Many people know this plant as a condiment that is used in the kitchen to provide a special flavor in the preparation of dishes, such as pizza, Bolognese sauce, Neapolitan chicken breasts, and of course, oregano bread.
However, oregano not only provides benefits in the culinary art, but also in medicine, since it contains a large number of anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties that help reduce various complications in the body.
Also, it is used to make herbal infusions that help fight diseases such as cancer, and in the preparation of essential oils for culinary and medicinal purposes.
In the following article, we will share with you some of the most common health benefits of this wonderful herb.
What is oregano?
It is a herb of Mediterranean origin, which is characterized by having a peculiar aroma and slightly spicy flavor.
Its scientific name is origanum vulgare. Its leaves work as a wonderful dressing, whether fresh or dried.
It is also used to make essential oils, poultices, and infusions.
Health benefits of oregano
There are many benefits that the consumption of oregano brings to health, below we will mention some so that you can take advantage of all the medicinal properties that this magnificent spice has:
Relieves digestive disorders
Oregano tea reduces flatulence problems, and its essential oil promotes the secretion of gastric juices, thus improving digestion. It also helps repair digestive tissue, fight gastritis, and relieve an irritated colon.
Promotes blood circulation
Oregano infusions stimulate good blood circulation and prevent thrombosis, which is a disorder in the blood vessels. This action is caused by its high content of vitamins and minerals.
Different specialists approve that this spice fights hypertension, due to its levels of carvacrol, this being a component that lowers the heart rate.
Fights bacterial and fungal infections
The Journal of Microbiology and Biotechnology confirms, within its research, that oregano is an excellent bactericide to combat malignant microorganisms.
Oregano contains antimicrobial properties that help eliminate bacteria and fungal problems (fungi) in the body, this is caused by the levels of carvacrol that this spice has, which work as antibacterial agents.
Likewise, a study showed that oregano essential oil acts as a treatment against Staphylococcus aureus and Listeria monocytogenes. It is also excellent for eliminating athlete’s foot by applying its oil to the affected area.
Reduces mild liver problems
According to the Dr. Mercola web portal , oregano works as a powerful anti-inflammatory, which is why it is recommended for hepatitis, in order to reduce inflammation of the liver.
On the other hand, one of the characteristics of oregano essential oil is its percentage of phenols, which is an important component in the pharmaceutical industry due to its anti-infective properties.
That is why we express its usefulness against liver problems, such as the imbalance of the immune system, abdominal swelling and urinary tract infections.
Improves respiratory conditions
Several studies support that oregano helps combat complications of the respiratory system.
In popular medicine, the oregano spice helps fight respiratory problems such as cough, bronchitis, asthma, and colds, by preparing its infusions for its expectorant properties.
Dr. Mercola also says that “oil of oregano can be quite helpful” for people who come down with a cold or flu.
Some specialists recommend inhaling the vapor of oregano essential oil using a diffuser or adding a few drops of it to a pot of boiling water and inhaling it in its evaporation process to improve lung infections.
Prevents fluid retention
The anti-inflammatory properties of oregano help to inhibit inflammation in the body and prevent fluid retention.
On the other hand, substituting salt to season with aromatic herbs, such as oregano, will also help not to gain weight.
Reduces menstrual pain
Oregano is very useful for the days of menstruation, since it acts as an anti-inflammatory, reducing inflammation in the female intimate area, through the consumption of its infusions. It also regulates the menstrual process and relieves the discomfort of those dates.
Relieves muscle and joint pain
Oregano tea works as an antioxidant, due to its high level of phenolic acids and flavonoids, which help reduce inflammation in the body.
On the other hand, oregano has beta-caryophyllin, which is a substance that is also anti-inflammatory and helps osteoporosis and arteriosclerosis problems.
Improves skin conditions
Oregano has properties for topical use to combat athlete’s foot, psoriasis and eczema. Applying oregano extract to the skin also works for acne, dandruff, and wound healing.
Relieves toothache
Oregano also works as a pain reliever for toothaches. A homemade rinse is prepared with this plant to treat oral infections and reduce pain in the molars, which is recommended to be used 3 times a day for an effective effect.
Reduces discomfort in the ear
Oregano oil relieves ear problems such as otitis due to its anti-inflammatory, antiviral, and antibacterial properties, which fight ear infection and reduce pain.
Fight food allergies
The antiseptic, anti-inflammatory, and antibacterial properties of oregano make it very useful for food allergies, either by applying it to the skin due to a rash or inside the body, through the consumption of its infusions or essential oil.
oregano properties
There are many benefits that oregano provides, as we have mentioned before, since it has a large number of properties that are of great favor to the body, helping it to strengthen it and fight different diseases.
Next we will mention the vitamins and minerals that this wonderful spice has:
vitamins
Oregano has vitamins A, B6, B9, C, E, and K, which are of great importance to strengthen the body’s immune system against any virus or bacteria that it wants to harm.
minerals
On the other hand, this plant contains a variety of minerals that help nourish the body, among which we can mention calcium, iron, phosphorus, magnesium, potassium, zinc, and sodium.
How to consume oregano?
It can be consumed fresh, dry, in essential oils or through infusions.
The first option is generally used for medicinal use, where oregano leaves are chewed to relieve some discomfort in the body, while the second is used to flavor food.
On the other hand, the third is applied to food and as a remedy (either ingested or spread); and the last one to soothe an illness or simply to enjoy a healthy drink.
oregano tea
It is a drink that brings benefits to the body, it is generally used to cure colic, colds, coughs, or nasal congestion. Its preparation is very simple. In the case of pregnant women, it is recommended to consult your doctor before ingesting it.
Ingredients:
- 2 dried oregano leaves
- 1 cup of water
- 1 teaspoon of honey
Preparation:
- Bring a pot of water to boil for 3 minutes, add the oregano leaves and let it continue boiling for the same amount of time.
- Remove from the heat and strain the liquid. Let it rest for 3 more minutes and add honey to sweeten it.
herbal infusion of oregano
Its preparation is a little more complex than that of tea, since it has several ingredients. It is used to combat aggressive diseases such as hepatitis, colon cancer, bronchitis, osteoporosis, bacteria or parasites in the body.
Ingredients:
- Oregano
- Caraway
- Cilantro
- Fennel
- green anise
- Water
Preparation:
- Boil water and then add the ingredients evenly and leave covered for 10 minutes so that the infusion is concentrated.
- Strain the water and drink it hot, if you wish you can sweeten it with a teaspoon of honey.
University Professional in the area of Human Resources, Postgraduate in Occupational Health and Hygiene of the Work Environment, 14 years of experience in the area of health. Interested in topics of Psychology, Occupational Health, and General Medicine.