Oregano is a herb known to be used first by the Greeks, who had discovered its medicinal benefits and used it to treat various ailments. Being a perennial herb, as well as being aromatic and spicy, it spread to other countries and cultures across the world. Its easy to grow and harvest. The leaves and flowers of oregano plants are used to make oregano oil.
In recent times, advanced research and studies have scientifically found lots of medicinal and health benefits of oregano. Oil extracted from it is found to kill unwanted bacteria, fungus, yeast, parasites and viruses and fight gastrointestinal parasites and symptoms. It's a powerful antihistamine. The primary ingredients of oregano oil are the phenols, Carvacrol (60-80%) and Thymol (5%) which provides the antiseptic and antioxidant components.
Due to its various health benefits, its widely recommended to be used in cooking to improve and promote healthy lifestyle. Oregano is nature's antibiotic, which may be one reason why people who eat a Mediterranean diet tend to live longer and healthier lives. Researches have also found that oil of oregano is as effective against colitis as prescription drugs.
Here are the most important health benefits and uses of oregano oil.
Scientific research has proved that oregano oil fights various fungal and bacterial infections that occur inside and outside the human body. Research also shows it powerful enough to fight Salmonella and E.coli.
One of the health benefits of oregano oil (derived from oregano) is, it kills harmful organisms inside our body. A recommended dosage of the oregano oil intake is shown to kill various parasites both inside and outside our body such as tape worms, round worms etc.
This is another health benefit of eating oregano. The spice is rich in vitamins and minerals such as calcium, magnesium, zinc, iron, potassium, copper, niacin along with Vitamin C, A (beta-carotene) and Vitamin E. Hence, regular consumption of oregano oil fights various deficiencies.
Any healthy person will have a healthy digestive system. Improper digestion results in rotting of food inside you resulting in various infections. Oregano oil is known to specifically stimulate the flow of bile into the digestive organs, enhancing the digestive process.
Oregano oil is great for woman as it helps regulate a woman's menstrual cycle. It helps in stimulating blood flow in the pelvis and uterus. Woman having light or infrequent period benefit from oregano oil.
Oregano oil helps in slowing the process of cellular deterioration, impacting the rate at which negative aging effects occur. The large number of antioxidants found in oregano oil fights age-related issues like eye disease, muscle degeneration, and numerous nervous-system disorders.
Soothing and therapeutic properties of oregano oil makes it effectively fight allergy. Oregano oil can produce sedating effect on the high sensitivity of allergies, which brings about relief to those fighting effects of allergy.
Oregano oil benefits health as it fight against unwanted body fat. Studies have shown that one of the ingredients present in oregano oil known as carvacrol aids in cholesterol control and fat burning.
Common problems plaguing people such as arthritis, backaches, sore muscles or sports injuries can be treated with oregano. It can be applied to affected areas directly or in combination for relief.
It is known to be a natural immune booster. If used properly and consumed as recommended, it is known to improve immunity against common cold and cough.