Kitchen Herbs and Medicinal Uses - Oregano

Oregano is an herb that add lots of flavor to savory dishes. Oregano is part of the mint family. This herb has been used for thousands of years to flavor dishes. There are several different kinds of oregano but the most common type is known as Spanish thyme or wild marjoram. Oregano is high in vitamin A, C and K.  Oregano is not only known for its culinary uses but its medicinal uses.

Oregano has antioxidant, antibacterial, and anti-inflammatory properties. Oregano has been used for centuries as an  herbal medicine to treat skin sores, muscle ache, asthma, cramps, diarrhea, indigestion, and colds.  In addition, there is a great deal of evidence showing Oregano helps fight bacteria, reduce inflammation, regulate blood sugars and lipids, and fight cancer. As an antioxidant, oregano helps to eliminate free radicals from the system, which in turn reduces oxidative stress, which leads to cell damage and disease. As an antibacterial agent, Oregano can prevent strains of bacteria from developing and growing in foods. Also oregano can be used on microbes which do not respond to other drugs like antibiotics. Oregano’s anti-inflammatory properties help to reduce inflammation responsible to autoimmune arthritis, allergic asthma, and rheumatoid arthritis. Oregano many medical uses such as: coughs, asthma, allergies, croup, bronchitis, menstruation, urnary tract infections, headaches, diabetes, bleeding after tooth removal, heart conditions, high cholesterol, acne, dandruff, canker sores, toothache, gum disease, warts, wounds, ringworm, rosacea, psoriasis, insect bites, varicose veins, just to name a few.

To use Oregano medicinally; infuse oregano with apple cider vinegar, steep 2 weeks. Strain and store airtight bottle. Use for anti fungal infection aka athlete’s foot.  Infuse oregano in honey, jar half full fresh leaves, cover with honey. Set in sunny window, 4 weeks, turning every other day. Strain and store in glass jar. Use a dab in tomato sauces to mellow acidity plus adding antibacterial properties for cold and flu seasons.  Steep oregano in warm water, foot soak to help sweat a cold.