Some many wonderful herbs and spices add delightful flavors and aromas to our foods. Oregano is one of them. This herb has a pleasant pungent taste and aroma, which makes it a suitable ingredient for many dishes. Apart from its use in cooking, oregano can also be taken as an alternative remedy for different ailments.
As with any other herb or spice, there are several oregano health benefits that you should know about.
What is Oregano?
Oregano is a flowering plant in the mint family. The name oregano comes from the Greek words “Oreos” and “ganos” which mean “mountain joy”. The herb is native to Mediterranean and Southern Asian regions but has now spread to other parts of the world, including the temperate climate areas of America. It is grown as a culinary herb and also as a source of essential oil. The leaves of the herb are generally dark green, with a pungent aroma and a bitter taste.
The herb is commonly used in Italian, Mexican, and Mediterranean cuisines. It can be used as a garnish on pizza, sandwiches, and sauces, and in soups and stews.
Oregano Health Benefits: Know more about this wonder herb
There are several health benefits of oregano that can greatly improve your health. Let’s discuss a few of them here.
- Oregano is a rich source of antioxidants. These compounds, along with vitamins and minerals, protect against free radicals that can cause premature aging and lead to illnesses such as cancer and heart diseases.
- The herb has a high amount of vitamin A and beta-carotene, which are essential for proper vision. It also contains vitamins C and E, which are antioxidants that help reduce stress and prevent cardiovascular diseases.
- Apart from that, oregano is also a good source of iron, fiber, and potassium. These nutrients are essential to maintain good health.
- The herb also contains anti-inflammatory properties that help reduce the risk of rheumatoid arthritis.
- It can even help regulate blood pressure and improve digestion.
Oregano for digestion
One of the most widely known oregano health benefits is its ability to improve digestion. The herb has carminative properties, which help aid in eliminating gas and reducing indigestion. It is also a rich source of essential oils and phenolic compounds that stimulate the secretion of digestive enzymes. These enzymes aid in the healthy digestion of foods and help you break down the nutrients from your diet.
Thus, oregano can be taken regularly to improve digestion. You can include it in your salads, soups, and other dishes. Alternatively, you can also consume it in the form of tea or extract. However, the best time to consume oregano is half an hour before eating a meal.
Oregano for skin care
The phenolic compounds present in the herb make it an excellent ingredient in skin care products. It acts as an anti-inflammatory agent and can be used to treat skin allergies, acne, and other skin infections. The herb also has exfoliating properties that can cleanse your skin and remove dead skin cells.
This can help improve your skin tone and keep your skin healthy. You can apply an oregano face mask once or twice a week for glowing skin. You can also mix a few drops of the herb in your regular face wash for extra benefits.
Oregano for respiratory health
A common usage of oregano is in the form of an inhaler or a steamer. It can be used to treat issues related to the respiratory system, including the common cold and nasal congestion. It can also be used to treat cough, cold, and bronchitis due to its anti-inflammatory properties. You can boil a few leaves in water and inhale the steam for up to 10 minutes.
Alternatively, you can also boil the leaves in water and leave them to cool down. You can then add a few drops of peppermint essential oil in it and store the solution in a spray bottle. You can spray it in your nostrils whenever you feel a cold coming.
Final words
Oregano is a wonderful herb that can be added to your diet as well as used as an alternative remedy for different ailments. It is rich in antioxidants and minerals that help protect the body from free radicals. You can include it in your salads, soups, and stews, or boil it in water, and inhale the steam for better health.
The herb can also be used as an ingredient in skin care products and to treat respiratory health issues. All in all, oregano is a great herb that can be beneficial for your health.
