Every time that you order a pizza, the one thing you most likely reach out for is that small jar of oregano? It tastes yummy and adds that extra life to your food. Well, if that is how it has been popular till now, it’s time you heard of its other and more important benefits as well.
Oregano is scientifically known as Origanum vulgare and belongs to the mint family (Lamiaceae). In Greek, oregano is called “joy of the mountains.” It is also known as wild marjoram. The oregano plant is a perennial which grows up to two feet. It is found in the mountain regions of Greece and other Mediterranean countries. These are also cultivated in Mexico.
The Mediterranean oregano is milder than the Mexican oregano. The oregano plant has tiny leaves which have a pungent aroma. These leaves are widely used in various Mediterranean cuisines. The plant bears pink or purple flowers. These flowers are also edible and are used in some rice dishes, pasta, pizza and any broccoli dishes.
Oregano leaves are used in fresh or dried form. Dried oregano has a stronger flavor than fresh ones. The chemicals that give the herb its unique flavor are thymol, carvacrol, ocimene, limonene, pinene, and caryophyllence. Apart from their culinary usage, these herbs have been used in medicines for thousands of years with a number of health benefits.
Per 100 grams oregano contain 4.3 gm fat, 25mg sodium, 1,260mg potassium, 69gm carbohydrates, and 9gm protein, including vitamin A (34%), calcium (159%), vitamin C (3%), iron (204%), vitamin B6 (50%) and magnesium (67%). Oregano contains no cholesterol.
Given here are the amazing oregano benefits for skin, hair and health. Let’s have a look at its health benefits first:
Some of the most popular health benefits of oregano are listed below.
1. Eating fresh oregano leaves on a regular basis can help boost the immune system.
2. Oregano is a good source of vitamin A, iron and manganese.
3. Chewing oregano leaves can relieve menstrual cramps.
4. Recent research reveals that a gram of oregano has 42 times more antioxidant properties than apples since it is rich in vitamin A and vitamin C. Hence oregano acts as a protective scavenger against free radicals that play a role in aging and various skin diseases.
5. Rich source of dietary fiber of oregano helps to control cholesterol levels in blood.
6. Thymol and carvacrol, two active compounds of oregano, increase digestion power. Thymol is also known for its antibacterial and antiseptic activities.
7. Thymol and carvacrol can relieve fever, influenza and abdominal pain immediately.
8. Thymol also soothes the body during sleep.
9. This herb is an excellent source of minerals such as potassium, magnesium, manganese, iron, and calcium.
10. Potassium helps control heart rate and blood pressure caused by high sodium.
11. Magnesium and calcium are important elements for bone metabolism.
12. Manganese is a potent source of antioxidant and iron helps prevent anaemia.
Oregano oil helps to relieve congestion. A common solution to congestion is to add three drops of oregano oil in a glass of juice or warm water and drink this daily for four or five days.
13. It is an effective aid for irregular menstruation and reduces the negative effect of menopause.
14. Oregano oil provides sedating effects on the hypersensitivity of allergies.
15. Oregano oil is a potential antioxidant.
16. It stimulates the flow of bile in the digestive organs. In case of mild indigestion, you can drink a glass of milk, juice, or warm water that is mixed with two or three drops of oregano oil.
17. Oregano oil helps to cure itches, skin infections, and irritated gums. But always mix it with olive or coconut oil before applying. Usually one tablespoon of olive oil or coconut oil per one drop of oregano oil is ideal for skin.
18. Oregano oil acts as an excellent medicine to treat cold or sore throat. Mix three drops of oregano oil into a glass of juice daily, especially during winter season once daily. You can feel the result within few hours.
19. Oregano benefits skin by treating acne or pimples. It has amazing antifungal, antiseptic and antioxidant properties. Oregano is widely used in medicated skin care products such as foot creams, skin toner and face wash. You can also make an easy DIY face mask and skin toner at home.
Face Mask
20. If you have an oily skin and suffer from acne, this homemade oregano toner can be a great help.