The oregano (Origanum vulgare) is a plant widely used in cooking, but you also need to know the properties of oregano as it is an excellent medicinal herb for treating flu, colds and other diseases.
What is oregano and what does it need?
We immediately recognize it as an aromatic herb with a strong and slightly spicy taste that we use to season pizzas, salads, fish stews or vegetables. But it is also an effective medicinal plant.
Its name comes from the combination of the Greek words “oros”, meaning “mountain”, and ganos “joy”, in clear reference to the bright color it gives to the mountainside when it blooms wildly. It grows in clearings and forest edges in the mountains in the north and southeast of the Iberian Peninsula.
The flower tops are harvested in summer or late spring. They are rich in thymol, carvacrol, borneol and caryophyllene and also contain bitter substances, chlorogenic and rosmarinic acid, flavonoids and tannins.
Oregano is available fresh or dried for preparation as infusions, tinctures, liquid extracts, capsules, suppositories, and pure essential oils.
We can easily grow it in our garden, even in pots, to have it when we need it.
Properties of Oregano
The properties of oregano include:
- It is a digestive tonic that stimulates appetite and relieves flatulence, gastrointestinal cramps, indigestion and specific diarrhea.
- It prevents bloating and bloating and should therefore be taken after a large and filling meal.
- It is also useful for preventing the formation of gallstones and stimulating bile secretion. In this case it can be combined with boldo leaves and used as an infusion.
- Oregano has expectorant, antispasmodic and antiseptic properties and is useful for treating respiratory diseases such as nasal congestion, mild asthma attacks, bronchitis, sore throats and flu.
- It also has an analgesic effect and is a good natural substance for washing and healing skin wounds and relieving itching caused by insect bites.
- As a natural analgesic and anti-inflammatory agent, it relieves toothache, earache, menstrual cramps, as well as pain caused by poor posture and contractures, while relieving arthritis.
Natural remedies with oregano
Oregano against gases
Experts recommend a medicinal infusion that combines oregano, lemongrass and lemongrass. To prepare it, pour boiling water over one tablespoon of the mixture per cup and let it sit for 5-6 minutes. Drink it after meals without the need to add sugar.
Oregano essential oil for flu and colds
Simply add a drop of oregano essential oil for internal use to a sugar cube, dilute with water and drink in small sips after each meal. This is a great way to fight respiratory infections.
Oregano essential oil for pain and inflammation
Apply a few drops of essential oil to the painful area and massage in circular motions two to three times a day.
Mouthwash for toothache
Boil two tablespoons of oregano and poppy seeds with two cloves for 5 minutes and let steep for another 10 minutes. Complete rinsing is done several times a day.
Contraindications of oregano
Women who are pregnant, planning to become pregnant soon or are breastfeeding should generally avoid consuming essential oils. Use in children under 6-7 years is not recommended.
It is also contraindicated in patients with gastritis, irritable bowel syndrome, ulcerative colitis, stomach and duodenal ulcers, and liver disease.
Before benefiting from the properties of oregano, consult your doctor.
With information from: