Health Benefits of Oregano

Oregano also known as origanum vulgare is an herb belonging to the mint family that is used for medicinal and cooking purposes.

Oregano has been used as traditional medicine for thousands of years to treat an upset stomach, indigestion, bacterial infections, respiratory infections, skin sores, aching muscles, asthma, cramping, diarrhea, colds.

Oregano has anti-bacterial, anti-cancer, anti-viral and anti-inflammatory properties.

One study showed that oregano oil possessed the highest anti-bacterial activity against E. coli.

Some test tubes studies have shown that human colon cancer cells that were treated with oregano extract stopped the growth of cancer cells and helped kill them off.

Carvacrol and thymol are two compounds found in oregano that have been shown to decrease the activity of viruses in some test tube studies. One test tube study showed that thymol and carvacrol inactivated 90% of the herpes simplex virus within 1 hour.

Oregano is rich in antioxidants that help fight free radicals in the body and may reduce the risk of chronic diseases.  

Oregano may reduce inflammation in chronic inflammatory conditions such as rheumatoid arthritis and allergic asthma.

Oregano may also help manage type 2 diabetes and high blood pressure levels.

As always, consult with your physician.

Sources:

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Oregano

https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC6508890/

https://www.healthline.com/nutrition/6-oregano-benefits

https://www.medicalnewstoday.com/articles/266259

https://www.webmd.com/vitamins/ai/ingredientmono-644/oregano