5 Amazing Health Benefits Of Oregano

Oregano besides being an important culinary herb, has been an integral part of traditional medicine as it offers some amazing potential health benefits.

Though a kitchen herb imported from the Mediterranean, it has become an integral part of Indian cooking too.

Oregano, botanically referred to as Origanum vulgare, oregano is an herb from the mint family. Oregano has derived its name from the Greek words “oros,” which means mountain, and “ganos,” which means joy. Oregano has a strong flavour and is hence used as a flavouring agent. The flavour of oregano is attributed to certain antioxidants present in it.

It is available either in the dried, fresh, dried, or as an oil. Oregano oil is derived by air-drying the shoots and the leaves of the plant. After they are dried, the oil is extracted and concentrated by steam distillation. There are various types of oregano. The two chief varieties of oregano are European and Greek. All the varieties of oregano are rich in essential oils.

# Protects against cancer

1. Oregano possesses anti-cancer properties thus, offering protection against cancer.

2. Carvacrol, one of the compounds present in oregano oil is effective against liver, lung, and breast cancer cells.

3. Carvacrol restricts the growth of the cancer cell and also causes cancer cell death.

4. Components found in oregano, thymol, and carvacrol and prevent the growth of cancer cells and the spread of skin cancer.

# Improves bone health

1. Some of the essential minerals found in Oregano such as calcium, manganese, and iron are important for bone health.

2. Calcium helps in offering support to the bone structure, while vitamin D enhances calcium absorption and growth of bones.

# Treats skin diseases

1. Oregano possesses anti-inflammatory and antimicrobial properties which help in wound healing.

2. Oregano can treat rashes, psoriasis, eczema, and other skin conditions.

3. Oregano oil possesses antiseptic properties that help relieve skin inflammation and infection.

4. Oregano can also remodel and repair damaged tissues.

# Relieves pain And inflammation

1. Caffeic acid, luteolin, chlorogenic acid, quercetin, and their derivatives present in oregano decrease inflammation and pain.

2. Carvacrol, a major component present in oregano oil, possesses anti-inflammatory properties thus, heals cuts, wounds, cancers, and gastric ulcers.

3. Carvacrol also relieves several inflammatory conditions such as rheumatoid arthritis, toothache, menstrual cramps, insect bites, and muscle pain.

# Other possible benefits

Oregano produces numerous health benefits, apart from the health benefits mentioned above, it also produces few more such as lowers cholesterol, protects the body from damage caused by free radicals, treats yeast infections, improves gut health, helps lose weight, strengthens immunity system, improves digestion.

Oregano also helps manage diabetes, boost energy levels, treat microbial infections, clear dandruff and scalp complaints, treat flu and viral diseases, relieve menstrual cramps and promote heart health.