6 Health Benefits of Oregano (Origanum vulgare)

December 9, 2023 Agric4Profits

Oregano scientifically known as Origanum vulgare, belongs to the Lamiaceae family of mints. It has been used in folk medicine for countless years to cure bacterial infections, respiratory issues, and upset stomachs.

The flavor and aroma of oregano leaves are earthy and slightly bitter. In ancient Egypt and Greece, spice was used to season meats, fish, and vegetables. Greeks gave the herb its name, oregano, which means Joy of the Mountain in English.

When used in recipes, oregano, whether dried or fresh, can be eaten in moderation. When consuming it for the first time, individuals with allergies to plants from the Lamiaceae family, such as mint and basil, should exercise caution.

Since the oil is so much more concentrated, it should only be used for a maximum of two weeks. When used internally, it must also be diluted with liquid, preferably water or coconut oil.

When used topically to treat infections or lessen inflammation, the essential oil should also be diluted. Respiratory tract conditions like coughs, asthma, allergies, croup, and bronchitis can all be treated orally with oregano. Additionally, it is ingested to treat parasites and conditions including bloating, indigestion, and heartburn.

Additionally, oregano is taken orally for unpleasant menstrual cramps, rheumatoid arthritis, urinary tract infections (UTIs), migraines, diabetes, bleeding after a tooth extraction, cardiac problems, and excessive cholesterol.

Acne, athlete’s foot, dandruff, canker sores, warts, wounds, ringworm, rosacea, and psoriasis are just a few of the skin conditions that oregano oil is used to treat. It is also used to treat insect and spider bites, gum disease, toothaches, muscle, and joint pain, and varicose veins. Additionally used topically as an insect repellant is oregano oil.

For a variety of health benefits, oregano leaves can be consumed fresh, dried, or distilled into essential oils that can be used topically, ingested, or inhaled. Any oil or herbal supplement’s quality is influenced by the land and atmosphere in which it was grown, the season and method of harvest, and the method of preparation.

P73 Natural vitamins and minerals are abundant in oregano. P73, or polyphenol 73 percent, is an exclusive mixture of many premia, medicinal, and wild oregano species.

Use only oregano products manufactured from wild, mountain-grown Mediterranean oregano, free of any chemicals or pesticides, which have a high amount of both carvacrol and thymol, to assure the greatest quality.

6 Health Benefits of Oregano (Origanum vulgare)

Oregano contains a variety of intriguing and beneficial compounds. Protein, dietary fiber, and carbs can all be found in one teaspoon of dried oregano leaves. It is an excellent source of iron, calcium, magnesium, phosphorus, and potassium.

Vitamin K, lutein, zeaxanthin, beta-carotene, and folate are just a few of the additional nutrients and substances found in them.

Terpenes such as thymol, ocimene, carvacrol, limonene, caryophyllene, and terpinene are included in this herb’s essential oils. These substances have anti-inflammatory and antioxidant effects.

1. Antioxidant

Antioxidants that are good for your health are abundant in oregano, including limonene, thymol, carvacrol, and terpinene. It actually ranks among the best meals for antioxidants.

Eating foods high in antioxidants has many advantages. By lowering free radical damage, which can lead to a variety of health problems and premature aging, they assist in slowing the consequences of aging. Your skin, eyes, heart, brain, and cells all benefit from antioxidants.

Studies on oregano extracts reveal that carvacrol and thymol, two substances with medicinal and preventative uses in traditional medicine, are probably responsible for the herb’s antioxidant benefits.

2. Antibacterial

According to numerous studies, the oil of oregano possesses antibacterial properties that are effective against a variety of bacterial types. Even the use of the oil as a safer alternative to hazardous antibiotics for a variety of health issues is supported by studies.

According to one study, oil of oregano has the strongest antibacterial activity against E. coli, indicating that the extract can be used to support digestive health and ward off food poisoning.

Why does this matter when you add oregano leaves to your spaghetti sauce? They contain two vital substances that aid in battling bacterial infections: thymol and carvacrol. To destroy bacteria, however, employing the more potent essential oil is by far more efficient.

3. Anti-inflammatory

Whether dried or fresh, using this herb in cooking can help lower inflammation. The herb’s essential oils have been studied, and they reveal that it has potent anti-inflammatory qualities.

This is because the plant has antioxidant properties, which reduce chronic inflammation and a wide range of illnesses, such as cancer and Alzheimer’s disease.

Products containing oregano are used to treat allergic reactions and rheumatoid arthritis, two inflammatory disorders. Additionally, herbal extracts are applied topically to treat conditions like acne, psoriasis, bug bites, and muscle soreness.

4. Fights Infections

One of the key oregano ingredients, carvacrol, has been found to have antiviral effects. Because of this, oregano oil can slow the spread of viral diseases and increase immunity to infections.

Once more, the herb’s essential oil is used in these experiments, which is much more potent than ingesting fresh or dried leaves. They do, however, draw attention to the plant’s beneficial components.

5. Aids Digestion

About 0.5 grams of fiber are present in one teaspoon of oregano. Despite the modest amount, it might have a significant effect on your digestive system.

Fiber can increase the bulk of your stools and stimulate peristaltic motion, which effectively moves food through the digestive tract and excretes it.

This makes fiber an essential component of a healthy digestive system. Additionally, fiber improves nutrient absorption and maintains intestinal health, so the food you eat benefits you more.

6. Improves Heart Health

Your heart can be protected by oregano. Numerous studies suggest that oregano extracts may aid in controlling blood pressure. Additionally, it aids in lowering hyperlipidemia, a disorder marked by elevated blood fat levels.

There hasn’t been much research done on oregano extracts or essential oils, even though numerous essential oils from plants can lower LDL cholesterol levels.

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