Oregano, a spice derived from a group of more than 60 plant species, is the most commercially valuable spice in the world. Oregano is used to flavor meats, sauces and soups and before the use of hops, it was used to flavor beer and ale. This versatile spice also offers considerable health benefits as an antioxidant and antimicrobial agent and may be helpful for treating some urinary tract infections. As always, it is imperative to consult with a health professional before attempting to self-treat any condition.
E. Coli
Oregano may be an effective antibacterial agent against E. coli, a bacteria that inhabits the intestinal tract and one of the most common bacterial causes of urinary tract infections, according to researchers in the Department of Pharmaceutics and Pharmaceutical Technology at the University of Jordan in Amman. In the study, 19 plant extracts, including oregano, were tested against E. coli. Oregano was found to enhance the effectiveness of the antibiotic clarithromycin, but did not enhance the effectiveness of amoxicilin. The study was published in the February 2010 issue of the journal "BMC Complementary and Alternative Medicine."
Broad Range
Oregano's antioxidant and antimicrobial properties has made it useful in the treatment of a variety of infections and other types of health conditions, according to Spiridon E. Kintzios, editor of the book "Oregano: the Genera Origanum and Lippia." Certain respiratory conditions, digestive disorders, skin conditions, viral infections, urinary tract infections and some forms of cancer have all been effectively treated with oregano. Oregano is underutilized for its medicinal value, though recent research and commercial efforts have made oregano extract more widely known as a natural antibiotic agent.
Fungal Infections
Oregano essential oil has shown some ability to inhibit mold and fungal infections caused by aspergillus, a cancer-causing mold that contaminates some foods, and Candida, a fungus that is associated with urinary tract infections, according to the website Drugs.com. A study published in the October 2009 issue of the journal "Phytomedicine" reported a synergistic effect between oregano oil and the antifungal drug nystatin. Oregano oil was more effective than tea tree oil, another antimicrobial herbal, and inhibited all species of Candida in the study. A survey of Candida patients revealed that many found an anti-Candida diet that included oregano, coconut extract and cloves to be helpful at managing their infections.
Considerations
This herb has a high safety profile, with no known adverse drug interactions, though a case of anaphlyaxis, a type of life-threatening hypersensitivity reaction has been reported. Allergic reaction to oregano has occurred in some people as a skin rash from coming into contact with the spice or the concentrated essential oil. Consult your doctor about using high doses or concentrated oil extracts of oregano.
References
- "BMC Complementary and Alternative Medicine"; Effect of Ethnomedicinal Plants Used in Folklore Medicine in Jordan as Antibiotic Resistant Inhibitors on Escherichia Coli; R. Darwish; February 2010
- "Oregano: the Genera Origanum and Lippia"; Spiridon E. Kintzios; 2002
- Drugs.com: Oregano
- "Phytomedicine"; In Vitro Synergic Efficacy of the Combination of Nystatin With the Essential Oils of Origanum Vulgare and Pelargonium Graveolens Against Some Candida Species; A. Rosato, et al.; October 2009
- WhatDoctorsDon'tTellYou.com: Patient Surveys of Candida Treatments
