Health Benefits of Oregano

About

Oregano is a popular herb that has been used since Greek and Roman times for culinary and medicinal purposes. Origanum vulgarae, commonly called oregano, belongs to the family ‘Lamiaceae’.

There are about sixty species and seventeen genera that display similar colors and flavors and are identified as oregano. Though it is widely used in Italian cuisine, it originated in mountainous parts of the Mediterranean region of Asia and Europe. They are addressed with names such as Greek oregano, Spanish thyme, wild marjoram, and wild oregano.

Studies have found that, besides enhancing the taste offood, oregano possesses high medicinal value. Since ancient times, oregano and its other plant parts have been used as a folk medicine for the treatment of skin sores, colds, toothaches, kidney stones, diarrhea, cramping, asthma, jaundice, rheumatism, and flatulence.

Such health benefits of oregano leaves are attributed to the presence of antioxidants, volatile oils, and various health-promoting bioactive agents(1^✔ ✔Trusted Source
Oregano: Overview of the Literature on Health Benefits

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A Review on Miracle Plant Oregano

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Top Benefits of Oregano

The health benefits of oregano leaves and their extracts have gained great regard for many years across the globe. From treating skin ailments to preventing cancer, it has been on the bright side of impacting health.

Antidiabetic Actions

Oregano’s bioactive compounds may help manage blood sugar levels by improving insulin resistance and regulating the expression of genes that affect carbohydrate and fat metabolism. Oregano may also restore damage caused to kidney and liver tissues(2^✔ ✔Trusted Source
A Review on Miracle Plant Oregano

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Anti-Bacterial Effects

Throughout the history of mankind, herbal remedies have been used in the treatment of bacterial infections. Oregano is one such herb that possesses strong anti-bacterial properties. The primary bioactive compounds that exhibit antibacterial actions are carvacrol and thymol. They also help control bacterial growth in foods such as dairy and meat products(2^✔ ✔Trusted Source
A Review on Miracle Plant Oregano

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Treats Gut Problems

Oregano contains fiber, a crucial nutrient for digestive health. It improves peristaltic movement and helps food move through the digestive tract. The benefits of oregano oil are observed in irritable bowel syndrome (IBS), bloating, constipation, and more.

Thymol present in oregano kills gut parasites and hinders the overgrowth of harmful bacteria. Research has found that oregano is a strong inhibitor of Helicobacter pylori and, thus, can be used in the treatment of ulcers. Studies have found that mixtures of essential oils from oregano, thyme, and savory may help combat the bacteria and reduce infection(2^✔ ✔Trusted Source
A Review on Miracle Plant Oregano

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Savory, Oregano and Thyme Essential Oil Mixture (HerbELICO) Counteracts Helicobacter pylori

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Anti-Inflammatory Actions

The presence of carvacrol, thymol, and rosmarinic acid in oregano has anti-inflammatory properties. Animal studies have shown that oregano extracts have been shown to reduce inflammation in allergic asthma, rheumatoid arthritis, and autoimmune arthritis. Anti-inflammatory and antimicrobial effects of oregano essential oil were observed in human bronchial epithelial cells and lung pathogens(2^✔ ✔Trusted Source
A Review on Miracle Plant Oregano

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Essential oil of Origanum minutiflorum exhibits anti-inflammatory and antioxidative effects in human bronchial cells and antimicrobial activity on lung pathogens

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Anti-Cancer Properties

Research states that oregano is a potential anti-cancer and anti-tumor agent. Oregano oil was found to inhibit cell proliferation in human breast and colon adenocarcinomas. This effect is attributed to its bioactive compounds, terpinene, thymol, and carvacrol. Furthermore, oregano contains antioxidants that scavenge free radicals, reduce oxidative stress, and thus help in the prevention of cancer(5^✔ ✔Trusted Source
Essential Oils of Oregano: Biological Activity beyond Their Antimicrobial Properties

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Antioxidant Properties and Immunity

Oxidative stress weakens immunity and leads to the onset of health issues like type 2 diabetes, arthritis, heart diseases, chronic inflammation, stroke, Alzheimer’s disease, and cancer. Oregano extracts have been shown to scavenge radicals, suppress lipid peroxidation, and nitric oxide activity, and protect DNA against oxidative damage. The antioxidant strength of oregano is owed to its bioactive agents, carvacrol, terpinene, rosmarinic acid, thymol, ursolic acid, protocatechuate glycosides, and homologs of tocopherol(1^✔ ✔Trusted Source
Oregano: Overview of the Literature on Health Benefits

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Cardioprotective Effects

Carvacrol in oregano has been shown to reduce LDL-cholesterol levels. Essential oils containing thymol may aid in lowering triglyceride and total cholesterol levels. The anti-inflammatory properties of oregano may also indirectly help in preventing cardiovascular diseases. Therefore, essential oils from oregano may be considered in treating heart diseases like atherosclerosis. Carvacrol is also known to reduce blood pressure by dilating the blood vessels(5^✔ ✔Trusted Source
Essential Oils of Oregano: Biological Activity beyond Their Antimicrobial Properties

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Heals Wounds

A study evaluated the effect of oregano ointment on patients who underwent surgery. The experimental group showed significant improvements in scar color, pigmentation, and pliability. Oregano may also help relieve pain. The presence of carvacrol and rosmarinic acid may exhibit analgesic properties(6^✔ ✔Trusted Source
Oregano Extract Ointment for Wound Healing: A Randomized, Double-Blind, Petrolatum-Controlled Study Evaluating Efficacy

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Fights Cold, Cough, and Flu

Carvacrol in oregano leaves helps relieve runny nose and sore throat. Adding a few drops of oregano oil to a vaporizer or drinking water with 2 to 3 drops of oregano oil helps fight a cold. Very high doses of oregano oil are not safe due to the presence of carvacrol, which can be cytotoxic when used in large amounts(2^✔ ✔Trusted Source
A Review on Miracle Plant Oregano

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Cures Dental Caries

With an increased intake of sugar-laden foods, soft drinks, and processed foods, the problem of dental caries has increased. Oregano extracts have shown promising effects in combating oral infections and dental caries. It has exhibited antimicrobial activity against oral species of Streptococci, Candida, Lactobacilli, and Enterococci.(7^✔ ✔Trusted Source
Origanum vulgare ethanolic extracts as a promising source of compounds with antimicrobial, anti-biofilm, and anti-virulence activity against dental plaque bacteria

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Prevents Muscle Damage

A study evaluated the health benefits of oregano oil capsules on muscle damage and oxidative stress among soldiers who performed an army combat readiness test (ACRT). The participants were supplemented with capsules containing 500mg of oregano extracts immediately after the ACRT. Their blood and plasma samples revealed that supplementing with oregano reduced muscle damage and increased oxidative capacity (increased antioxidant enzymes). Hence, it serves as a good strategy to promote muscle recovery(8^✔ ✔Trusted Source
Oregano (Origanum vulgare) Consumption Reduces Oxidative Stress and Markers of Muscle Damage after Combat Readiness Tests in Soldiers

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Cooking with Oregano

Oregano leaves are known for the Italian twist they bring to a dish. It is used to enhance flavors in different foods. Both fresh and dried oregano are widely used in cooking.

Dried Oregano: The best way to store dried oregano is in an air-tight container. Keep it in a cool and dry place away from direct sunlight or heat. Dried oregano is widely used in pasta, pizza, soups, herbed potatoes, and herbed vegetables.

Fresh Oregano: Fresh oregano has better flavor and taste. Place the leaves in a plastic bag or a slightly damp paper towel, and store them in the refrigerator, away from meat and fruits. Fresh oregano leaves can be added to stir-fried vegetables and salads, as a seasoning to grilled chicken, and grilled fish, or can be chewed raw as well. To relieve menstrual cramps, oregano water can be instrumental. Boil fresh oregano leaves in water until the quantity reduces to half and is consumed.

Below are some recipes that can be prepared using fresh oregano.

1. Oregano Tea

This delightfully aromatic tea tastes refreshing. The benefits of oregano leaf tea are observed in treating sore throat, cough, digestive issues, and colds.

Ingredients:

• Fresh oregano leaves- 10
• Water- 1 cup
• Sugar- 1 tsp

Preparation:

Wash the leaves thoroughly and cut them to release their active ingredients. Boil them in water for two minutes and turn off the stove. Let it steep for five minutes. Flavoring ingredients like ginger or lime juice can be added as well. Add sugar or any sweetener, strain, and serve hot.

2. Oregano Pesto

Fresh oregano pesto can be used as a sauce in pizza, pasta salad, or as a marinade for chicken.

Ingredients:

• Fresh oregano leaves- 1 cup
• Garlic clove- 1
• Parmesan cheese, grated- ¼ cup
• Walnuts- 1/4 cup
• Olive oil- up to ½ cup
• Black pepper- ¼ tsp
• Salt- ½ tsp

Preparation:

1. Add oregano leaves to a food processor.
2. Add garlic, cheese, walnuts, pepper, salt, and a little oil and pulse to form a paste.
3. Slowly add the oil to adjust consistency.
4. Oregano pesto is ready. Store it in an airtight container in the refrigerator.