Oregano is a species of Origanium, belonging to the mint family Lamiaceae. It typically grows 50 cm tall and it has purple leaves around 2-3 cm in length. The oregano is an important culinary and medicinal herb which has been used in both cooking and medicine for thousands of years, proving numerous health benefits. Now, it is one of the top 5 spices in the world with one of the highest Oxygen Radical Absorbance Capacity (ORAC) scores meaning it will more effectively neutralize free radicals.
This spice is an imperative in Latin American, Turkish, Greek, Italian, Spanish, and Portuguese cuisine. It pairs well with olives and capers, and it is key ingredient in tomato sauces. Most importantly, it is considered as nature`s antibiotics. So, it is not surprising that people who follow a Mediterranean diet tend to live longer and healthier lives. The oil of the wild oregano plant acts as a potent antihistamine and it is found to kill unwanted parasites, viruses, bacteria, yeast, and fungus.
Chemicals responsible for the unique and pleasant smell of the herb are pinene, limonene, ocimene, caryophyllene, thymol, and carvacrol. However, these chemical don’t provide only food flower, but they are also a significant source of health benefits related to its powerful anti-bacterial and antioxidants properties.
Oregano is loaded with:
- Manganese
- Vitamin K-an important vitamin that promotes bone growth and the maintenance of bone density and the production of blood clotting proteins
- Iron
- Fiber
Oregano is also used to urinary tract disorders, respiratory tract disorders, menstrual cramps, and gastrointestinal (GI) disorders. It contains at least 4 compounds that soothe coughs and 19 chemicals that help reduce body odor, thanks to its antibacterial activity. Oregano is also a digestive aid because its compounds which soothe cough may be also helpful in un-knotting muscles in the digestive tract.
This popular spice is rich in compounds that can treat hypertension, also referred to as high blood pressure. It can be used in the treatment of numerous skin conditions including dandruff and acne. For this purpose, it should be applied topically (onto the skin).
WHAT ARE THE HEALTH BENEFITS OF OREGANO :
- Excellent Source of Dietary Antioxidants
According to a report published in the Journal of Nutrition, oregano contains large amounts of antioxidants (i.e.>75 mmo;/100g). It is rich in various phytonutrients which are shown to act as powerful antioxidants, preventing oxygen-based damage to cells structures throughout the body, improving your ability to fight infection and protecting cells against the effects of free radicals.
Oregano has shown stronger anti-oxidant capacity than both synthetic anti-oxidants which are typically included in processed foods. Those anti-oxidants are the BHA (butylated bydroxyanisole) and BHT ( butylated hydroxytoluene). In addition, on a per gram fresh weight basis, oregano has shown 4 times more antioxidant activity than blueberries, 12 times more than oranges, 30 times more than potatoes, and even 42 more than apples.
- Anti-Cancer Properties
As reported by biologists at the United Arab Emirates University, oregano inhibits anticancer action by encouraging cell cycle arrest and apoptosis (cancer cells commit suicide) of the MDA-MB-231 breast cancer line.
The scientists stated: concluded “Our findings identify Origanum majorana as a promising chemopreventive and therapeutic candidate that modulate breast cancer growth and metastasis.” In brief, they believe that oregano can prevent or slow down the progression of cancer in patients suffering from breast cancer.
- Antibacterial Properties
Numerous studies have confirmed oregano`s antimicrobial activity. What makes oregano a potent antimicrobial is the carvacol, an essential compound. According to the findings of a group of Portuguese researchers, Origanum vulgare essential oils were effective against 41 strains of the food pathogen Listeria monocytogenes.
Mexican researchers compared oregano to tinidazol, a common over-the- counter drug prescribed to treat infection caused by the amoeba Giardia lamblia. In the study, the oregano was found to be more effective against Giardia in comparison to the prescription drug.
There is yet another study supporting oregano`s antibacterial properties. A team of Indian and British researchers found that the essential oil of Himalayan oregano has potent antibacterial properties that can even kill MRSA, a hospital superbug.
Professor Vyv Salisbury, participant in the research, stated: “We have done a few preliminary tests and have found that the essential oil from the oregano kills MRSA at a dilution 1 to 1,000. The tests show that the oil kills MRSA both as a liquid and as a vapor and its antimicrobial activity is not diminished by heating in boiling water.”
- Effective against Inflammations
Scientist at the ETH Zurich, Switzerland and Bonn University, Germany, indentified beta-caryophyllin (E-BCP) in oregano. This active ingredient can be used against health conditions, such as arteriosclerosis and osteoporosis.
- Packed with Nutrients
This herb is an excellent source of manganese, iron, typtophan, calcium, vitamin E, and omega fatty acids. It is very high in fiber too, which is known to lower the risk of developing colon cancer and to reduce high cholesterol levels. Fiber works in the body to bind the cancer-causing toxins and bile salts in the colon and eliminate them from the body. This is really important because it forces the body to break down cholesterol in order to produce more bile salts. These are some of the reasons why diets rich in fiber have been shown to reduce the risk of colon cancer and to lower high cholesterol levels.
OREGANO MAY BE BENEFICIAL FOR THE FOLLOWING (MORE EVIDENCE NEEDED):
- Intestinal parasites
- Heartburn
- Heart conditions
- Bloating
- Allergies
- Headaches
- Menstrual cramps
- Arthritis
- Repelling insects
- Fatigue
- Bronchitis
- Cough
- Acne
- Asthma
- Dandruff
How to Select and Store
It is recommended to opt for fresh oregano rather than dried for of the herb, mainly because it is superior in flavor. The leaves of fresh oregano should be green in color and should look fresh, while the stems should be firm. There shouldn’t be any darks spots or yellowing present.
Despite being widely available in supermarkets, it is much better to buy dried herbs and spices from local spice stores in your area. The thing is, these stores offer a whole range of dried herbs and spices that are of superior freshness and quality in comparison to the ones offered in regular markets. When buying dried oregano, make sure you choose an organically grown once in order to be reassured that it has not been irradiated. The same rule is applied to all other dried herbs.
Dried oregano should be kept in a tightly sealed glass container in a cool, dry, and dark place, allowing it to stay fresh for about six months. On the other hand, fresh oregano should be kept in the refrigerator wrapped in a damp paper towel. You can also freeze it, either whole or chopped, in airtight containers. Finally, you can also freeze the oregano in ice cube trays covered with water or stock that you can afterwards add in stews or soups.
