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Oregano is an aromatic perennial herb that can grow to about two feet in height. It is native to the Mediterranean region but is cultivated worldwide. In addition to European oregano, there are several types of related species, including Greek/Turkish oregano (Origanum onites) and Mexican oregano (Lippia graveolens, Lippa palmeri). These should not be considered substitutes for true oregano, though they may have similar properties. The leaves as well as the volatile oil of these various species are used medicinally, but must be carefully distinguished as they are quite different.
Oregano Oil Support Immune Function By Assisting In Targeting Foreign Microbes!
Oil of Oregano is an herbal product that has been used since Biblical times. It was widely used in ancient Greece for many medical purposes.
Oregano is an ancient culinary herb whose name means "joy-of-the-mountain". It was well known and used by herbalist/physicians in ancient Egypt. In Aristotle's day, Greek herbalists used oregano for medicinal purposes and as an antidote. Oregano has been widely used in Europe as a spice in food and treasured for its value as an herbal supplement.
This slightly minty, slightly spicy herb is actually a member of the mint family. When burned, it's oil gives off a pleasant, calming aroma. In the kitchen, it's commonly used to add zest to Italian foods. And from a health perspective, it helps support immune function by naturally assisting the body in targeting foreign microbes. Oregano Oil contains carvacrol, the most widely researched active ingredients in oregano. Oregano Oil is derived from origanum vulgare, which is grown in the Mediterranean. carvacrol, one of the active components naturally occurring in Oregano. Researchers recommend diluting Oregano Oil in Olive Oil at a ratio of 1:4, 1 ounce of Oregano Oil in 4 oz of Olive Oil or another food grade oil. Because Oregano is highly concentrated it should never be used undiluted, unless in external applications. Even then, please exercise caution. Even though this is a natural product, its concentration is much higher than that found naturally.
Oil of Oregano is a potent antiseptic, meaning it kills germs. Research proves that it is highly effective for killing a wide range of fungi, yeast, and bacteria as well as parasites and viruses. It may be used topically and taken internally. In addition to its anti-fungal action, and according to the results of another test tube study from Australia, oregano oil has a strong anti-microbial action against a wide number of bacteria, including Escherichia coli, Klebsiella pneumoniae, Salmonella enterica, and Staphylococcus aureus.7 Other test tube studies have shown that oregano from the Mexican (Lippia) species was more effective than the prescription medication tinidazol in inhibiting the parasite giardia (Giardia duodenalis).8 In another test tube study, volatile oils of oregano, thyme, cinnamon , and cumin were individually able to stop the growth of another food-borne pathogen called Aspergillus parasiticus. Higher concentrations of these volatile oils were also able to stop the production of aflatoxin, a potent poison from the food moldAspergillus.9 Together these facts suggest the volatile oils in oregano used during food processing have an important role in preventing the spoilage of food and in reducing the risk of ingesting harmful bacteria, fungi, and parasites. Again, these actions have not yet been confirmed by human clinical trials.
