Oregano oil

What Is Oregano?

Oregano (Origanum vulgare) is an herb that’s a member of the mint (Lamiaceae) family. It has been used for thousands of years in folk medicines to treat upset stomach, respiratory complaints and bacterial infections.

Oregano leaves have a strong aroma and slightly bitter, earthy flavor. The spice was used in ancient Egypt and Greece to flavor meats, fish and vegetables.

The herb got its name from the Greeks, where oregano means Joy of the Mountain.

Benefits

1. Antioxidant Powerhouse

Oregano is jam-packed with health-promoting antioxidants, including limonene, thymol, carvacrol and terpinene. In fact, it’s one of the top antioxidant foods with an oxygen radical absorbance capacity (ORAC) score of 159,277. (That’s high!)

There are numerous benefits of eating foods high in antioxidants. They help slow the effects of aging by reducing free radical damage, which can contribute to many health issues and premature aging. Antioxidants positively impact your skin, eyes, heart, brain and cells as well. Studies on oregano extracts show that the herb’s antioxidant effects are likely attributed to carvacrol and thymol, two components that have therapeutic and preventative purposes in folk medicine.

2. Has Antibacterial Properties

Several studies indicate that oil of oregano has antibacterial effects against a range of bacterial strains. There’s even research supporting the use of the oil as an alternative to harmful antibiotics for a number of health concerns. One study found that oil of oregano possesses the highest antibacterial activity against E. coli, suggesting that the extract can be used to promote gastrointestinal health and prevent food poisoning. What does this mean about the oregano leaves you add to your pasta sauce? They contain two important compounds, thymol and carvacrol, which help fight bacterial infections. That said, using the more concentrated essential oil is far more effective for killing bacteria.

3. Reduces Inflammation

Cooking with this health-promoting herb, whether it’s dry or fresh, may help reduce inflammation. Studies on the herb’s essential oils show that it contains powerful anti-inflammatory properties.

4. Fights Viral Infections

Carvacrol, one of the main components in oregano, has been shown to possess antiviral properties. This enables oregano oil to delay viral disease progression and improve resistance to infections.

Again, these studies use the herb’s essential oil, which is far more concentrated than consuming fresh or dried leaves. However, they does highlight the beneficial compounds that are present in the plant.