OREGANO: NATURE'S PANACEA

It is undoubtedly one of the most famous aromatic herbs, whose name is closely associated with summer and the traditional Greek table.

We’re talking about oregano, which first appeared around 3000 B.C., when it was used by the Assyrians. Its fragrance is incomparable to any other aromatic herb, and its health benefits are numerous.

Oregano is an herb that can rightfully “boast” some powerful health advantages.

Its name comes from the Greek words “oros” meaning mountain, and “ganos” meaning joy or delight together, "the joy of the mountains." During Roman times, it was primarily used for medicinal purposes. Today, oregano is considered a staple herb in many cuisines around the world.

It has a strong flavor and imparts an intense aroma to dishes, with a subtle hint of sweetness. It is available fresh, dried, or as an oil, all of which are said to offer significant health benefits.

Although typically used in small amounts, oregano contains several important nutrients. Just one teaspoon of dried oregano can meet about 8% of your daily vitamin K needs.

From helping fight bacteria to reducing inflammation, studies have revealed some impressive potential benefits.

Oregano -Here Are 6 Important Health Benefits

1. Rich in Antioxidants
Oregano is packed with antioxidants, compounds that help combat free radicals in the body. A buildup of free radicals has been linked to chronic illnesses like cancer and heart disease.

Several studies have found that both oregano and oregano oil are high in antioxidants. Oregano essential oil is particularly rich in carvacrol and thymol, two antioxidants that may help prevent cell damage caused by free radicals.

Combined with other antioxidant-rich foods like fruits and vegetables, oregano can offer a significant antioxidant boost to support your overall health.

2. May Help Fight Bacteria
Oregano contains certain compounds with strong antibacterial properties. One study found that oregano essential oil helped block the growth of Escherichia coli and Pseudomonas aeruginosa, two strains of bacteria that can cause infection.

Another test-tube study showed oregano was effective against 23 different types of bacteria.

Additionally, a test-tube study comparing the antimicrobial effects of essential oils from oregano, sage, and thyme found oregano to be among the most effective, second only to thyme.

3. May Have Anti-Cancer Properties
Oregano is high in antioxidants, which not only neutralize free radical damage but may also help prevent cancer. Oregano and its components may help destroy cancer cells.

One study treated human colon cancer cells with oregano extract and found it stopped the growth of the cancer cells.

Another study showed that carvacrol, a key compound in oregano, also helped suppress the growth and spread of colon cancer cells.

4. May Help Reduce Viral Infections
Beyond fighting bacteria, some test-tube studies suggest that oregano and its compounds may also protect against certain viruses.

Specifically, carvacrol and thymol, two of oregano's active compounds, have been linked to antiviral properties.

Carvacrol was shown to deactivate a viral infection that causes diarrhea, nausea, and stomach pain within one hour of treatment.

Another study found that thymol and carvacrol inactivated 90% of the herpes simplex virus in just one hour.

5. May Reduce Inflammation
Inflammation is a normal immune response to illness or injury.

However, chronic inflammation is believed to contribute to diseases such as heart disease, diabetes, and autoimmune conditions.

Oregano is rich in antioxidants, which can help neutralize free radicals and reduce inflammation.

It also contains compounds like carvacrol, which has been shown to have anti-inflammatory effects. In one animal study, carvacrol reduced swelling in the paws of mice by up to 57%.

Another animal study found that a blend of thyme and oregano essential oils reduced markers of inflammation in mice with colitis, or inflammation of the colon.

6. Easy to Add to Your Diet
While oregano is often thought of as just a seasoning on the table, this versatile herb can be used in many different ways.

Try mixing whole oregano leaves into greens for a nutrient-packed salad, or sprinkle them onto chili, soups, or stews. You can also use it to make fresh pesto or salad dressing, add it to meat dishes, or enhance the flavor of homemade sauces.

Oregano is available fresh, dried, or as an oil, making it extremely easy to incorporate into your diet.

What Is Oregano Oil?
Botanically known as Origanum vulgare, oregano is a flowering plant in the mint family. It’s commonly used as a culinary herb to flavor food.

Oregano essential oil is made by air-drying the plant’s leaves and stems. Once dried, the oil is extracted and concentrated by steam distillation.

Oregano oil extract, on the other hand, can be produced through various extraction methods using compounds like carbon dioxide or alcohol. It is widely available as a supplement and often comes in capsule or softgel form.

Cholesterol Reduction
Studies have shown that oregano oil may help lower cholesterol levels.

In one study, 48 people with mildly high cholesterol were given dietary and lifestyle advice to help lower their cholesterol. Thirty-two of the participants also received oregano oil mixed in water after each meal.

After three months, those who took the oregano extract had lower LDL (bad) cholesterol and higher HDL (good) cholesterol compared to those who didn’t take it.

The cholesterol-lowering effects of oregano oil are believed to be due to its phenols, carvacrol and thymol.

Source: Healthline