a spray containing aromatic essential oils from five plants, including oregano, was found to significantly relieve symptoms "immediately" in those with upper respiratory infections.

If you come down with a cold or the flu, oregano oil can also be useful.

Generally, the higher the carvacrol concentration, the more effective it is.

Interestingly, oregano encourages sweat production as a mode of detox, and ingesting it may help your body to get rid of unwanted phlegm in your lungs.

Oregano extract has been shown to "lead to growth arrest and cell death in a dose- and time-dependent manner" in colon cancer cells.

A phytochemical in oregano, carnosol, has also been "evaluated for anti-cancer property in prostate, breast, skin, leukemia, and colon cancer with promising results" struggling to get an optimum amount of vitamins and essential minerals each day? oregano oil is loaded with vital minerals like magnesium and zinc as well as a host of vitamins such as c and e.

An added bonus to the multiple uses of oregano oil, the oil can actually function as a source of essential nutrients when used on a routine basis. Oregano oil is sufficiently high in zinc, magnesium, iron, calcium, potassium copper, manganese, and niacin. When considering the severe deficiencies of these substances that are so prevalent today, itas easy to see why this is such a necessity.

Oregano is a very flavorful herb that is often used in italian, greek and spanish cooking.

Good for cough and cold relief.

Helps prevent degenerative arthritis.

Has anti-aging properties.

Helps relieve rheumatism and osteoarthritis.

Bronchitis herbal remedy.

Ease asthma attacks.

Relieves upset stomach.

Treatment of urinary tract problems.

Relief for dyspepsia or indigestion.

Healing wounds, insect bites & stings.

Cure for sore throat.

Avoid infections caused by childbirth by taking decoctions of the leaves by the recent mother.

Boil one cup of fresh leaves in 3 cups of water for 10 to 15 minutes. Drink half a cup 3 times a day for common colds.

For a concentrate, juice the oregano leaves and take 1 tablespoon every hour to relieve chronic coughs, rheumatism, bronchitis, asthma, and dyspepsia.

For insect bites, wounds and stings, apply the leaves as a poultice directly on the afflicted area.

For sore throat, boil 2 tablespoonfuls of dried oregano leaves in a pint of water, take 2 hours before or after meals.

To prevent degenerative arthritis & for general good health drink oregano decoction daily.

*this remedy is not for women who are pregnant or breastfeeding.

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