Oregano is a member of the mint family, as are thyme, basil and sage. Over three dozen varieties of this aromatic herb exist, but a few are especially popular for culinary or medicinal use. Italian oregano imparts a warm, slightly sweet flavor to savory dishes, while Greek oregano is more pungent. The most common variety, Origanum vulgare, isn't as flavorful, but essential oil from this plant has several health benefits.
Antimicrobial
Oregano oil is among the most powerful antimicrobial essential oils. This characteristic, combined with the oil's flavor, makes oregano oil useful for food safety purposes. Oregano oil in tomato puree inhibited E. coli, salmonella and listeria better than garlic or allspice, according to a study published in the "Journal of Food Sciences" in September 2009.
Oregano extract ointment also shows promise for inhibiting some antibiotic-resistant bacteria, researchers from LabCorp in Tampa, Florida found in a study published in 2010. Make a natural household cleaning spray by mixing several drops of oregano oil with other antimicrobial oils like tea tree and rosemary in water.
Antioxidant
The high levels of carvacrol in oregano give this herb its characteristic pungent taste. This compound also has strong antioxidant activity. In a study of almost 100 plants from the mint family, oregano proved to have the strongest antioxidant properties, ethno-botanist James Duke notes in the June 2005 issue of Toronto's "Vitality Magazine." While this doesn't necessarily indicate health benefits, the oil may be useful for helping meat spoil less quickly.
Freshening the Breath
As an antimicrobial, oregano oil can reduce some of the bacteria that cause bad breath. Oregano contains thymol, one of the strong-tasting substances in Listerine mouthwash. The carvacrol in oregano oil also kills bacteria. To freshen your breath, add a few drops of oregano oil to water or a carrier oil like almond or olive oil and rinse your mouth with it.
Reducing Psoriasis Symptoms
Psoriasis, a chronic condition that causes a buildup of dry skin cells, may respond to oregano oil. No studies prove the oil's effectiveness, but some psoriasis suffers find it eases their symptoms, note health care professionals from the University of Maryland. Drinking the diluted oil and applying it to the skin are both options. To use, blend 20 to 60 drops of oregano essential oil in an ample amount of water or juice. Discuss this treatment with your health care provider before you begin.
References
- "Journal of Food Sciences"; Antibacterial Effects of Allspice, Garlic, and Oregano Essential Oils in Tomato Films Determined by Overlay and Vapor-Phase Methods; Du WX, et al.; September 2009
- "Journal of Drugs in Dermatology"; Development of an Oregano-Based Ointment with Anti-Microbial Activity Including Activity Against Methicillin-Resistant Staphlococcus Aureus; Eng W. et al.; April 2010
- Television New Zealand: Green Living Homemade Cleaning Products
- Lock Haven University: Spices, Herbs and Perfumes
- Purdue University: Antioxidant Activity of Basil
- "Vitality Magazine"; Oregano---Herb of the Year; Pat Crocker; June 2005
Member Comments
tigerleo November 8
Hi there - this isn't so much a comment as a question. How the heck do I make the aftertaste go away faster? I am taking it in water, as I am off all sugars and dairy for the time being (so juice and milk are out of the question). Gotta say that this stuff is strong! Tastes just like oregano, but so much more intense.