What is oregano and what is it for?

The oregano (Origanum vulgare L.) it’s a plant widely used in the kitchenbut it’s also excellent to relieve flu or colds among other ailments.

We immediately identified it as a aromatic herb, with an intense and somewhat spicy flavorwith which we flavor pizzas, salads and fish or vegetable stews. But it is also a powerful medicinal plant.

Its name derives from the combination of Greek terms goldswhich means «mountain», and we win«joy», in clear reference to the showy color that it brings to the mountain slopes when it blooms wild.

It grows in clearings and forest margins in the mountains of the northern third and southeast of the Iberian Peninsula. The flowering tops are harvested in summer or late spring.

They are very rich in essence with thymol, carvacrol, borneol and caryophyllene, and also contain bitter principles, chlorogenic and rosmarinic acids, flavonoids and tannins.

The oregano It comes in fresh or dried plant to prepare in infusion, tincture, liquid extract, capsules, suppositories and in bottles of pure essential oil.

Properties and benefits of oregano

• It’s a digestive tonicvery useful for awakening appetite and relieving bloating, gastrointestinal spasms, dyspepsia and specific diarrhea.
• It hinders the formation of gases and avoids flatulenceso it is recommended after a heavy and strong meal.
• It is also useful to prevent the formation of stones in the gallbladder and stimulate bile secretion. In this case, you can combine with boldo leaves and take as an infusion.
• Oregano is expectorant, antispasmodic and antisepticand is indicated in respiratory conditions with congestion, in mild asthmatic attacks, bronchitis, pharyngitis and flu processes.
• It also acts as analgesic and it is a good natural resource for wash and heal skin wounds and soothe the itching caused by insect bites.
• As natural analgesic and anti-inflammatoryrelieves toothache, ear pain and pain caused by bad posture and contractures and reduces joint inflammation.

Natural remedies with oregano

Oregano infusion to help expel gases

Experts recommend carminative infusion that associate oregano with lemon verbena and citronella.

How to prepare it: Pour the boiling water over one tablespoon of the mixture per cup and let it rest for 5 or 6 minutes. It is taken after meals without the need to add sugar.

Oregano essential oil for cold and flu

Just pour a single drop of oregano essential oil for internal use on a sugar cube, dilute it in water and take small sips after each meal. It is an excellent remedy to combat respiratory infections.

Oregano essential oil against pain and inflammation

Some are poured essential oil drops on the painful area and a circular massage two or three times a day.

Mouthwash for toothache

They are boiled two tablespoons of oregano and poppy with two cloves 5 minutes and let it sit for another 10. Rinse thoroughly several times a day.

What contraindications does oregano have?

Oral essential oil should be avoided by pregnant or women who hope to be soon, as well as during the lactationand it is discouraged children under 6-7 years.

It is also contraindicated in patients with gastritis, irritable bowel syndrome, ulcerative colitis, gastroduodenal ulcer and liver diseases.

Advisor: J Mª Teixé, herbalist from “El Manantial de Salud”