Oregano

Oregano is an important culinary and medicinal herb that has been used in medicine and cooking for thousands of years – with a number of potential health benefits.

Oregano is like marjoram, but more pungent and not as sweet. Because of its pungency, oregano requires a bit more caution in its use. Mediterranean oregano is milder than Mexican oregano. Oregano was almost unheard of in the U.S. until WW II soldiers returning from Italy raved about it.

Oregano typically grows 50 cm tall and has purple leaves around 2 to 3 centimeters in length.

The chemicals that give the herb its unique and pleasant smell are thymol, pinene, limonene, carvacrol, ocimene, and caryophyllene. is

Not only does oregano provide food flavor, there are also a substantial number of health claims associated with its potent antioxidants and anti-bacterial properties.

Benefits:

– contains  fiber, iron, manganese, vitamin E, iron, calcium,  omega fatty acids, manganese, and typtophan.

–  is used to treat respiratory tract disorders, gastrointestinal (GI) disorders, menstrual cramps, and urinary tract disorders.

– is also applied topically to help treat a number of skin conditions.

– oregano oil is a powerful antimicrobial, because it contains an essential compound called carvacol.

– oregano is also used for the following illnesses and conditions: cold, muscle pain, acne, dandruff, bronchitis, toothache, bloating, headaches, heart conditions, allergies, intestinal parasites, earache, fatigue, repelling insects, menstrual cramps.