Dry Oregano

Description

People around the Mediterranean region have used oregano for centuries in herbal medicineto treat many ailments, including:

• skins sores
• aching muscles
• asthma
• cramping
• diarrhea
• indigestion
• colds
• to boost overall health

Scientists need to do more research to confirm the benefits of using oregano, but there is some evidence that it could help:

• fight bacteria
• relieve inflammation
• regulate blood sugar and lipids
• fight cancer

Oregano and other herbs provide antioxidants. Dietary antioxidants help the body eliminate free radicals, which are toxic substances that result from natural processes and environmental stresses. A buildup of free radicals can trigger oxidative stress. Oxidative stress can lead to cell damage that may result in various diseases, including cancer and diabetes.

Antibacterial properties

The main components of oregano essential oil are carvacrol and thymol. These may have antimicrobial properties.

In a 2019 laboratory study, carvacrol and thymol prevented various strains of Staphyloccus aureus (S. aureus) bacteria from developing in meat and dairy products, suggesting that it could help control bacterial growth in foods.

Amid growing concerns about diseases becoming resistant to antibiotics, researchersTrusted Source carried out lab tests to investigate the effects of oregano oil on various microbes that do not respond to other drugs.

The oil showed “significant antibacterial activity” against 11 such microbes. This suggests that substances in oregano could play a role in fighting diseases that no longer respond to antibiotics.

While these tests indicate that compounds in oregano may have antibacterial properties, it does not mean that eating oregano will prevent infections.

Vitamin C is an antioxidant that plays a key role in the immune system. Which foods contain vitamin C? Find out here.

Anti-inflammatory properties

According to one literature overview, the oils and constituents of oregano oil, such as thymol and rosmarinic acid, appear to have anti-inflammatory properties.
In animal studies, oregano extract has reduced inflammation that could lead to:

• autoimmune arthritis
• allergic asthma
• rheumatoid arthritis

It is worth noting that the studies used concentrated extracts of oregano. This is not the same as humans eating oregano in the diet.

Rosemary is another herb that may have anti-inflammatory properties.