What is the common name for Origanum vulgare?
Origanum vulgare, commonly known as oregano, is a bushy, rhizomatous, woody-branched perennial which typically grows to 1-3′ tall and to 2′ wide on square stems clad with aromatic, glandular-spotted, rounded to ovate leaves (to 1 1/2” long) which are usually entire but sometimes have slightly toothed margins. Depending on the recipe you are using – there are some good and quick substitutes for Oregano in a pinch. For Mexican Oregano the best substitute is Marjoram. For Greek or Mediterranean oregano try basil, parsley or tarragon.Contact Us Whether you sprinkle it over pizza, stir it into salads, rub it on steaks, or drink it as an herbal tea, there are so many ways to love oregano! Cultivated oregano—Oreganum vulgare—is a woody shrub in the mint family closely related to another herb, marjoram.Antioxidant and anti-inflammatory activity Across nearly all these antioxidant assays, oregano consistently outperforms thyme, making oregano the stronger antioxidant herb based on current laboratory and food model studies.The typical recommended dose ranges widely based in part on the relative concentration of essential oils. Oregano oil is usually well tolerated but side effects of higher doses can include abdominal discomfort, heartburn, constipation or diarrhea, nausea and vomiting, dizziness, and headache.
What are the side effects of Origanum vulgare?
Side effects and risks of oregano In normal doses it’s usually well tolerated. However, in higher doses, it’s known to cause side effects, such as: abdominal discomfort. Oregano oil should not be consumed in the essential oil form. This can cause abdominal discomfort, nausea, vomiting, dizziness, and headache. A person can consume oregano oil extract as a supplement in pill or capsule form or by consuming it with a meal.Is oregano oil safe to take daily? Oregano oil extract as a supplement is likely safe for most people if you do not exceed the recommended dose on the package. But if you have other health conditions or take other medications, it is best to check in with a doctor before adding oregano oil extract to your diet.Thanks to its natural antibacterial properties, it may help your immune system fight off infections. Oregano oil contains carvacrol and thymol, two powerful compounds that help fight bacteria, viruses and fungi,” says Amy Kimberlain, M. S. RDN, CDCES, a media spokesperson for the Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics.Undiluted oregano oil can cause skin irritation, redness, and burns due to potent compounds. It may disrupt gut bacteria balance causing bloating and digestive issues. Oregano oil interacts with blood thinners and diabetes medications, potentially reducing efficacy or increasing side effects.
What are the side effects of oregano?
Mild side effects include stomach upset. When applied to the skin: There isn’t enough reliable information to know if oregano oil is safe to apply to the skin. It may cause irritation when applied in concentrations greater than 1%. Although this herb now has many varieties, Greek oregano is still the most flavorful and potent. It is also thought to be the most healthy varietal because it’s highest in carvacrol and thymol, which have high antioxidant and cancer-fighting properties.Another important component of the Mediterranean diet includes the herb oregano (Origanum vulgare). This perennial herb has been suggested to have a variety of health promoting properties ranging from anti-oxidant, anti-inflammatory, analgesic, and anti-microbial14–16.Known for its aroma and flavour, oregano is a herb that contains two flavonoids (compounds that are rich in antioxidant properties) termed apigenin and luteolin. These flavonoids help reduce the risk of pancreatic cancer and control the oxidation caused by diabetes.A couple of studies have shown that oregano essential oil kills certain cold and flu viruses in a laboratory setting. A separate study has shown that it may alleviate cold-like symptoms in people. In all, there is insufficient evidence to suggest that oregano can cure a common cold.
What is oregano used for?
Oregano is a perennial flowering plant the dried leaves and flowers of which are used as a spice and flavoring agent. In addition, oregano oils have been used in traditional medicine as therapy for a variety of conditions in respiratory diseases and parasitic and fungal infections. Oregano contains chemicals that might help reduce cough. Oregano also might help with digestion and with fighting against some bacteria and viruses. People use oregano for wound healing, parasite infections, and many other conditions, but there is no good scientific evidence to support these uses.It may help prevent diabetes Older research shows that oregano may help manage diabetes and even prevent the disease. But newer research points out that those results were lab studies and that human research is needed to fully understand how oregano may help with diabetes.Benefits of Oregano Tea Flavonoids are a group of plant-based compounds with antioxidant properties. They can help protect the body from free radicals and other environmental toxins that can lead to cell damage and disease. Oregano is especially rich in certain flavonoids, such as quercetin and kaempferol.Oregano oil is potentially good for lung health. One 2022 study showed that oregano oil-in-water droplets were effective as an anti-cancer compound for lung cancer in humans. More recent research showed some promise that wild oregano essential oil has an inhibitory effect on certain bacteria known to cause pneumonia.Anti-inflammatory properties A 2020 study found that oregano essential oil may have anti-inflammatory and wound-healing activity in human keratinocytes. Keratinocytes are a type of skin cell that helps protect the outer layer of skin from infection and environmental damage.
Is oregano the most powerful antibiotic?
Often seen as just a pizza topping, oregano is actually one of nature’s most potent natural antibiotics and immune boosters. Oregano contains carvacrol and thymol, two powerful compounds with antibacterial and antifungal properties. Oregano and its oils contain numerous polyphenols, including carvacrol and thymol. Research suggests that these active compounds help to lower cholesterol.
Why don’t doctors prescribe oil of oregano?
Oregano oil has been used in folk medicine for centuries. Studies suggest it may fight bacteria and fungal infections and have antioxidant properties. But the health benefits of it are not proven. It can also cause side effects, interfere with medications, and affect your ability to absorb important minerals. Due to some of its properties, a few things should be kept in mind when taking oregano or oregano oil in medicinal amounts. In large doses, oregano oil may be toxic — and even lethal. Oregano may have diuretic effects. Large amounts of oregano can upset the stomach.Undiluted oregano oil can cause skin irritation, redness, and burns due to potent compounds. It may disrupt gut bacteria balance causing bloating and digestive issues. Oregano oil interacts with blood thinners and diabetes medications, potentially reducing efficacy or increasing side effects.Oil of oregano may interact with other natural health products that also affect blood clotting, increasing the risk of bruising and/or bleeding. Such as: garlic, ginkgo, ginger, certain types of ginseng, red clover, and others.Oregano has a long history of safe use in foods and food products. Most people won’t experience side effects from consuming oregano tea. However, if you drink a lot of oregano tea — say, more than four cups a day — you might develop an upset stomach. In rare cases, people can also have allergic reactions to oregano.Pregnant people should also take care when using oregano, as large amounts may cause miscarriage. Similarly, nursing individuals should avoid consuming large amounts of oregano. Unless someone is allergic to oregano, none of the other risks above apply to dried or fresh oregano leaves used in cooking as an herb.