6 Science-Based Health Benefits of Oregano (2024)

FAQs

Does dried oregano have any health benefits? ›

Along with fresh oregano, even dried oregano provides good levels of vitamin C to the body. This helps as anti-inflammatory agents for the health as well as ensures proper resistance to various infections and diseases. Vitamin C is very much an important nutrient required by the body in good amounts.

Oregano contains pyridoxine, also known as vitamin B6, which is necessary for healthy blood vessels and skin. In addition to these nutrients, oregano is also a good source of magnesium, a necessary nutrient that many people have a deficiency in.

Use this decoction (a concentrated herbal preparation) to calm irritated skin. Combine 2 Tbsp dried oregano or 4 Tbsp fresh oregano leaves and 2 ½ cups water. Let boil 10 min., then let sit on low heat 10 min. Strain and add 2 to 3 drops rose essential oil.

Oregano (Origanum vulgare) is a sprawling woody shrub which can grow up to 1 m tall.

Oregano oil may benefit gut health by killing gut parasites and protecting against leaky gut syndrome.

Overview. Oregano is an herb that's commonly used in cooking, especially in Mediterranean and Italian dishes. You can also brew oregano tea for drinking.

Oregano might slow blood clotting. Taking oregano along with medications that also slow blood clotting might increase the risk of bruising and bleeding.

Studies show that oregano extracts can help alleviate symptoms of depression and anxiety in humans and animals. Taking carvacrol, a potent medicinal compound found in oregano oil, has been shown to increase levels of dopamine and serotonin in certain parts of the brain, reducing symptoms of anxiety and depression.

Oregano also works by protecting kidney cells against injury caused by calcium oxalate and other such crystals. Bacteria can affect any part of the body and can cause infectious diseases.

Oregano is a medicinal herb with a long list of health benefits. It has anti-inflammatory, antibacterial, antiviral, and antifungal properties. It also helps in digestion. In addition, it is a versatile herb that can be easily incorporated into your diet and used in various recipes in fresh, dried, or oil form.

Is oregano a natural antibiotic? ›

Oil of oregano contains two powerful compounds called carvacrol and thymol, both of which have been shown in studies to have strong antibacterial and antifungal properties.

Golden Oregano: antiseptic, stomach and respiratory ailments, anti-fungal, antibacterial, cancer.

Oregano (Origanum vulgare), also known as pot marjoram, is a species of Origanum. It is native to Europe, the Mediterranean region and southern and central Asia. It is a perennial herb.

It bears white or pink flowers that are hermaphrodite (have both male and female organs) and are pollinated by bees. Will grow in any well-drained soil in full sun or partial shade.

Greek oregano tends to be the most savory and earthy, while Italian is milder and Turkish is more pungent. Used fresh or dry, Mediterranean oregano is the choice for dishes from this region, tomato sauces, pizzas, grilled meats, and other dishes with strong flavors.

Oregano is rich in antioxidants, which can help neutralize free radicals and reduce inflammation ( 15 ). It also contains compounds like carvacrol that have been shown to have anti-inflammatory properties.

Because of its ability to protect against bacterial infection, topical oregano oil has been shown to be effective in wound treatment and healing, even killing off methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA). In addition to being a powerful antimicrobial agent, oregano oil also has anti-inflammatory effects.

It has anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties and strong antibacterial activity that can help cleanse the gut of pathogens and improve chronic gut symptoms.

Oregano poisoning is usually a mild condition caused by the consumption or ingestion of an oregano plant or the oregano herb. Although this spice is not very toxic, it may still cause intense digestive disturbances in your pet, including vomiting and diarrhea.

Because of its diuretic effects, drinking too much oregano tea may also cause you to use the bathroom more often. Generally, people that are allergic to herbs like mint, lavender, basil, thyme, sage, hyssop, and marjoram, may want to be more cautious with drinking oregano tea or using oregano in general.

Can I eat fresh oregano leaves Raw? ›

It's often too pungent to eat raw, so fresh oregano is best when used in the last 15 minutes of cooking, according to Newgent. Fresh oregano makes a great accompaniment to a pot of beans, a lemony marinade or a simple marinara sauce.

Essential oils, like oregano

"There have been no essential oil studies with COVID-19 at all," says Dr. Swindells. See what pharmacist Ally Dering-Anderson, PharmD, says about the safety and usefulness of essential oils. The bottom line is that none of these supplements have shown efficacy against COVID-19 yet.

Allergies: Oregano can cause reactions in people allergic to Lamiaceae family plants, including basil, hyssop, lavender, marjoram, mint, and sage. Surgery: Large doses of oregano might increase the risk of bleeding. People who use large doses of oregano should stop taking oregano 2 weeks before surgery.

In low doses over a short period of time, oregano essential oil is considered generally safe. However, high doses may be toxic to the liver.

Its calming and relaxing effects make it an effective sleep aid when diffused in the bedroom. Anti-allergenic and sedative, Oregano Oil reduces bodily reactions to allergens and airborne pollutants that cause inflammation, such as pollen and mold.

Oregano Oil

It is is also helpful in quelling anxiety and helping with difficulty sleeping. It induces feelings of inner serenity and calmness so that you are able to relax and fall asleep. For a restful, peaceful sleep, apply a few drops to the soles of your feet at bedtime.

Others have shown that oregano can induce estrogenic responses in vitro and can also show estrogen-like activity [29], thus influencing steroid hormone balance.

According to a September 2021 study published in the American Journal of Clinical Nutrition, people who ate more herbs and spices—in particular, cinnamon, turmeric and oregano—recorded lower blood pressure readings 24 hours later.

Is oregano a natural dewormer? ›

Helps Fight Parasites

Oil of oregano can also help fight parasites. In a 6 week study, 600 mg of oil of oregano reduced parasites in human participants. 77% of participants were completely cured. It's also effective for giardia and as a dewormer.

Oregano is a popular herb in the mint family that's known for its impressive medicinal qualities. Its plant compounds, which include carvacrol, offer antiviral properties.

Oregano is more flavorful in its dried form and is used more commonly in southern Italian and Sicilian dishes. Health benefits of oregano include high amounts of Omega-3s, iron, manganese, and antioxidants. It is used as an essential oil for its antibacterial properties.

oregano, (Origanum vulgare), also called origanum or wild marjoram, aromatic perennial herb of the mint family (Lamiaceae) known for its flavourful dried leaves and flowering tops.

Oregano comes from Origanum, a genus of the mint family (Lamiaceae). Oregano originally came from warm climates in western and southwestern Eurasia and the Mediterranean region. Oregano is a perennial plant that has the characteristics of an herb, green and leaflike, with round shaped leaves.

Oregano contains thymol and carvacrol, which both have antibacterial effects. People traditionally use essential oils containing thymol to relieve headaches, diarrhea, and coughs. People may find that taking oregano oil or rubbing it on the chest helps relieve cold symptoms.

Oregano is widely used in cuisines of the Mediterranean Basin and Latin America, especially in Mexican cuisine and Argentine cuisine. In Turkish cuisine, oregano is mostly used for flavouring meat, especially mutton and lamb.

Oregano's flavour is bold and gutsy; it wants to be noticed. The herb is a natural with garlic; in fact, it's hard to find a recipe that includes oregano but not garlic. I also like to use it along with lemon or steeped in vinegar. Strip the leaves off the stems.

The dried stuff certainly has its place (pizza, yes, and also dry rubs, vinaigrettes, and sauces, too), but fresh oregano is even more powerful and versatile.

Oregano, for example, is sharper and more peppery fresh, while the dried stuff is flavorful but mild. Both are delicious, but they aren't identical. So, you'll want to use the two forms in different kinds of dishes. Sprinkle dried oregano on pizza, add to breading for eggplant parm or whisk it into a vinaigrette.

Which country is the largest producer of oregano? ›

Oregano, for example, is sharper and more peppery fresh, while the dried stuff is flavorful but mild. Both are delicious, but they aren't identical. So, you'll want to use the two forms in different kinds of dishes. Sprinkle dried oregano on pizza, add to breading for eggplant parm or whisk it into a vinaigrette.

The dried stuff certainly has its place (pizza, yes, and also dry rubs, vinaigrettes, and sauces, too), but fresh oregano is even more powerful and versatile.

Essential oils of oregano are widely recognized for their antimicrobial activity, as well as their antiviral and antifungal properties.

Oregano contains certain compounds that have potent antibacterial properties. One test-tube study showed that oregano essential oil helped block the growth of Escherichia coli and Pseudomonas aeruginosa, two strains of bacteria that can cause infection ( 7 ).

As with all dried herbs, dried oregano should be kept in a cool, dark place in a tightly-sealed container and used within 6 months for the freshest flavor. It will not spoil if kept longer, but its potency will deteriorate greatly with time.

Some of the most common uses of oregano include tomato-centric recipes, like pizza and pasta sauce, as well as olive oil-based dishes. Oregano is commonly combined with olive oil to create flavorful oregano oil, Italian vinaigrettes, and marinades for lamb, chicken, and beef dishes.

Oregano (Origanum vulgare) is an herb used to flavor foods. It is considered safe in common food amounts, but has 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.

It's often too pungent to eat raw, so fresh oregano is best when used in the last 15 minutes of cooking, according to Newgent. Fresh oregano makes a great accompaniment to a pot of beans, a lemony marinade or a simple marinara sauce.

What does oregano do for sickness? ›

A 2017 study found that oregano essential oil, especially from the leaves of the oregano plant, has strong antioxidant properties. The researchers noted the traditional use of oregano oil in treating fevers and respiratory symptoms, which are both associated with the flu.