Oregano is an essential herb in Greek and Italian kitchens.
Just a few teaspoons of the herb adds great flavor and complexity to the dish.
If you think of oregano only as a taste andflavor enhancer, think again!
This lovely herb from the mint family has more to offer than you can imagine. Here are some quick facts you should know about oregano.
4 Facts & Benefits of Oregano and Its Oil
1. It's a seriously nutritious herb
A teaspoon of dried herb gives you:
29 mg of calcium, 11.2 micrograms of vitamin K, 23 mg of potassium, 5 grams of magnesium and 0.8 grams of fiber
It's also a rich source of antioxidants. Thekey antioxidants includethymol, pinene, limonene, carvacrol, ocimene, and caryophyllene.
These active ingredients attribute to the unique and pleasant smell of oregano.
2. Oregano is a powerful antibiotic
Oregano is one ofnature's best antibiotics. In many cases, it's even more powerful than modern-day antibiotics.
Studies show that oregano oil is effective against E.Coli bacteria. E.Coli is a harmful bacteria that causes food poisoning.
The essential oil contains two powerful compounds that are anti-bacterial and anti-fungal in nature. Use it in soups and broths and tomato dishes to add flavor.
3. Oregano fights cancer
Oregano is a cancer cell fighter.
One study found that oreganoarrested the growth of cancer cells. The study used extractswhich led to thedeath of colon cancer cells.
A 2011 study found that carnosol in oregano demonstrated apowerful anti-cancer effect. Carnosolis also a potent antioxidant.
4. Oregano fights inflammation
Beta-caryophyllin (E-BCP) is the active ingredient in oregano that shows anti-inflammatory effects.
BCP is also a dietary cannabinoid and it helps in pain relief.
3 Ways to Use Oregano Oil
1. For foot/nail fungus:Add a few drops of oil in water and soak your feet in it.
2. Sinus infections/colds: Use a few drops in a steam bath.
3. Skin infections: Dilute the oil and applyto the affected area.Be sure to dilute the essential oilbefore use. You caneither use with a carrier oil, such as olive oil, or in water.
A few more tips for cooking with Oregano:
- Use in marinades, stuffings or sprinkle over a meat dish.
- Chop the fresh herb into fine pieces and add it to yourdough to make bread or tortilla wraps.
- Add it at the end of your cooking process for a great aroma.
- Chopping the herb to finer pieces or grinding it releases more flavor.
- Use small quantities, too much turns the food bitter.
QUICK FACT: Ateaspoon of dried oregano is equalto one tablespoon of fresh oregano
Is Oregano safe to use every day?
Oregano in the herb form is fine for most people. If you haveallergies tomint you should take precautions when taking oregano.
Pregnant women can take oregano in itsfresh or dried form and it is safe. Soups, salads, eggs, meat dishes and other preparations that use oregano are safe. Yet, pregnantwomen should observe caution when using oreganooil. They should take it only after consulting with their doctor.
Oregano isavailable in the dried or fresh form in grocery stores. You can also grow it in a pot on a windowsill or balcony or in the garden.
Yours in health and happiness,
Danette
P.S. Please help me spread the word about the powers of oregano by sharing this with your friends. I'd love to hear more about how you use oregano or oregano oil in the comments below. Did you realize your spice cabinet could double as a medicine cabinet?
FAQs
Oregano contains chemicals that might help reduce cough. Oregano also might help with digestion and with fighting against some bacteria and viruses. People use oregano for wound healing, parasite infections, and many other conditions, but there is no good scientific evidence to support these uses.
What does oregano fight? ›
Oregano Oil FAQs
It fights bacteria and fungus, so it can work on skin infections and acne. Some people take it for colds. It may work to lower cholesterol levels. You may take it for digestive health, but taking too much can cause stomach upset.
What are the benefits of eating oregano? ›
Oregano adds flavor to savory dishes. It may also have health benefits due to its anti-inflammatory, antioxidant, and antimicrobial properties. Potential medical uses range from diabetes to cramps. It may also help reduce the risk of cancer.
What does too much oregano do? ›
Large amounts of oregano can upset the stomach. Oregano oil may cause rash when applied to the skin.
Does oregano detox the body? ›
While human research is limited, there is some evidence that oil of oregano may prevent or kill the growth of harmful bacteria in the gut. Oregano's gut health benefits are believed to be due to its carvacrol and thymol content, which exert anti-inflammatory, anti-bacterial, and anti-oxidative properties.
What does oregano do to the brain? ›
Oregano – Boosts blood flow to the brain and is one of the highest antioxidants of all spices. Paprika – Protects neurons, reducing Alzheimer's disease.
Is oregano good for the kidneys? ›
A recently published study revealed that Origanum vulgare essential oil exerts antioxidant and anti-inflammatory activity and protects kidney tissue DNA damage from exposure to aflatoxin B1 [13].
What does oregano do to parasites? ›
Extract of oregano can also be used to prevent an infestation of internal parasites in an animal (or human) which is exposed to such internal parasites by orally administering to such animal an amount of a extract of oregano which is effective to prevent such infestation, typically on a daily basis during the period of ...
Is oregano a powerful antibiotic? ›
Natural antibiotic
It may offer similar health benefits when used as a supplement. One mouse study found oregano essential oil to be almost as effective as antibiotics against common bacteria, though much more research is needed.
Does oregano reduce belly fat? ›
Oregano oil has carvacrol that aids in weight loss, it helps in reducing visceral fat. It is a great herb to shed those extra inches around your tummy.
It can be enjoyed throughout the day, including evenings, without the risk of disrupting sleep or causing caffeine-related side effects. Whether for its potential health benefits or simply for its savory taste, organic oregano tea offers a caffeine-free alternative that can be enjoyed at any time.
Is oregano good for the lungs? ›
Oregano oil is potentially good for lung health. One animal study found that oregano oil appeared to inhibit the growth of some lung cancer cells in a petri dish. More recent research showed some promise that wild oregano essential oil has an inhibitory effect on certain bacteria known to cause pneumonia.
What are the negative side effects of oregano? ›
The typical recommended dose ranges widely based in part on the relative concentration of essential oils. Oregano oil is usually well tolerated but side effects of higher doses can include abdominal discomfort, heartburn, constipation or diarrhea, nausea and vomiting, dizziness, and headache.
How much oregano is safe per day? ›
How much oregano essential oil to take internally: Your oil of oregano dosage will depend on the condition you're treating. In capsule form, oral supplementation of emulsified oregano is typically around 600 milligrams daily.
How many days in a row can you take oregano? ›
Green also cautions against using oregano oil for longer than one week. Take one dose three times a day for the first two days, she suggests. Then use one capsule twice a day. If you get no relief from your symptoms after seven days, discontinue its use and find another remedy.
Is it good to drink oregano everyday? ›
Oregano has a long history of safe use in foods and food products. Most people won't experience side effects from consuming oregano tea. However, if you drink a lot of oregano tea — say, more than four cups a day — you might develop an upset stomach. In rare cases, people can also have allergic reactions to oregano.
Why is oil of oregano so powerful? ›
Oregano oil contains: carvacrol, the main active compound in oregano oil and a type of antioxidant called a phenol. thymol, which may help protect against toxins and fight fungal infections.
Can I boil oregano leaves and drink it? ›
Place oregano in boiling water and let steep for 3 minutes. Remove the oregano when the flavor reaches your desired flavor. Pour contents into a mug and stir in the honey until dissolved. Serve and enjoy.
How do you use oregano for good luck? ›
It's thought that growing oregano near your home will offer protection from evil, and that placing it near your head while sleeping promotes visions and psychic dreams.
