If someone says Oregano, it is likely that you will think in terms of cuisine. You would be right as most people do think of Oregano is sauces and so forth. However, there are actual medicinal properties to Oregano as well. Oregano makes a luscious cup of savory tea that works well for gas, indigestion, bloating, coughs, urinary problems, bronchial problems, headaches, and swollen glands and to induce and regulate a woman's menstrual cycle. Others swear that is can cure fevers, diarrhea, vomiting, and same jaundice.In the capsule form the leaves are dried and then crushed and placed into the empty capsule shell. Further, even others use the dried leaves by crushing them and adding just enough water to create a paste like substance and use it for a cream to apply for arthritis, itchy skin, sore muscles, and swelling. For a relaxing and soothing bath use Oregano leaves in the bath water. Finally, some people make Oregano oil and claim it helps rid toothaches.
In Jamaica people burn Oregano scented incense to ward off coughs and other respiratory distresses. Oregano has been used in ancient Greece and many other places across the globe where people have found a different use for Oregano besides cooking. Oregano is a perennial herb that is relative to the mint family and it is a very important culinary herb that is used in a lot of Greek and Italian cuisines. For cooking purposes it is the leaves that are used and while some like nothing but a fresh Oregano sprig, most will agree that the dried Oregano is much more flavorful.
Especially in Italian cooking you will notice a distinct relationship between the uses of Oregano in combination with Basil. The two always seem to create the perfect marriage especially in a tomato sauce. Oregano is also used on many vegetable dishes as well as a seasoning on various meats. The Greeks would never consider cooking with Oregano in their pantry. The famous Greek salad boasts its flavor of Oregano. No one could imagine eating a piece of pizza without a taste of Oregano added to it.
Oregano is commonly mistaken for Marjoram as the plants look very similar. Outside of the kitchen Marjoram and Oregano are best friends and do a lot together. The pair has quite plentiful properties in the areas of antioxidants and antibacterial. Together they are not only a great combination for flavoring food but also for preserving it too. Because both of their oils are perfumery they are placed in many different soaps and lotions. They are also used in combination for many potpourris and home décor.
There is no denying that Oregano has been around since ancient times both in and out of the kitchen. It had many medicinal properties then and it still does now. It was used in the kitchen and it is still used there now so those from ancient times started a tradition that is still followed to this day. Oregano's uniqueness is fully utilized in many different ways and will be for years to come.
1. Treats the Common Cold
The powerful antioxidant and antiseptic properties in oregano make it an excellent treatment for the common cold.
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.
2. Breaks up Nasal Congestion
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.
3. Treats Flu Virus
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.
4. Relieves Menstrual Cramps
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.
Note: This remedy is not for women who are pregnant or breastfeeding.
5. Kills Intestinal Parasites
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 antimicrobial 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.
6. Improves Heart Health
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.
7. Eases Asthma Attacks
Oregano is rich in carvacrol, flavonoids and terpenes, all compounds that act as ‘lung-cleansing elements.’ So, oregano will clear the respiratory tract and bronchial tubes, giving relief from asthma attacks.
When suffering from an asthma attack, drink oregano tea sweetened with honey four to five times a day.
Another option is to extract the juice from oregano leaves and take one tablespoon of it every hour to relieve asthma and chronic coughs.
8. Stimulates Appetite
A number of studies have shown that oregano helps relax stomach tension, which in turn stimulates appetite.
Simply dilute some oregano oil in water and use it as a hot steam treatment or rub it into your skin to encourage increased appetite.
At the same time, this herb stimulates bile release to facilitate digestion and treats flatulence, indigestion and bloating.
9. Maintains Body Weight
This herb contains no cholesterol and is a rich source of dietary fiber. Adequate fiber intake helps in managing weight, thereby keeping the body fit and reducing the risk of several diseases.
The active component known as carvacrol present in oregano oil is capable of dissolving fat into droplets. Being overweight can cause fat sludge to pile up in your liver, gallbladder, lymph system, and elsewhere in the body. Oregano helps dissolve this buildup, which in turn helps you lose weight.
10. Protects Against Cancer
Oregano is a very good source of fiber that helps bind bile salts and cancer-causing toxins in the colon and remove them from the body. This in turn forces the body to break down cholesterol to make more bile salts, thus lowering high cholesterol levels and reducing the risk of colon cancer.
Also, the antibacterial and anti-inflammatory properties in oregano are useful in slowing down or preventing the progression of breast cancer and prostate cancer.
Next time you are eating pizza and enjoying the aromatic oregano, also think about its health benefits. Also do not forget to sprinkle a little oregano on your soup, salad or morning smoothie.
11.Protects From Hair Loss
Oregano herb is very good for hair follicles. Consuming dried oregano is very good for the roots of the hair and hair growth. The oil is very effective against dandruff and the herb consumption in dried form or through oil is very good for promoting lustrous healthy hair.
12.Prevents Ageing
With rich sources of beta carotenes, vitamin C, E and anti-oxidant properties, it can easily cure the ageing process in the skin. It heals and tightens the skin around the eyes and cheeks. It can be best used in the form of oil, which can be massaged on face before sleeping. It soothes the skin throughout the night and removes the ageing effects.
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