Oregano: Flavorful Herb, Powerful Antibiotic And MORE!

 

Oregano is a well-known, often-used herb, especially when it comes to Mediterranean or Italian cooking. What’s nice is that it not only imparts flavor to food, but also adds a number of health benefits to the body. Did you know that oregano has eight times more antioxidants than apples and three times as much as blueberries? And oil of oregano is an even more potent form of support for the body; it helps with muscle and joint flexibility, works to resist harmful organisms, including candida, energizes the immune system, and strengthens respiratory health. So if you don’t have oregano in your kitchen AND your first aid kit, you’re really missing out on a star performer in both areas, just as this article from Nutrition and You points out….

 

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OREGANO

Oregano is a wonderful perennial culinary and medicinal herb. It has long been recognized as one of the “functional foods” for its nutritional, anti-oxidants and disease preventing properties. The herb, whose name means “delight of the mountains” in Greek, is native to the Mediterranean region. Botanically, it belongs to the mint (Lamiaceae) family, in the genus; Origanum, and is known scientifically as Origanum vulgare.

There are many cultivars of oregano cultivated across Europe, however, the influence of climate, season, and soil have greater effect on the composition of the essential oils than the difference between various species. Origanum heracleoticum is another Greek variety that is having characteristic sharp scent, and flavor. Sweet marjoram (Origanum majorana) is one of closely related species of oregano.

Mexican oregano (Lippia graveolens) is different from origanum species, but related to the verbena family of herbs. It is used in place of oregano in many Central American regions.

Health benefits of Oregano

• Oregano contains an impressive list of plant derived chemical compounds that are known to have disease preventing and health promoting properties.
• The herb parts contain no cholesterol; however, are rich source of dietary fiber, which helps to control blood cholesterol levels.
• Oregano contains several health benefiting essential oils such as carvacrol, thymol, limonene, pinene, ocimene, and caryophyllene. Its leaves and flowering stem has anti-septic, anti-spasmodic, carminative, cholagogue (helps gall bladder secretion), diaphoretic (sweat production), expectorant, stimulant, and mildly tonic properties. Its decoction is taken by mouth for the treatment of colds, influenza, mild fevers, indigestion, stomach upsets, and painful menstruation conditions.
• Thymol is also been found to have anti-bacterial, anti-fungal activities.
• The herb is rich in poly-phenolic flavonoid anti-oxidants (vitamin A, carotenes, lutein, zea-xanthin, and cryptoxanthin) and has been rated as one of the plant sources with highest anti-oxidant activities. These compounds help act as protective scavengers against oxygen-derived free radicals and reactive oxygen species (ROS) that play a role in aging and various disease processes.
• The active principles in the herb may improve gut motility in addition to increase the digestion power by facilitating copious secretion of gastro-intestinal juices.
• This marvelous herb is an excellent source of minerals like potassium, calcium, manganese, iron, and magnesium. Potassium is an important component of cell and body fluids that helps control heart rate and blood pressure caused by high sodium. Manganese and copper are utilized by the body as co-factors for the antioxidant enzyme, superoxide dismutase. Iron helps prevent anemia. Magnesium and calcium are important minerals for bone metabolism.
• In addition, the fresh herb is an excellent source of antioxidant vitamin-C. Vitamin C helps human body develop resistance against infectious agents and scavenge harmful, pro-inflammatory free radicals.

Oregano is a proven super “functional food.” This herb is one of the foundation bases of healthy Mediterranean diet in addition to olive oil, fish and lots of greens, herbs and vegetables. It has an excellent nutritional profile (per USDA National Nutrient data base); just 100 g of oregano herb provides:

Principle	Nutrient Value	Percentage of RDA
Energy	306 Kcal	15%
Carbohydrates	64.43 g	49%
Protein	11 g	19.5%
Total Fat	10.25 g	34%
Cholesterol	0 mg	0%
Dietary Fiber	42.8 g	107%
Vitamins
Folates	274 µg	69%
Niacin	6.22 mg	39%
Pantothenic acid	0.921 mg	17%
Pyridoxine	1.210 mg	93%
Riboflavin	0.320 mg	24.5%
Thiamin	0.341 mg	28%
Vitamin A	6903 IU	230%
Vitamin C	50 mg	83%
Vitamin E	18.86 mg	126%
Vitamin K	621.7 µg	518%
Electrolytes
Sodium	15 mg	1%
Potassium	1669 mg	35.5%
Minerals
Calcium	1576 mg	158%
Copper	0.943 mg	105%
Iron	44 mg	550%
Magnesium	270 mg	67.5%
Manganese	4.667 mg	203%
Zinc	4.43 mg	40%
Phyto-nutrients
Carotene-ß	4112 µg	—
Crypto-xanthin-ß	11 µg	—
Lutein-zeaxanthin	862 µg	—

Source: http://www.nutrition-and-you.com/oregano.html

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PERSONAL NOTE ON TIPS FOR SELECTION & STORAGE:

As with most herbs, fresh oregano is superior in flavor and richer in essential oils, vitamins and antioxidants than dried. Choose leaves with a vibrant green color and firm stem that are free of mold, discoloration and/or yellowing. Fresh leaves should be refrigerated, kept in a zip-lock bag or glass jar, or wrapped in a slightly damp paper towel. Dried leaves can be kept fresh for many months when stored in a tightly sealed container and placed in a cool, dark, dry place. For tips on growing, harvesting and drying your own oregano (and other herbs), check out this post by Round Rock Garden.

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And Ethan A. Huff, staff writer for NaturalNews.com thinks oil of oregano is a must-have for any ‘prepper’ or survivalist…..

If a major emergency were to strike suddenly and without warning, leaving you and your family without the normal comforts of life for an indefinite period of time, would you have the tools, supplies and knowledge necessary for survival? Having extra food, water and even first aid supplies on hand is a great place to start when preparing for the worst, but what about long-term protection against infection and disease?

In their book Beyond Antibiotics: Healthier Options for Families, Michael A. Schmidt, Lendon H. Smith and Keith W. Sehnert explain how essential plant oils possess unique antimicrobial properties that naturally fight and eliminate harmful bacteria, viruses and fungi. And the essential oil of oregano in particular, which survivalists and “preppers” alike are discovering is a top choice for staying healthy during a crisis, is arguably the most potent and effective antimicrobial in the essential oil family.

Most people, if asked what they would stock their own “bug-out” bags with, would probably include basic medicines like painkillers and even antibiotics. But oil of oregano, which can be stored long-term without issue, has a leg up on traditional antibiotics, as it hits microbes where it really matters, blocking their ability to breathe. Antibiotics, on the other hand, are designed to obstruct the normal life cycle or metabolism of bacteria, which leaves room for them to mutate and develop resistance.

“One of the advantages essential oils, like oil of oregano, have over antibiotics is that bacteria do not develop resistance to essential oils,” explains the book Beyond Antibiotics: Healthier Options for Families. “Another advantage to essential oils is that some actually stimulate immune function.”

Oil of oregano 26 times stronger, more effective than conventional antiseptics like phenol

Dubbed the “Rolls Royce of natural antiseptics” by Dr. Cass Ingram, one of the world’s leading experts on the subject, oil of oregano is not only one of the most effective antimicrobial agents in existence — it is also one of the safest, producing no negative side effects and targeting only harmful pathogens while leaving beneficial ones alone.

Tests have also shown that oil of oregano beats out conventional antiseptics like phenol, which is commonly used in commercial antimicrobial products like Lysol, Pinesol and Cloraseptic, by a factor of 26 to one. This means that oil of oregano is 26 times more effective at targeting and destroying harmful pathogens than even the most powerful conventional products used to treat and sterilize things like hospital equipment.

Oil of oregano highly effective against yeasts, disease-causing free radicals

As far as its internal use, oil of oregano is “the best of the best,” according to a French doctor by the name of Belaiche, who in 1977 released his official oregano index, which uses oil of oregano as the base reference for comparing the bactericidal action of other substances. Oil of oregano is so effective, in other words, that an acclaimed doctor and research set it as the standard for comparison more than 30 years ago.

“The essential oil of oregano has always provided me with amazing results in treating infectious diseases,” writes Bee Wilder for Healing Naturally by Bee. “Besides oregano oil’s bactericidal action, it also prevents spasms, convulsions and nervous disorders.”

The same is true for yeasts like candida, which standard antibiotics cannot even treat. The believed-to-be primary active substance in oil of oregano, carvacrol, is highly effective at cleansing the urinary tract and bladder of not only bacterial invaders but also fungal and yeast invaders. Oil of oregano also helps protect the tissues of the body against inflammation by eliminating the free radicals that cause it, thus helping protect the body against debilitating illness.

Source: http://www.naturalnews.com/043170_oregano_oil_prepping_natural_antiseptic.html#ixzz2mz7DqWrF

 

I think oil of oregano is a must have whether you’re a prepper or not, and I recommend the one by Global Healing Center because their products always seem to be a step above what else in on the market. Here’s what Dr. Edward Group of GHC has to say about the special oregano oil he has created….

“I believe oregano oil is one of the greatest healing agents known to man and I’ve used it for years to enhance my own health and that of my patients. Because it’s so effective, I wanted to create our own product that was organically sourced. Thus began a two year journey to develop the most advanced, vegetarian and vegan friendly oregano oil formula in the world.

In looking for the best source of oregano, I found that oregano grown high atop the Turkish mountain area contained the highest levels of the active ingredient, carvacrol. Combining it with organic peppermint oil and 250,000 scoville heat units of capsicum (the active ingredient in cayenne) in an organic virgin olive oil base would produce a formula like no other. After much testing and many trial batches, we finalized a formula that provides optimal strength and effectiveness and are proud to offer it here.”
-Dr. Edward F. Group III, DC, NP

Why is Ours the Best Oregano Oil Available?

• 300% higher concentration of Carvacrol in the oregano oil (minimum of 80%)
• No artificial, chemical or toxic byproducts
• Suitable for vegetarians
• Contains a cold-pressed laboratory grade formula of Wild Organic Mediterranean Oregano
• Contains essential minerals and vitamins
• Meets USDA National Organic Program standards (ECOCERT SA Organic Certification #1848TR0600z2e).

Start with a small dosage using the capsules provided for the oil and take with plenty of water and some food.

Here are some testimonials to get an idea of how people are using the oil and the results they are getting:

Amazing help!! (5/5)

I’ve used this amazing product to help my battle with sinus problems. I’ve battled “unknown” health issues for years and more recently have experienced “new” symptoms which have gotten worse. The debilitating symptoms I’ve been experiencing have greatly affected my quality of life. Yesterday, I happen to notice my bottle of Oil of Oregano in my cupboard. Out of desperation for relief, I took 5 drops in a capsule. I was astounded at the improvement in my well-being within a short time later. I was able to sit up and function after being bedridden with an uncomfortable feeling of malaise, pain and extreme fatigue for 2 full days. I have taken several servings since and I can say that I know have encouragement and hope that I can learn to cope and deal with this. I will diligently take this product. I might add that I have used other brands of Oil of Oregano in the past, both in capsule form and tincture, and GHC’s Oil of Oregano is far superior than the 5 other brands and forms I’ve tried. God Bless. –Anita

Love it! (5/5)

I am using this for candida cleansing. It does well on its own but does great in combination with GHC’s Paratrex and other yeast killers. I intend to use daily on its own once I kill off most of the candida. Great product and no bad taste because it is in the capsule.–Jenn

Wonderful product (5/5)

I use this product daily as much as I can and have found it to be very effective for digestion and for candida. I do use it in conjunction with GHC’s Latero Flora and also use Paratrex from time to time. If I start having increased digestion problems or a little constipation, I use all three for awhile and it always gets me back on track.

PERSONAL NOTE: I also like GHC because it has an A+ BBB rating, free shipping within the US on GHC products, a 180-day money back guarantee (with free return shipping!), and a Best Product Line Award from Natural News! And until 3/21/15 the oregano oil is 20% off! Use code ‘Oregano2015‘ to take advantage of the discount.

Salud!

p.s. Be sure to subscribe to Self-help Health so you don’t miss any future posts. Also check out my new website Evolution Made Easier and blog of the same name for more helpful information, tips, tools and resources.

Disclaimer: Please note that any information here is provided as a guideline only, and is not meant to substitute for the advice of your physician, nutritionist, trained healthcare practitioner, and/or inner guidance system. Always consult a professional before undertaking any change to your normal health routine.