Oregano is a popular herb that many people think of as merely a spice to improve or enhance the flavor of their food, but in reality, this perennial herb, with the scientific name of Origanum vulgare, has a treasure of health benefits that most people don’t realize at all. Its name means “mountain joy,” and oregano was revered as a symbol of happiness by the ancient Greeks and Romans.
The chemicals that give the herb its unique and pleasant smell are thymol, pinene, limonene, carvacrol, ocimene, and caryophyllene. It is believed to contain potent antioxidants and to have anti-bacterial properties. Oregano has developed a popular following as a veritable cure for many health concerns, but the research to back up all of those claims is still a topic of debate. However, there are a number of potent active ingredients in oregano that have been deeply studied, and their effects on the body are redundant. Oil of oregano is an extremely concentrated form of oregano and is used to treat a number of conditions, but it should always be diluted, as it is very potent.
The oregano plant has tiny leaves which have a pungent aroma. These leaves are widely used in various Mediterranean cuisines. The plant bears pink or purple flowers. These flowers are also edible and are used in some rice dishes, pasta, pizza and any broccoli dishes. Its leaves are used in a fresh or dried form.
Health benefits of oregano include:
Boosts Immunity:
Two of the most important components of oregano is rosmarinic acid and thymol, both of which are powerful antioxidant compounds that have been closely linked to reducing oxidative stress in the body.
adding oregano to your diet by sprinkling it on your meals can improve your immune health and keep your body safe from some of the most dangerous and silent killers.
Rich Source of Vitamin K:
Oregano is a rich source of Vitamin K, a vital vitamin that is quite often ignored. Vitamin K is known to promote cardiovascular health and is integral to keeping calcium out of the arteries. It effectively helps in the bone development and promotes proper blood clotting too.
Detoxifies the body:
The nutrient-rich oregano, with a high content of manganese, calcium, iron, vitamin K, fiber, and a wide range of other organic compounds, makes this an ideal herb for detoxifying the body. Oregano can help liver function and speed up the process of toxin elimination.
Anti-inflammatory Properties:
Oregano contains beta-caryophyllin (E-BCP), a substance that inhibits inflammation and may also be beneficial for conditions including osteoporosis and arteriosclerosis, as well as metabolic syndrome.
Anti- bacterial Properties:
Oregano oil provides sedating effects on the hypersensitivity of allergies. It is an effective aid for irregular menstruation and reduces the negative effect of menopause.
Although some people who are allergic to mint and other herbaceous perennial plants may experience some discomfort while eating or touching oregano, it is not commonly known as an allergenic substance. Also, the symptoms of an allergic reaction to oregano are very mild. Toss some oregano into your next meal and see just how beneficial it can really be!
