Oregano is a magic herb that flavours many cuisines around the world. A herb from the mint or Lamiaceae family, it’s been on the menu for millions of years for its health benefits. The word ‘oregano’ comes from Greek, meaning ‘joy of the mountain’. According to Greek legend, Aphrodite created the sweet scent of oregano as a symbol of joy and Romans believed Venus left her perfume lingering in marjoram as a reminder of her beauty. Greeks were even known to graze their cattle in fields of this herb in the belief it produced tastier meat. Native to the Mediterranean region, scientifically called Origanum vulgare, or wild marjoram, it is an aromatic perennial herb known for its flavourful dried leaves and purple flowering tops and is more widely used in Italian and Spanish cooking.
Whether it’s a sprinkle or as a garnish, Oregano leaves pep the dish with its extraordinary flavour. Commonly used in tomato-centric recipes, such as pizza and pasta sauce, as well as olive oil-based dishes, Oregano powder spices up flavourful oil, Italian vinaigrette, and marinades for lamb, chicken, and beef dishes. The health benefits of this herb outweigh the pungent and earthy flavour it lends to culinary art. Found fresh, dried or as an oil, Oregano is found to have significant health gains. Here are 9 uses of Oregano to boost you next time you want to use it.
1. It is rich in antioxidants
The good news is that Oregano leaves are rich in antioxidants, which help defend your cells from damage by toxic molecules known as free radicals. When free radicals pile up, they cause oxidative stress. According to sciencedaily.com, the herbs with the highest antioxidant activity belonged to the genus Origanum. It has 3 to 20 times higher antioxidant activity than the other herbs. Oregano oil is high in carvacrol and thymol, two antioxidants that can help prevent damage to cells caused by free radicals. When used with other high-antioxidant foods such as fruits and vegetables, it could supply an increased intake of antioxidants beneficial to your health.
2. It is antibacterial
Fresh Oregano is high in antibacterial properties. The antibacterial property of this herb is mainly due to the phytonutrients carvacrol and thymol, which are the major components of the Oregano essential oil. Oregano is found to be up in arms against Clostridium perfringens, Pseudomonas aeruginosa, and Staphylococcus aureus. It’s loaded with antioxidants that help prevent cell damage and is a great source of fibre, vitamin K, manganese, iron, vitamin E, tryptophan and calcium. Also, it can cure diseases like fungal infections, heart diseases and lung malfunctions.
3. It aids respiratory health
The leaves and dried herb as well as its essential oil are traditionally used for respiratory disorders, indigestion, and rheumatoid arthritis. It’s also a popular alternative remedy for cold and flu symptoms. It is known to contain carvacrol and rosmarinic acid, both of which are natural decongestants and antihistamines. Because of this, consuming it can help improve lung function. Oregano essential oil can inhibit respiratory metabolism and energy metabolism of Methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA). MRSA is a cause of staph infection that is difficult to treat because of resistance to some antibiotics.
4. It treats SIBO (small intestine bacterial overgrowth)
Oregano oil is rich in antimicrobial constituents such as carvacrol and thymol which kill bacteria by breaking their cell membrane. Research tells that the oil of Oregano works to reduce different kinds of unhelpful bacteria but leaves the friendlier Lactobacillus and Bifidobacterium alone. It directly kills or strongly inhibits the growth of intestinal microbes. The oil also has other beneficial properties such as inducing apoptosis in human colon cancer caco2 cells.
5. It reduces inflammation
Not only is Oregano oil a powerful antimicrobial agent but is also a natural antibiotic. One study showed that the essential oil considerably curbed inflammatory biomarkers in the skin. The findings revealed that it supports anti-inflammatory, tissue remodelling, immunomodulatory, and anticancer activities. As it contains antioxidants and carvacrol, it can help neutralise free radicals and reduce inflammation.
6. It lowers diabetes
As a versatile herb, the Oregano leaves have a potent and cumulative effect in managing type 2 diabetes. A study conducted on rats reveals that Origanum extract is effective in normalising blood glucose levels. It successfully lowers glucose and improves insulin resistance and restores damaged liver and kidney tissues.
7. It kills cancer cells
Several studies have shown that Oregano may help kill cancer cells. In one study, treatment of human colon cancer cells with Oregano extract stopped the growth of cancer cells and helped kill them off. Nutritional supplements of this herb are recommended for cancer patients with Monoclonal Gammopathy of Undetermined Significance (MGUS) on Lenalidomide treatment. It can also benefit healthy individuals who are at genetic risk of cancer due to mutation of the gene CDKN1B.
8. It is effective for pest control
The benefits of Oregano include being a superb antiseptic and best insect repellent. It has some active ingredients such as carvacrol, thymol and α-terpinene reported of being highly effective in repelling mosquitoes. It’s believed that insects dislike the herb’s aromatic oils. Plant this herb near garlic, onions or chives to protect them from these insects.
9. It is used as a painkiller
The high potency of Oregano oil is powerful in relieving pain and provides relief to those suffering from arthritis especially autoimmune arthritis and rheumatoid arthritis. The multiple benefits of Oregano extracts include treating urinary tract infections, parasite infections and even being used topically to cleanse wounds or soothe muscle pain.
Now that you know the incredible uses of Oregano, why not try making a herbal tea with it and relish its medicinal qualities.
Oregano Herbal Mint Tea
Ingredients
- 1 cup water
- 1 tbsp fresh Oregano leaves/ dried Oregano leaves
- 1 tsp mint leaves
- 1tsp lemon juice
- 1tsp honey
Method
- Boil a cup of water
- Add fresh or dried oregano leaves and mint leaves
- Allow it to cool down a bit and then add lemon juice
- Add honey and enjoy your healthy oregano tea!
