oregano is a medicinal and aromatic plant that belongs to the mint family and is also called dost, 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. It also has a blood thinning effect and is therefore also used in heart attack and stroke prophylaxis.
Occurrence and cultivation of oregano
The word oregano comes from ancient Greek and means something like mountain or mountain, but also shine or refreshment. The plant was originally native to the Mediterranean area, but is now grown in warm regions around the world. She likes to prefer calcareous subsoil or pine and oak forests or snow heather-pine forests.
Oregano (Origanum vulgare) becomes about 20 to 70 cm high and has a very aromatic taste. The medicinal plant mainly contains tannins or bitter substances as well as essential oils such as cymene, thymol, borneol and carvacrol.In addition, oregano is not attacked by pests and keeps insects of all kinds away, 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 breadth above the ground and then hung up to dry. The stalks can then be stripped and stored. The aroma depends heavily on the climate, the soil and the location. The drier the soil, the more intense its taste.
Effect & application
Oregano has been used as a condiment for around 300 to 400 years. The plant plays a very important role in Greek, Spanish and Italian cuisine, but also in herbal medicine. So it was already used as a remedy by the Greeks, about which Dioscurides in De materia medica reported. Hippocrates of Kos used the plant for hemorrhoids or to accelerate birth.
Hildegard von Bingen also mentioned the medicinal properties of the plant in "red leprosy" (skin irritations, psoriasis). In addition, many believed that oregano could also protect against evil forces, so the plant was also tied in bridal bouquets. Today oregano is often part of tea blends that are used for stomach or intestinal problems.
The plant also plays an essential role in aromatherapy. Chinese doctors have been using the medicinal plant for many centuries for skin problems, diarrhea, fever and vomiting. Since oregano also has a strong expectorant effect, it is also used for respiratory diseases. The plant is also hostile to parasites and helps with intestinal diseases.
Importance for health, treatment & prevention
Green smoothies with fresh oregano herb or oregano tea are very effective, although the taste takes a bit of getting used to at first. For a tea, 1/4 liter of hot water is poured over a teaspoon of oregano. Then let it steep for five minutes. If you have a 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.
If you have a cold, you can also bathe in oregano brew. This detoxifies the body because the plant stimulates the lymphatic glands. But also in general, an oregano bath is extremely relaxing and relieves 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 messenger substances.
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 is particularly effective. If you have a candida infection, add a drop of oregano oil to a teaspoon of coconut oil and take the mixture at least once a day for a period of ten days.
If the symptoms have not disappeared by then, patients start taking it again over the same period after a two-day break. If you want, you can also use oregano oil capsules, which are very easy to use. It is also important to drink plenty of water so that the body is supported in detoxifying. In addition, bentonite should also be taken (1 teaspoon once or twice a day), as this makes elimination easier.
The mixture of coconut oil and oregano oil can also be used externally for skin problems. A treatment with oregano cream is also suitable for hair and scalp and can also be applied after sunbathing. It also helps with abrasions, burns or insect bites. 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 intensify the effect of blood-thinning drugs. However, people who do not take such medications can benefit as oregano oil improves blood quality and prevents thrombosis.
Oregano oil should not be used during pregnancy or breastfeeding. The oil is also unsuitable for babies and children as it is a very powerful remedy. In addition, when used externally, it should be noted that allergic reactions may occur. It is therefore advisable to apply oregano oil only in very small amounts or to dilute it with water if necessary.
