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Oregano, which is generally used in the form of seasoning in various food items such as pizza and pasta, is a herb that is commonly found in Italian foods. Besides being used in food, oregano in the form of oil can be used for various health benefits due to its medicinal properties. As per Shonali Sabherwal, a nutritionist, it has been in use since the time of Hippocrates, a Greek Physician. It is the presence of carvacrol and thymol (both are anti-bacterial), p-cymene, and y-terpinene which makes this oil beneficial.
Oregano can be used for coughs and colds. “I use it in a diffuser (as a preventative measure). If I have congestion I use it on my gums – ingest it,” wrote Shonali in her status.
According to Reema Kinjalkar, a nutritionist at Urban Platter, oregano oil has many health benefits. She listed the following benefits of the oil:
Antioxidant: Antioxidants bind to free radicals that are harmful toxins in our bodies. They help prevent cellular damage and oxidative stress that may otherwise lead to chronic disorders like cancer or heart disease. Oregano is high in antioxidants such as carvacrol and thymol, which can help prevent damage by neutralizing disease-causing free radicals.
Anti-inflammatory: Due to its high antioxidant levels, it reduces inflammation. It helps in protecting the body against several disorders, including cardiovascular disease, cancer, neurodegenerative disorders, and drug toxicity. Carvacrol reduces the production of inflammatory mediators (interleukins) that are known to cause inflammation. Also, carvacrol helps with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), which is caused by cigarette smoking.
Natural antibiotic: Oregano oil effectively inactivated various pathogenic bacteria and their biofilms irrespective of their antibiotic susceptibility. It has also been effective against antibiotic-resistant strains of bacteria. Because of its ability to protect against bacterial infection, topical oregano oil is effective in wound treatment and healing, even killing off methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA).
Anti-fungal: Due to the high amount of thymol present in oregano oil, it is an effective treatment for common candida fungal infections.
Chemopreventive properties: It may also help in fighting cancer: Carvacrol is a very potent inhibitor of cell growth in human lung cancer and breast cancer. Oregano oil could exhibit anti-proliferative activity in stomach cancer.
Hypolipidemic effect: Due to carvacrol’s presence, oregano oil combined with healthy lifestyles helps reduce LDL cholesterol and increase in HDL cholesterol. The oil is also known to reduce levels of C-reactive protein that is known to increase the risk of cardiovascular disease.
Assist in the reduction of medication/drug side effects: Several drugs or medications have adverse effects on health. Carvacrol may be beneficial during iron therapy. Iron supplementation can induce digestive issues such as constipation and vomiting. Carvacrol may protect intestinal epithelial cells from salmonella infection.
Shonali also mentioned that oregano oil can help relieve cough and cold when inhaled (great for inhalations) and can also be used as an expectorant, which helps bring up mucus from the lungs, bronchi, and trachea.
How to consume oregano oil?
Shonali suggested taking 3-5 drops a day of oregano oil orally if you are experiencing a cold or blocked sinus. Also, you can consume the oil as a preventative measure. “Add 2–3 drops of oregano oil to water or juice and drink the mixture. For external use, one can mix the oil with any carrier oil and apply it on the skin,” added Reema.
How to prepare oregano oil?
Preparing Oregano oil is not difficult and can easily be prepared at home with the help of one of these recipes shared by Shonali.
Oregano oil recipes
Using fresh oregano leaves
Ingredients
*Oregano leaves (preferably organic) fresh 2 cups
*1 cup extra virgin olive oil
Method
*Mix both the ingredients together, push leaves down with a pestle and keep it in a cool place for 2 weeks. Swirl it daily. Strain oil after 2 weeks. Store in a glass jar and refrigerate.
Using dry oregano leaves
Ingredients
*1/2 cup oregano leaves
*2 cups extra virgin oil
Method
*Put oregano leaves in a bottle and pour olive oil over the leaves. Now, put the jar in the hot water and let it sit in it for 15 minutes.
*Then, keep this jar in the sun for 2 weeks. Shake the mixture daily once a day. After 2 weeks, strain the oil from the leaves into a sanitised bottle and store it in a cool place.
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