The Health Benefits of Oregano
The first thing that comes to mind when you
hear the world 'oregano' is probably pizza. However, this commonly
found herb has gained popularity as a natural remedy for a number of
common health problems and as an excellent source of vitamins and
minerals. These are some of the health benefits of oregano that you may
not have known about.
Note: It is recommended that you purchase
oregano oil for a number of these home remedies due to its concentrated
strength. Oregano oil can be found at most health stores and in some
pharmacies. Essential oils should not be applied directly to the skin,
but should be mixed with a carrier oil (such as olive oil).
1. Can Be Used to Treat the Common Cold
Oregano is a powerful antioxidant and has antiseptic properties that
flush out your system, making it an excellent treatment for the common
cold.
When you feel a sore throat coming on, add three drops of oregano oil to
a glass of orange juice or water. Drink it once a day for up to five
days until the symptoms are gone. You can also use dried oregano in tea
and drink it two to three times a day.
2. Relieves Nasal Congestion
Oregano is a completely natural and safe
antihistamine that few people know about.
To clear out a blocked nose and sore throat, add two or three drops of
oregano oil to one half-cup of boiling water. Cover your head with a
towel and inhale the vapor. Do this twice daily and you will be
breathing freely.
3. Treat the Flu
Oregano can even be used to treat the flu! It has antiviral properties
that can effectively shorten the duration of flu symptoms such as high
fever, cough, sore throat, headache, and aching in the joints and
muscles.
An effective treatment for some of the flu symptoms is to mix a few
drops of oregano oil in a glass of water and drink it once daily for
three to five days.
4. Ease Menstrual Cramps
Oregano is also an effective pain reliever
and can be a great treatment for those that suffer from menstrual
cramps.
Chew fresh oregano leaves three times a day to reduce the pain. You can
also drink oregano tea for quick relief. To make the tea, mix one-half
teaspoon of dried oregano in one cup of water and bring it to a boil
over the stove. Strain it and add sugar to taste. Drink this tea three
to four times daily.
Oregano oil can also be used to regulate the menstrual cycle, reduce the
negative effects of menopause, and even prevent premature menopause.
5. Kills Intestinal Parasites
Intestinal parasites are those unwanted inhabitants of the
gastrointestinal system that can cause you discomfort and increase your
risk of contracting various diseases. Dried oregano effectively kills
off these parasites, especially in its oil form. Oregano also contains
two antimicrobial agents called thymol and carvacrol which have been
proven effective in treating intestinal parasites.
Add two to three drops of oregano oil to water along with some freshly
squeezed lemon juice and drink up to three times a day.
6. Can Improve Heart Health
Oregano is also a great source of
potassium, which is a component of our cell and body fluids that helps
control rapid heart rate and blood pressure. Using these remedies can
counteract high intakes of sodium and other substances that are
dangerous to heart health.
The antioxidants in oregano are believed to prevent and repair oxidative
stress and heart disease, among a number of other heart conditions. It
is also a source of omega-3 fatty acids that help reduce inflammation in
the body and lower the risk of heart disease.
Drink one cup of oregano tea daily to improve your heart health.
7. Control Asthma Attacks
Rich in lung-cleansing elements like carvacrol, flavonoids, and
terpenes, oregano clears the respiratory tract to provide relief from
asthma attacks.
When suffering from an asthma attack, drink oregano tea sweetened with
honey four to five times a day. You can also extract the juice from the
oregano leaves (using a blender) and take one teaspoon of it every hour
to relieve asthma and chronic coughing.
8. Stimulates Appetite
If you have a weak appetite, oregano is a
great option to keep it up. Studies have shown that oregano can relax
stomach tension, which then stimulates the appetite.
Dilute oregano oil in water and use in the bath as a hot steam treatment
or rub it into your skin to encourage an increased appetite. The herb
also treats indigestion and bloating if you experience them.
9. Maintains Body Weight
Anyone looking to shed pounds or maintain a healthy weight should surely
add oregano to their daily diet. The herb is free of cholesterol and is
a rich source of dietary fiber. Fiber helps you manage your weight and
can keep the body fit and free of disease.
Oregano actually helps dissolve fat build up in areas like the liver,
gallbladder, lymph system, and more. This is because oregano contains
carvacrol which is capable of dissolving fat into droplets.
10. Protect Against Cancer
Because oregano is a good source of fiber,
it removes bile salts and cancer-causing toxins from the colon and other
areas of the body. This then forces the body to break down cholesterol
to make more bile salts, thus lowering high cholesterol on the way.
Oregano is also antibacterial and anti-inflammatory, and it can be used
to slow down the progress of some cancers like breast and prostate
cancers.