Most of us know oregano as a pizza spice. But did you know that it has many medicinal properties? Oregano benefits you in many ways.
Extracts of oregano leaves were used by the Greeks to relieve pain, fight bacterial infections, and treat menstrual problems. It was a regular ingredient in Mediterranean cuisine.
European oregano is produced primarily in Greece, Italy, Spain, Turkey, and the United States. Also Mexican oregano is native to Mexico.
Oregano is an herb used to flavor foods. It is considered safe in common dietary amounts, but there is little evidence of health benefits.
Oregano has olive-green leaves and purple flowers. It is closely related to other herbs including mint, thyme, marjoram and basil. Oregano contains chemicals that help reduce cough. Oregano can help with digestion and fight against certain bacteria and viruses.
Recent research has demonstrated that oregano contains polyphenols. These polyphenols are beneficial for skin and hair in many ways.
Origanum species are native to parts of Europe, Asia and the Mediterranean. Libbia species can be found in Mexico
Traditional Chinese and European medicine used oregano to treat coughs, asthma, diarrhea, abdominal pain, and menstrual inflammatory disorders. The Greeks are said to have used oregano creams on sores and sore muscles
Oregano is widely used in today’s Mediterranean cuisine. Biochemical constituents in these plants provide antioxidant, anti-inflammatory and antimicrobial properties. These herbs are used as a natural flavoring agent and preservative in many foods.
The two main varieties of oregano are European and Greek. European oregano (also known as wild marjoram or winter marjoram) is derived from Origanum vulgare. Greek oregano (also known as sweet marjoram or pot marjoram)
Another popular variety is Mexican oregano. It is derived from Lippia graveolens and is commonly known as Mexican sage, Mexican marjoram, or Mexican wild sage.
All oregano species are rich in essential oils. These oils contain bioactive substances that give the spice its flavor and medicinal properties.
With its abundance of flavonoids and phenolic acids, oregano is a powerful antioxidant and anti-inflammatory agent. It relieves menstrual discomfort, muscle pain and respiratory ailments.
Oregano (dried leaves)
Nutrition 1 teaspoon, leaves = 1.0 g
- 0.1 g of water
- Protein 0.09 g
- Total fat (fat) 0.04 g
- Ash 0.08 g
- Carbohydrates, by difference 0.69 g
- Fiber, total serving 0.4 g
- Sugars, total 0.04 g
- Sucrose 0.01 g
- Glucose (dextrose) g 0.02 g
- Fructose 0.01 g
- Minerals
- Calcium, Ca 16 mg
- Iron, Fe 0.37 mg
- Magnesium, mg mg 3
- Phosphorus, P mg 1
- Potassium, K mg 13
- Sodium, Na mg 0
- Zinc, Zn mg 0.03
- Copper, Q mg 0.006
- Manganese, Mn 0.05 mg
- Vitamins
- Vitamin C, Total Ascorbic Acid 0 mg
- 0.002 mg of thiamine
- Riboflavin 0.005 mg
- 0.046 mg of niacin
- Pantothenic Acid 0.009 mg
- Vitamin B-6 mg 0.01
- Folate, total µg 2
- Folate, food µg 2
- Folate, DFE µg 2
- Choline, 0.3 mg total
- Betaine 0.1 mg
- Vitamin A, RAE µg 1
- Carotene, beta µg 10
- Vitamin A, IU 17
- Lutein + Zeaxanthin µg 19
- Vitamin E (alpha-tocopherol) 0.18 mg
- Tocopherol, gamma 0.24 mg
- Tocopherol, Delta 0.01 mg
- Vitamin K (phylloquinone) µg 6.2
Relieves pain and swelling
Common pro-inflammatory factors your body produces are nitric oxide, prostaglandins, and free radicals. Fresh and dried oregano extracts have been shown to inhibit the production of such compounds.
Caffeic acid, chlorogenic acid, quercetin, luteolin and their derivatives in oregano play an active role in reducing pain and inflammation. Carvacrol, a major component of its essential oil, can heal wounds, cuts, gastric ulcers and cancers.
Prevents microbial infections
Oregano essential oil has powerful antimicrobial activity. Carvacrol and thymol inhibit the penetration of bacterial and fungal cells
Eliminates dandruff and scalp problems
Oregano leaves are rich in essential oils. Applying oregano leaf extract to the hair and scalp has shown positive effects in some studies. They showed a significant reduction in dandruff within 7 days of treatment
Oregano oils have antifungal activity. Their components kill fungi belonging to the genera Penicillium and Fusarium. Oregano leaves can be used to make an inexpensive anti-dandruff shampoo or oil
Add coconut oil, camphor, hibiscus leaves/flowers and oregano leaves to these products to prevent microbial scalp infections and maintain healthy hair.
Treatment of skin diseases
Anti-inflammatory and antimicrobial properties in oregano help in wound healing. Some studies suggest that this oil can treat psoriasis, eczema, rashes and many other skin conditions. However, there is insufficient evidence to prove this
Oregano oil is known for its antiseptic properties. Topical application of creams, ointments and lotions containing this oil can relieve skin infection and inflammation
It can repair and remodel damaged tissue. With further research and trials, oregano extracts can be used in skin care products for children and adults
Treats flu and viral diseases
Carvacrol in oregano extract demonstrates antiviral properties. Clinical studies suggest that this active molecule directly targets the RNA (genetic material) of certain viruses.
One of the most common and frequent viral infections we experience is the common cold. Consuming oregano during flu can reduce the severity of cough, sore throat and fever. Freshly brewed, hot oregano tea works best in this case.
High in fat.
Clinical research shows that consuming oregano for 3 months can lower low-density lipoprotein (LDL or “bad”) cholesterol and increase high-density lipoprotein (HDL or “good”) cholesterol in people with high cholesterol. However, total cholesterol and triglyceride levels are not affected.
Intestinal parasites.
Consuming oregano oil for 6 weeks kills parasites such as Blastocystis hominis, Entamoeba hartmannii, and Endolymax nana.
When taken orally:
Oregano leaf and oregano oil are safe to consume in foods. There isn’t enough reliable information to know if oregano is safe to use in higher amounts than in food. Mild side effects include stomach pain.
When applied to the skin:
There isn’t enough reliable information to know if oregano oil is safe to use on the skin. It can cause irritation when used in concentrations greater than 1%.
Safety Warning
Allergies:
Oregano can cause reactions in people allergic to plants in the Lamiaceae family, including basil, henna, lavender, marjoram, and mint.
surgery :
Large doses of oregano may increase the risk of bleeding. Heavy users of oregano should stop taking oregano 2 weeks prior to surgery.
- Oregano may slow blood clotting. Taking oregano with medications that slow blood clotting can increase the risk of bruising and bleeding.
- Oregano may lower blood sugar levels. Taking oregano with diabetes medications can lower blood sugar levels. Monitor your blood sugar closely
Fresh and dried oregano leaves and oregano oil are commonly eaten in foods. As a supplement, there isn’t enough reliable information to know what the right dose of oregano is. Remember that natural products are not always safe and dosages can be important. Be sure to follow the relevant instructions on the product labels and consult a doctor before use.