Oregano in herbal medicine
Oregano (Origanum vulgare), originally from Greece, is a powerful herbal remedy used to treat everything from allergies to cancer.
Oregano is packed full of antioxidants, many more than can be found in fruits or other vegetables. This common kitchen herb is a huge help in herbal medicine because it builds immunity, fights the effects of aging, and protects the body from diseases.
Oregano is easy to grow at home. It has many uses in the kitchen and in herbal medicine.
Oregano fights lung infections and bronchitis.
Oregano not only works to destroy harmful free radicals, it is also very useful in the treatment of bronchitis and other lung infections.
For best results, brew tea from fresh oregano and breathe the steam deep into your lungs as you sip the tea.
Oregano is also good for treating infected sores, colds, flu, sore throat, sinus problems, indigestion, and stomach cramps.
Oregano and antioxidants
Oregano is a familiar herb that is used in spaghetti sauce and other favorite recipes. Not only is oregano a tasty addition to Italian recipes, it is also a powerful disease fighter.
Researchers with the U.S. Department of Agriculture have found that fresh oregano has more antioxidants than fruits and vegetables with 42 times more antioxidant power than apples. It has more active antioxidants than pure vitamin E.
What exactly is an antioxidant?
Antioxidants are chemical substances that help protect the body against cell damage from “free radicals”. Well known antioxidants include vitamin A, vitamin C, and vitamin E.
Antioxidants work with the immune system to fight everything from disease to wrinkles.
What are free radicals?
Any molecule that contains an unpaired electron is a free radical. Free radicals are unstable and will extract electrons from other biological molecules, which generates more free radicals.
Free radicals are produced in many different ways including normal metabolic processes, exposure to ultraviolet radiation from the sun, nuclear radiation, air pollution, and from the breakdown in the body of rancid (spoiled) fats.
Free radicals have been implicated in aging, cancer, cardiovascular disease, and other kinds of damage to the body. Antioxidants fight free radicals and we need to get them into our diets on a daily basis.
Add oregano to your soups, salads, and stews for strong immunity!
The whole process may be compared to a rusty old car. When oxygen and moisture work together to attack metal, rust is an obvious result. Once it starts, a little rust leads to more rust. It takes a lot of manpower with a steel brush to remove it.
Free radicals are like rust. They work to destroy healthy cells and tissue.
Antioxidants are like little power-houses working around the clock to gather up and remove harmful free radicals from the body.
If you enjoy learning about antioxidants and free-radicals, see Glossary for herbalists and health professionals.
Oregano for colds and flu
Oregano makes a great herbal tea when treating colds and the flu. It can also be used in herbal baths and foot soaks.
In this YouTube video, Sally Moran shows us how to use oregano oil in capsule form.
Oregano essential oil fights staph.
Oregano essential oil is an effective antibacterial agent, often used on stubborn wounds that won't heal. It can kill staphylococcus bacteria that are resistant to prescription antibiotics.
Oregano essential oil is very effective when used in aromatherapy to calm the nerves and reduce stress.
Use oregano essential oil with extreme care. Always dilute it with carrier oil before applying to the body and do not take internally unless advised to do so by a professional herbalist or healthcare provider.
Scientific studies on oregano essential oil
Oregano essential oil has powerful anti-microbial properties. Terpenes in oregano work to stop inflammation, to regulate blood sugar, and to suppress cancer cells.
These properties also cause tumors to shrink!
Oregano essential oil is also useful to the cardiovascular system, reducing the build-up of plaque in the blood vessels.
Potency depends on species, soil, harvest methods, location, weather, and the parts of plants used.
Oregano, with strong anti-microbial properties, is effective in food preservation. Using oregano essential oil to preserve food reduces the use of synthetic chemical preservatives, adds nutritional value, and promotes digestive health.
More research is underway.
Oregano is easy to grow.
Oregano likes full sun and well drained soil.
Plants are easily started from seed, stem cuttings, or root division and grow from eight to twenty-four inches tall.
Oregano can also be grown in pots.
If plants start to look ragged, trim severely, add a little topsoil, fertilize, and water well. New growth should appear in a week or so.
Harvest leaves when flowers begin to bloom.
Prune established plants early in the growing season for lush, bushy growth. Use trimmings in herbal tea or a favorite marinara sauce.
*Oregano should not be taken in large doses for an extended period of time. Use only for a couple of weeks at a time then take a rest.
Because oregano is so powerful, use of this plant in therapeutic doses and the use of oregano essential oil should be limited to a couple of weeks. Also, do not use oregano if you are allergic to daisies, mint, or basil.
Too much oregano can cause swelling of the lips, itching, and other allergic reactions. It can also prevent the body from absorbing iron so should not be taken in large doses if you are pregnant or anemic.
Never eat large amounts of oregano while pregnant. It is a uterine stimulant and can cause miscarriages. A little on your pizza is safe, so don't worry about eating the small amounts in food.
Always consult with a healthcare professional before using any herbal remedy especially if pregnant, nursing, or taking other medicines.
Sources:
https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC6152729/
https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC6508890/
Blessings to you and yours!
Thanks so much for reading my blog. Jan.
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