Health Benefits of Oregano

Health Benefits of Oregano

Oregano is also known as the ‘brightness of the mountain.’ Oregano is a popular herb. This member of the mint family plant has purple flowers.  

The humans have developed oregano for years for its unique taste. The flavor of oregano ranges from sweet to spicy. It is a culinary herb that has a distinctive aroma. This herb is mostly used in Italian cuisine in pizzas, kinds of pasta, sauces, and dressings. It is also used in American, Mediterranean, Philippine, and Argentine cuisine.

Most people think of oregano as a mere spice to enhance the taste of their food, but in reality, this perennial herb has a whole lot of health benefits. Oregano contains magnesium, zinc, calcium, iron, fiber, and vitamins A, E, K, and C. Oregano has excellent medicinal properties. In this article, you will learn about types, nutritional facts, health benefits, ways of using, and side effects of oregano.

Types of Oregano 

There 15 to 20 types of oregano available the whole year. The most common types include Greek, Syrian, golden, Italian, and ornamental oregano.

Nutritional Facts

1teaspoon dried oregano contains

 It has 0 percent sugar, cholesterol, and fat which makes it ideal to use regularly.

Health Benefits

The following are the benefits of eating oregano

Fights Cancer

The extract of oregano has the properties to fight cancer cells. They have been known to lead to growth arrest and cell death in colon cancer cells. A chemical in oregano, carnosol, works as an anti-cancer agent in treating prostate, breast, skin, leukemia, and colon cancer. Also, oregano has antioxidants that help to prevent the development of carcinogenic cells.

Treats Infections

Oregano oil and oregano tea are best to treat your respiratory disorders due to its antibacterial and antifungal properties. The two chemicals, carvacrol, and thymol are potent antimicrobials. Research has shown that oil of oregano helps to kill pathogens. This essential oil has been known to instantly relieve symptoms of upper respiratory infections. Say goodbye to respiratory disorders like asthma, dry cough, and colds with this aromatic herb. Due to these properties, it is also good to treat sinuses, cold, or flu. To treat viral cold, just add a few drops of oregano oil to a glass of orange juice. Drink this daily until the symptoms go away.

For Bones and Muscles

Oregano has compounds like carvacrol, which has anti-inflammatory properties. Swelling is the expected response of your body to an injury. Heart diseases, sugar, and autoimmune conditions are caused due to chronic inflammation. Oregano is rich in antioxidants, which reduces inflammation. Oxidative stress is a driving force behind unhealthy muscles, bones, joints, and tendons. Oregano disrupts this oxidative level in many ways; it neutralizes free radicals and protects the cell wall and protein to be attacked by them. So, it helps in treating arthritis and prevent osteoporosis. The higher calcium content helps to keep your bones and teeth strong.

Freshens your Breath

Bad breath is one of the worst things that ruin your personality and repels people. It can happen to any of us. Bad breath is due to fungus or microbes in your mouth. Mere brushing your teeth does not help. Add two drops of oregano oil to your toothpaste and brush twice a day. The antifungal properties of oregano will naturally freshen your breath and boost your confidence!

Improves your Gut Health

Experts have found that when you consume oregano, it can enhance the production and flow of bile in your digestive system. The antibacterial properties of oregano rebalance the good and bad bacteria. So, it is best for those who are suffering from digestive issues like irritable bowel syndrome, diarrhea, intolerance, etc. The fiber in oregano also helps in weight loss.

Other Benefits 

The rosmarinic acid in oregano strengthens your immunity. Oregano tea and oil helps to improve your mood, lowers stress, and improves sleep. Oregano works as an antiseptic to clean your house. The active ingredient, carvacrol, helps to repel lice mosquitoes, lice, and bed bugs. Eating oregano helps with the headache and period cramps. So, it acts as a natural painkiller. Apart from eating, massaging on oregano oil on your body relieves pain and cramps.  

Ways of Consuming Oregano 

One of the best things about oregano is that they are the easiest to consume.

Add Oregano to your Food.

You can add oregano in your meals as dressing, seasoning, and toppings. Add chopped or powdered oregano to your pizzas, pasta, omelets, soups, curry, steaks, fish, or literally anything you like. Dried oregano is most commonly used because it has more flavor.

Oregano Oil

Oregano oil is best for eating and oral use. You can add a teaspoon of oregano oil to your meals to enhance the aroma and nutrients. It lowers bad cholesterol. Messaging oregano oil on your body will calm your muscles. If applied to hair will reduce dandruff and headache. Gently using oregano oil on your face in circular motions will keep it fresh and youthful. Putting oregano oil in your ears will get rid of ear infections. Oregano oil is readily available in the market; however, you can easily make it at home.

How to Make Oregano Oil at Home?

Take equal parts of dried oregano and oil (olive oil or any oil of your choice). If you do not have dried oregano, just place the fresh oregano after washing thoroughly under the sun for two to three hours. Take a jar with airtight lid. Make sure the jar is sterilized. Add the crushed oregano into the jar and then add an equal quantity of olive oil. Tightly close the jar and shake a little to mix both ingredients. Now place it near the window getting maximum sunlight for two weeks. Give the pot a thorough shake every day. After two weeks, strain the leaves and put the oil into another clean container. Place it in a cool, dry place. Your DIY oregano oil is ready!

Oregano Tea

Oregano green tea works as an instant tonic to relieve stress, body pains, and other problem. Studies have shown that it helps to improve your metabolism and helps in weight loss. A cup of oregano tea contains more antioxidants than a cup of blueberries. This tea is readily available in the market, but you can also make it at home.

How to Make Oregano Tea?

Grind some oregano. Take a cup of water in the saucepan and bring to boil. Add a teaspoon of crushed oregano. Keep heating it until it gains a light brown color. It will take five to ten minutes. Now strain the leaves and serve. This green tea is quite economical and quick to make. You can also add ginger, honey, or lemon to your taste. It will act as a detox tea that will cleanse your body, fasten your metabolism, and encourage weight loss.

The Best Way of Eating Oregano 

The best way to eat oregano is simply swallowing a teaspoon of dried oregano. Some people may find it hard to eat due to the pungent smell. Sprinkling oregano to your food is also good but, remember, always add oregano at last after cooking the food. Do not cook oregano for more than five to ten minutes. Oregano tea is also the best way of consuming oregano.

Side effects and Risks of taking Oregano

Oregano is usually safe to be consumed. However, the excess amount may cause nausea, diarrhea, hyperactivity in some people. It can be dreadful for people who are allergic to plants in the mint family. Also, it may induce bleeding, so it must not be used two weeks before surgery. Also, pregnant and breastfeeding mothers should avoid the excess amount.

Risks of Using Oregano Oil

Oregano oil available in markets is quite concentrated so, it must be diluted with other oils for cooking purposes. Direct application of oregano oil on the skin may cause rashes and allergies in some people. Also, it may cause irritation when applied under-eyes or on broken skin. So, it is best to dilute oregano oil before using it on the skin.  

The Recommended Intake of Oregano

There is not much research regarding the daily use of oregano. However, taking one tablespoon fresh oregano or one teaspoon dried oregano may be the optimum amount for everyday use.

Final Word  

To conclude, this pizza herb is not only for flavor and taste but serves as an excellent supplement of various nutrients and vitamins. It is a natural antibiotic and painkiller with no side effects. This spice can be easily added to your diet and will do wonders for your body. Oregano tea has impressive benefits; it helps to fight cold, flu and increases immunity. Oregano oil is equally best for eating and massaging. Because of its antiseptic properties, it can be used as detergent and cleaner. Adding oregano to your daily diet can fulfil your vitamins need and protect you from fatal diseases. So, keep using oregano in your seasonings and change your life for good. Oregano is mostly harmless; however, if you are pregnant or have certain allergies, you may not consume it.

References

• https://ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC5801825/
• https://worldwidescience.org/topicpages/p/oregano+origanum+vulgare.html
• https://worldhealth.net/news/oregano_helps_stop_inflammation_and_bone/