Oregano, also known as the ‘mountain joy’ in Greek, is one of the most widely used kitchen herbs found throughout the world. In folklore, oregano is considered a particular favorite of Greek Goddess Aphrodite. Ancient people consider oregano as a magical herb that can bring good luck and health. The warm aromatic flavour of oregano makes it a must in every Mexican and Mediterranean kitchen. Oregano is well known for its various medicinal benefits.
Benefits of Oregano:
The oil of oregano is considered effective in treating infections, in reducing pain and inflammation. In addition, oregano can cure digestive problems, etc.
Listed below are some medicinal benefits of Oregano:
- Protection against Microbes: Experts believe that the presence of thymol and carvacrol in Oregano can help in preventing bacterial growth. This can help in reducing the risk of diseases such as cholera, typhoid, infections in the urinary tract, urine, etc. It is suggested that oregano can be effective against Giardia lamblia, amoeba that can cause parasitic infection in the gut.
- Protection against Degenerative Diseases: It is advised that the antioxidant property of oregano can help in fighting free radicals and in reducing cellular damage caused by them. This can help in treating such diseases as macular degeneration, loss of vision and hearing, degeneration of muscles or nerves, etc.
- An Effective Pain Killer: It is suggested that the components present in oregano can help in giving pain relief. The anti-inflammatory property of oregano can help in reducing swelling and pain. The antioxidant properties can help in reducing damage caused to the cells, thereby relieving pain.
- Promotes Digestion: It is recommended that oregano can help in improving digestion. This can help by increasing the secretion of digestive juices, enzymes, etc. In addition, it is suggested that the carminative property of oregano can help in expelling gas, thereby treating bloating, indigestion, etc.
- Treats Colon Cancer: Experts believe that high fiber content in oregano can help in reducing the risk of colon cancer. It has been found that fibers can help in binding cancer-causing toxins and bile salts together and help in eliminating them from the body, thereby treating colon cancer.
Though oregano has various medicinal benefits, it can cause few side effects too. Pregnant women should avoid taking oregano regularly as it can reduce the natural ability of our body to absorb iron. People who are prone to allergy should consult a doctor before taking oregano as it can cause skin irritation, vomiting, etc.
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October 23rd, 2009 at 3:21 pm
i just love the spice oregano, it makes chicken and other dishes just pop……just wanted to know if it had medecinal properties.