Oregano is a medicinal and spice plant that belongs to the labiates family and is also called thoset, wild marjoram or Wohlgemut. The plant is a natural antibiotic and also has a strong fungicidal effect, which is why it is often used for fungal infections. In addition, it has a blood-thinning effect and is therefore also used in the prevention of heart attacks and strokes, respectively.
Occurrence and cultivation of oregano
The aroma of the plant depends strongly on the climate, the soil and the location, respectively. The word oregano comes from the ancient Greek and means as much as mountain or mountain, but also shine or refreshment. The plant was originally native to the Mediterranean region, but is now cultivated in warm regions worldwide. It prefers calcareous subsoil or pine and oak forests or snow heath pine forests. Oregano (Origanum vulgare) grows about 20 to 70 cm high and has a very aromatic taste. The medicinal plant contains mainly tannins and bitter substances, respectively, as well as essential oils such as cymol, thymol, borneol and carvacrol. In addition, oregano is not attacked by pests and keeps away insects of all kinds, which is already an indication of its extremely powerful mode of action. When the plant is harvested, the stems are cut about a hand’s width above the ground and then hung to dry. Afterwards, the stems can then be stripped and stored. The aroma depends strongly on the climate, the soil and the location. The drier the soil conditions, the more intense its flavor.
Effect and application
Oregano has been used as a seasoning for about 300 to 400 years. The plant plays a very important role especially in Greek, Spanish as well as Italian cuisine, but also in herbal medicine. It was already used as a remedy by the Greeks, as reported by Dioscurides in De materia medica. Hippocrates of Kos used the plant for hemorrhoids and to accelerate childbirth. Hildegard von Bingen also mentioned the healing properties of the plant for “red leprosy” (skin irritations, psoriasis). In addition, many believed that oregano could also protect against evil forces, so the plant was also tied into bridal bouquets. Today, oregano is often a component of tea blends used for stomach or intestinal ailments. In addition, the plant plays an essential role in aromatherapy. Chinese physicians have been using the medicinal plant for many centuries for skin problems, diarrhea, fever and vomiting, respectively. Since oregano also has a strong expectorant effect, it is also used for respiratory diseases. Furthermore, the plant is anti-parasitic and helps with intestinal diseases.
Importance for health, treatment and prevention.
Very effective are green smoothies with fresh oregano herb or oregano tea, although at first the taste takes some getting used to. To make a tea, pour 1/4 liter of hot water over a teaspoon of oregano. It is then left to steep for five minutes. In case of cough, the tea should be drunk several times a day. Sore throat and toothache or inflammation of the mouth and throat can also be relieved by gargling. Those who have a cold can also bathe in oregano decoction. This detoxifies the body, as the plant stimulates lymph gland activity. But also in general, an oregano bath is extremely relaxing and dissolves the tension of a stressful day. Oregano oil is more concentrated than the fresh or dried herb and is used as a natural antibiotic for infections with MRSA staphylococci, bacteria that have developed resistance to antibiotics. However, oregano contains polyphenols that also destroy multi-resistant bacteria. Therefore, oregano oil is very often used for bacterial infections of the respiratory tract or ears. This kills pathogenic germs and inhibits the formation of inflammatory messengers. Due to its anti-fungal effect, the oil is also used for fungal infections (for example Candida albicans). A combination of oregano oil and coconut oil shows a particularly good effect. Anyone suffering from a Candida infection adds one drop of oregano oil to one teaspoon of coconut oil and takes the mixture at least once a day over a period of ten days.If the complaints have not disappeared by then, the patients start taking it again for the same period of time after a two-day break. Those who wish can also use oregano oil capsules, the application of which is very uncomplicated. It is also important to drink plenty of water to help the body detoxify. In addition, bentonite should also be taken (1 teaspoon once or twice a day), as this facilitates excretion. For skin problems, the mixture of coconut oil and oregano oil can also be applied externally. However, a treatment with oregano cream is also suitable for hair and scalp and can also be applied after sunbathing. Furthermore, it helps with abrasions, burns and insect bites, respectively. In addition, oregano contains thymol, rosmarinic acid and thymoquinone, substances that have an inhibitory effect on cancer cell division. A rather undesirable side effect is the blood-thinning effect of the plant, as it can further enhance the effect of blood-thinning medications. However, people who do not take such drugs can benefit from it, as oregano oil improves blood quality and prevents thrombosis. Oregano oil should not be used during pregnancy or breastfeeding. The oil is also not suitable for babies and children, as it is a very strong remedy. Furthermore, when used externally, it should be noted that allergic reactions could possibly occur. Therefore, it is recommended to always apply oregano oil only in very small quantities or possibly dilute it with water.
