The Many Uses of Oregano

Definition of Oregano by Merriam Webster 1: "a bushy perennial mint (Origanum vulgare) with leaves that are used as a seasoning and a source of aromatic oil  — called also origanum,  wild marjoram 2: any of several plants (genera Lippia and Coleus) other than oregano of the vervain or mint families." "Oregano oil contains high levels of important compounds in its leaves and smaller stems. Oil manufacturers dry the leaves and stems, then steam-distill the plant matter to extract as many compounds as possible. Table Of ContentsDefinition of Oregano by Merriam WebsterBrief Overview of OreganoMedical UsesFighting Urinary Tract InfectionHealing Small Cuts or WoundsOregano Ointment Recipe for Small Cuts or WoundsHerbal Pastes for Both Medical and Culinary UsesChoosing the Right Type of Herbs for Food and Medical PastesSimple Herb Paste RecipeCombining Herbs for More FlavorHow to Use Herbal PastesFood UsesMore Than Just SeasoningsFresh Oregano PestoOutdoor Uses of OreganoHow to Use Oregano Oil to Heal Spider BitesSpider Bite OintmentIndoor Uses of OreganoDiffusing Oregano OilEnding Notes Brief Overview of Oregano Oregano oil contains: carvacrol, the main active compound in oregano oil and a type of antioxidant called a phenolthymol, which may help protect against toxins and fight fungal infections While oregano oil contains a significant amount, the compound thymol occurs most abundantly in thyme." -MedicalNewsToday Medical Uses "Oregano is used for respiratory tract disorders such as coughs, asthma, croup, and bronchitis. It is also used for gastrointestinal (GI) disorders such as heartburn and bloating. Other uses include treating menstrual cramps, rheumatoid arthritis, urinary tract disorders, including urinary tract infections (UTIs), headaches, and heart conditions. The oil of oregano is taken by mouth for intestinal parasites, allergies, sinus pain, arthritis, cold and flu, swine flu, earaches, and fatigue. It is applied to the skin for skin conditions including acne, athlete's foot, oily skin, dandruff, canker sores, warts, ringworm, rosacea, and psoriasis; as well as for insect and spider bites, gum disease, toothaches, muscle pain, and varicose veins. Oregano oil is also used topically as an insect repellent." -WebMD Fighting Urinary Tract Infection "Interesting research has been done by the United States Department of Agriculture on Oregano oil’s ability to consistently kill E. Coli, Listeria monocytogenes, and Salmonella, common and sometimes deadly foodborne pathogens. According to the Mayo Clinic, most urinary tract infections are caused by the bacteria Escherichia coli. But drug-resistant strains of E-coli have developed, making urinary tract infections harder to treat. A major advantage of using an essential oil to fight germs is that pathogens do not develop resistant strains to essential oils.  Clinical studies have proven that bacteria do not develop resistance to oregano oil, but continue to be destroyed by it over time. As a broad-spectrum anti-microbial, it will destroy both urinary tract bacteria and yeasts, unlike most antibiotics." -Health Freedom Resources Healing Small Cuts or Wounds Because of the ingredients in oregano oil, carvacrol, and thymol, you can prevent a bacterial infection from forming and help the wound heal by making a paste or diluting oregano with a carrier oil. Oregano Ointment Recipe for Small Cuts or Wounds Ointment ingredients: Refined Coconut oil, 2 Tbsp. Oregano essential oil, 2 dropsThyme essential oil, 5 dropsHelichrysum essential oil, 2 drops Lavender essential oil, 2 drops Frankincense essential oil, 1-2 tsp. If you want a firmer salve, you can use beeswax pastilles. Directions Using a small double boiler, or heating a pan on your lowest setting, melt the coconut oil and beeswax until liquified. Then add all essential oils, and mix thoroughly. Now, pour the mixture into a small jar or tin and solidify in a cool place or your refrigerator.To apply, rub the salve/ointment on minor cuts and scrapes.If you need to draw out an infection, wrap a bandage loosely but firmly around the location and change out every few hours.Store the salve between uses in a cool place to keep it solidified. Remember, when you apply essential oils you are not familiar with to your skin, test a small patch first. Herbal Pastes for Both Medical and Culinary Uses Fresh herbs are not always available, but yet you want the benefits and flavor they offer all year. One way to do this is to take your extra herbs your garden produces and ones you don't wish to dry and make different herbal pastes. Let’s take a look at how to make herb paste, and also at the traditional health benefits associated with some of the herbs. Choosing the Right Type of Herbs for Food and Medical Pastes When making herb paste, focus on herbs that have soft leaves such as oregano and mint. Others include: basilmintoreganomarjoramparsleychivescilantrodilllemon balm To make, you will need a food processor and the following ingredients: Simple Herb Paste Recipe The Herbal Acadamy Ingredients A few handfuls of your chosen herbA small amount of olive oil  Directions Separate the leaves of the herbs from the stemsPlace the herbs into a food processor and pulse until the herbs are chopped fine.Continue to process the herbs as you add a drizzle of olive oil until the texture is a smooth paste.Once your paste has reached the desired consistency, you can store it in the refrigerator for up to two weeks or freeze it in ice cube trays for later use. No ice cube trays? No worries. You can also freeze your paste by spreading it onto a cookie sheet or baking pan lined with wax or parchment paper. Before you pop the pan into the freezer, use a butter knife to score the paste into squares that will be easy to break apart once it’s frozen. After freezing, place your cubes or squares into labeled zip-top baggies or airtight containers." Combining Herbs for More Flavor You can try different combinations of herbs once you are comfortable with making single pastes. There isn't a limit, other than your particular tastes, as to how many herbs should be blended at one time. List of different combinations. Basil + OreganoParsley + ChivesLemon Balm + ParsleyMarjoram + Oregano + ChivesDill + Oregano + Basil + Parsley How to Use Herbal Pastes Herb pastes are versatile and are used in hot and cold foods and for medicinal type purposes. For culinary uses, they add wonderful flavors, antioxidants, and nutrients to your health. For medicinal, they also help heal naturally by using their powerful properties. Food Uses Here are some ideas to get you started: sautéing and stir-fryingflavoring soups or stewsseasoning baked or steamed veggiesstirred into pasta dishes or pasta salads (similar to pesto)mixed into hummus as a spread for bread or crackersspread onto chicken or meats prior to bakingseasoning grain dishes like rice or quinoamixed with mayo, mustard, or other condiments More Than Just Seasonings The Herbal Acadamy "Whether you are enjoying them as a tea or a paste, basil, oregano, and lemon balm have some of the most versatile health applications of all the herbs in our list above. Basil Ocimum basilicum expectorantnervinecarminative Outside of its uses in the kitchen, herbalists know that basil can help deal with intestinal cramps, nausea, and gas thanks to its carminative properties. It’s beneficial for the lungs, too, and can provide a welcome respite from a cough and cold-related congestion in the lungs and sinuses. Garden basil’s cousin, Holy basil (aka Tulsi), is well known for its nervine properties. Not surprisingly, garden basil also has nervine properties and can promote calmness and clear thinking. Because of this ability, basil can be beneficial for stress-related headaches. Oregano Origanum vulgare antifungalexpectorantcarminative Oregano has a reputation among herbalists as a traditional lung remedy, and for a good reason — like thyme (also revered for its role in lung health), oregano contains the volatile oil thymol. Both herbs were traditionally used as expectorants and to ease lung congestion. Used for topical application as well as enjoyed internally, oregano can help the body fend off fungal infections. You can learn more about thyme for nutrition and healing here. Lemon balm  Melissa officinalis diaphoreticnervineantiviral Yet another tummy-soothing carminative, lemon balm has a proven track record as a reliable mood booster with immune system benefits. It has been shown to have antiviral properties in laboratory and clinical trials (Hoffman, 2003), especially if used topically for viral-related skin problems. It’s a popular herb for children because of its pleasant flavor and excellent safety record, and many herbal mammas know that a cup of warm lemon balm tea and a hot bath for their little ones can help stop a cold or flu from setting in (it works for big people, too)!" Fresh Oregano Pesto Prep Time 10 mins Total Time 10 mins Course: Appetizer, Main Course / Cuisine: Italian Servings: 6 / Calories: 195kcal / Author: Nicole Beaulieu Ingredients for the Pesto 1 cup fresh oregano leaves, no stems1/4 cup pine nuts2 cloves garlic roughly chopped1/2 cup parmesan cheese grated1/3 cup olive oil1/4 tsp salt or to taste1/4 tsp pepper or to taste For the Pasta Pasta I used farfalleCherry tomatoes cut in half, optionalParmesan cheese grated, optional Instructions Combine all the pesto ingredients into a blender or food processor and pulse until well combined.If you're using this for pasta, reserve some of the pasta water for the next step.Now combine cooked pasta, pesto sauce, and pasta water in a skillet and cook on medium-high until well combined. Add the cherry tomatoes at the very end,