9 beneficial properties of oregano (oregano) for health and methods of application
Oregano or oregano is a special plant that gives an exquisite taste and aroma to any dish. It can be used fresh or dried, as well as in the form of essential oils.
Modern science has proven many medicinal properties of oregano for the body. It contains vital nutrients and helps to promote health and increase life expectancy.
9 useful properties
The main theses on the benefits of oregano for our health are discussed below (based on scientific sources of information).
1. It has an antioxidant effect
Oregano contains antioxidants – special substances that destroy free radicals that are formed during oxidative stress.
Free radicals can damage any cells, increase the risk of developing cancer and some chronic diseases.
Experts from Austria proved there is a direct link between the accumulation of free radicals and the appearance of cardiovascular pathologies. Japanese scientists confirmed the role of these substances in the development of malignant neoplasms.
The main antioxidant substances in oregano are ( 1 , 2 , 3 ):
- Carvacrol;
- Timol;
- Rosemary acid.
Oregano essential oil is especially rich in antioxidants. It is often used in folk medicine to promote health.
To enhance the antioxidant effect, it is recommended to take oregano together with fruits and vegetables (at least 400 grams per day).
2. Destroys pathogenic bacteria
Research by Swiss specialists show
the ability of oregano to suppress the growth and reproduction of Escherichia coli and Pseudomonas aeruginosa. These microorganisms often cause acute intestinal infections and inflammatory diseases of the urinary system.
According to information Pakistani scientists, the range of antimicrobial activity of oregano is much wider. The medicinal plant is effective against 111 gram-positive bacteria, including Staphylococcus aureus.
While oregano is one of the most powerful (in terms of killing bacteria) herbs, giving way to the first place thyme .
The plant can be used for the prevention and therapy (together with antibiotics) of any infectious and inflammatory diseases in the body.
3. Fighting cancer
As already mentioned, the plant is saturated with antioxidants. These compounds are effective against any type of cancer.
Research by Italian scientists conducted in laboratory conditions, show that oregano can slow down the growth of colon tumor cells or destroy them.
Also installed that the plant reduces the likelihood of cancer cell metastasis.
Despite the positive results, the effect of oregano in animals and humans has not been studied. Additional research is required to confirm the healing properties.
4. Suppresses the activity of viruses
Single laboratory studies have revealed the antiviral potential of oregano.
Carvacrol and thymol, which are part of the plant, suppress the vital activity of norovirus. This pathogenic agent causes infections of the digestive system, accompanied by nausea and vomiting, abdominal pain, diarrhea.
The death of the virus is observed within 1 hour of exposure to oregano. Similar information lead employees of the University of Arizona (USA).
How claim Taiwanese scientists, oregano can also be used against the herpes simplex virus. The effect of the plant on viral cells leads to the death of 90% of them in 60 minutes.
It is assumed that the plant can be effective against other viruses, but there is no scientific data confirming this fact.
5. Suppresses chronic inflammation
Chronic inflammation is a physiological process necessary for the body, however, it can cause significant harm to health.
Is considered that chronic inflammation significantly increases the risk of developing heart and vascular diseases, type II diabetes mellitus and autoimmune disorders.
Antioxidants and anti-inflammatory substances found in oregano, depressing chronic inflammation due to a decrease in the concentration of certain markers of an inflammatory reaction in the blood.
Anti-inflammatory effects were checked on rodents at the Federal University of Piaui (Brazil). The introduction of carvacrol into the body of mice led to a 57% decrease in limb swelling.
Scientists claim that carvacrol not only reduces the production of inflammatory markers, but also increases the ability of damaged tissues (for example, ulcers of the gastric mucosa) to regenerate, contributing to rapid recovery.
Underlined the effectiveness of the plant in autoimmune intestinal diseases (ulcerative colitis, Crohn's disease). It reduces the severity of symptoms and the severity of the course of pathologies.
6. Reduces the level of cholesterol in the blood
Experts discovered
that the use of oregano leads to a decrease in the concentration of total cholesterol in the blood, LDL and TAG ("bad" cholesterol), as well as C-reactive protein.
There was also an increase in the proportion of HDL (&171;useful&187; cholesterol), high volumes of which are associated with a rare incidence of atherosclerotic lesions of the walls of arterial vessels.
Also proven oregano ability reduce cholesterol levels in the blood with an initially impaired diet (eating excessive amounts of fatty foods). For the described effects respond thymol and carvacrol, which are part of the plant.
Regular consumption of oregano in food allows not only to lower cholesterol levels, but also to protect the walls of the arteries from the introduction of cholesterol crystals and the formation of atherosclerotic plaques.
This reduces the risk of developing pathologies such as coronary heart disease, chronic cerebral ischemia, myocardial infarction, strokes, etc.
7. Improves intestinal health
Oregano has a complex effect on digestive system
, improving its work and preventing the development of the most common pathologies.
Arizona State Specialists (USA) found out that oral administration of oregano oil (600 mg per day) for several days leads to the death of helminths and the elimination of symptoms such as diarrhea, spastic pain and bloating.
According to Chinese scientists, oregano allows improve the intestinal microflora, as it destroys pathogenic microorganisms. The greatest activity was recorded in relation to E. coli.
The product can also be useful for viral infections of the small intestine and autoimmune diseases (Crohn's disease, ulcerative colitis).
8. Eliminates pain
Due to the presence of carvacrol in the composition, oregano oil can reduce
pain and inflammation. The effects of the plant were tested in mice, and the analgesic effect was comparable to drugs such as phenoprofen and morphine.
At the same time, how celebrate Iranian researchers, the effect is directly proportional to the dose of oil taken, that is, the more oil taken, the more pronounced the analgesic effect.
The plant can be used for chronic diseases of the musculoskeletal system, in particular, the spinal column and joints. It is an alternative to some medications.
9. Helps to lose weight
Korean experts proved
that taking carvacrol can reduce body weight or slow down the deposition of fats in the body with an abundance of fats in the diet.
Oregano blocks chronic inflammation in adipose tissue, thereby disrupting the stages of adipogenesis (formation of new fat cells).
It is noteworthy that the action of oregano is not associated with hormonal mechanisms of regulation of adipose tissue metabolism in the body. Therefore, the plant is equally effective in men and women.
Possible harm
Being considered a safe plant, oregano has some contraindications and can cause harm to the body. The most common complications are:
- Sexual dysfunction. In men, with excessive intake, difficulties in sexual life may occur. They pass within 1-3 days from the moment of stopping taking the plant, irreversible changes are not observed.
- Dyspeptic disorders. Occur when the mucous membranes of the stomach are irritated (when taking oregano herb or essential oil on an empty stomach). They are characterized by pain in the epigastric and umbilical region, heartburn, nausea, diarrhea.
- Allergic reactions. Are caused by the sensitization of the body to individual plant proteins. Cases of cross-allergy with hypersensitivity to thyme have been described. They usually appear in a mild form (rashes and itching of the skin). If you have allergies in the past, oregano is contraindicated.
Oregano is not recommended to be given to a child and taken by pregnant women, since there is not a single study that has proven the safety of the product for these categories of persons.
Application options
Oregano has found wide application in medicine and is a frequent ingredient in folk recipes. Let's focus on some of them:
- Water infusion. Add 2 tablespoons of oregano to 200 ml of hot water. Close the lid and keep in a water bath for about 15-20 minutes. Remove from heat and let stand for 45-60 minutes, strain. Consume 100 ml 2-3 times a day.
- Tea. 1 tbsp. l. plants pour 200 ml of boiling water and let it stand for 5-10 minutes, strain. Take 1-2 times a day. Oregano tea is most effective for respiratory infections, increased stress and insomnia.
- Tincture. Mix 50 grams of oregano herb and 200 ml of alcohol (medical). Pour the mixture into a glass container with a tight lid, place in a dark, cool room for 10 days. Take tincture of oregano 1-2 tsp per day (2-3 hours before bedtime).
- A remedy for "nervous" disorders. You will need: 1 tbsp. l. oregano, St. John's wort, mint, valerian and honey; 250 ml of hot water. Pour the herbs with water, add honey, mix thoroughly. Let it brew for 15 minutes and take it once, 1-3 hours before bedtime.
Oregano is also firmly established in cosmetology. A decoction of the plant can be used for morning washing and removing traces of cosmetics from the face. The product destroys harmful bacteria on the surface of the skin and opens the pores.
In cooking, the plant is used to give a special aroma and taste to vegetable salads, pasta, pizza, soups and fish dishes.
Conclusion
- Oregano or oregano is a healthy aromatic plant containing many antioxidant and anti–inflammatory substances.
- It can fight chronic diseases and cancer, effectively reduces cholesterol and improves intestinal health.
- In dietetics, the herb is used to control and reduce body weight.
- Oregano has a number of side effects that are recommended to be considered. Pregnant women and children should refuse to take the plant.
