Oregano takes its name from the Greek oros ganos (the joy of the mountains). Its therapeutic virtues are numerous; It is invigorating, strengthens the immune system to fight against infections, facilitates transit, softens the throat, relieves the bronchi or eliminates itching.
Oregano has traditionally been used as a home remedy for many ailments. It contains many important compounds, including quercetin, luteolin-7-O-glucoside, apigenin-7-O-glucoside, luteolin, apigenin and rosmaric acid.
Wealth of oregano
Ground oregano is an excellent source of vitamin K, necessary for the production of proteins that play a role in blood clotting and bone formation. Ground oregano is also rich in iron which is essential for the transport of oxygen and the formation of red blood cells in the blood, calcium that contributes to the formation of bones, teeth and maintenance of their health, in manganese which acts as a cofactor for several enzymes and prevents the damage caused by free radicals, vitamin E which is a major antioxidant, protecting the membrane that surrounds the immune cells of the body.
Oregano is one of the plants widely used in herbal medicine (infusions or essential oils). It acts as an analgesic, an anti-inflammatory, an antiseptic, an antibacterial and an antioxidant. Indeed, oregano is composed of several phytonutrients such as thymol and rosmarinic acid that have proven to be extremely valuable antioxidants.
Benefits of oregano
Oregano acts as one:
- Anti-infective: the essential oil of oregano is mainly used for its incredible anti-infective power. By stimulating the immune system, it helps fight against winter infections such as sinusitis, bronchitis, colds or flu and sore throats. Oregano can also be used as an infusion.
- Anticancer: According to many studies, it has been shown that oregano can fight cancer. It contains quercetin, a phytochemical known to slow the growth of cancer and promote apoptosis. Apoptosis is the destruction of cells that have become useless or potentially dangerous through a process of cellular suicide.
- Antibacterial: Oregano helps reduce bacterial infections.
- Reduces bloating and flatulence, improves transit and relieves digestive disorders. It also improves appetite and relieves painful periods.
- Tonicardiac: it stimulates and excites the body. It is recommended in case of asthenia or fatigue.
In a study published in the International Food Journal of Sciences and Nutrition in 2007, it was shown that the consumption of oregano tea has antioxidant effects and leads to a decrease in the rate of bad cholesterol.
However, other benefits are related to the consumption of oregano tea, namely: cough, headaches, bronchial problems, swelling of the glands, depression, lice, warts, foot athlete, eczema, ear infection, sprains, Lyme disease, indigestion, urinary problems, allergies, burns, bleeding, constipation, parasites and fungi.
Tea recipe with oregano:
- 4 to 6 tablespoons fresh oregano leaves
- 2 ½ cups of water
- 1 tablespoon of organic honey
- Tea filter
Preparation:
Boil the water in a saucepan for 10 minutes. Add the oregano leaves and let steep for five minutes. Filter and add the honey.
To drink hot to make the most of its benefits.
Warnings :
Due to the vitamin K content of Oregano, people taking anticoagulant medications are advised to adopt a diet in which the vitamin K content is relatively stable. Oregano should therefore be used as a seasoning only.
It is also advisable not to use oregano during pregnancy.
Oregano is also not recommended for people with allergies. Oregano and lamiaceae in general contain a highly allergenic compound (linalool) on sensitive soils.