Oregano (origanum Vulgare) is a flowering plant in the mint family (Lamiaceae). It is native to temperate western and southwestern Eurasia and the Mediterranean region. (1)
For over 4,000 years of man's history, the ancient herb Oregano has been used by healers worldwide to treat a wide variety of ailments and to strengthen man's ability to fight off illness. It has powerful bacteria and fungi killing properties, as well as being used as a painkiller and anti-inflammatory.
Ancient Uses of Oregano
Greece is the first known place where oregano was used, it was even used by Hippocrates. The ancient Greeks believed that oregano could be used as a poison antidote; as well as to treat skin irritations, dropsy, convulsions, and as an antidote for narcotic poisons.
The Romans then started using oregano. Their love of the flavor and its easy cultivation helped to spread it throughout Europe and to Northern Africa.
During the middle ages, oregano was commonly used for medicinal purposes throughout Europe. They would chew oregano leaves for rheumatism, toothache, indigestion, and coughing.
Oregano then made its way to China. It was used there for medicinal purposes. The Chinese believed it helped with fever, vomiting, and upset stomach.
During the Elizabethan era, oregano was believed to encourage good luck and good health.
Oregano did not become popular in the United States until after World War II when the soldiers were exposed to its culinary use in Europe.
Scientific Research on Oil of Oregano
There’s a lot of evidence to show that oregano oil is a powerful tool for the immune system, especially when it encounters outside invaders.
One study from the United States Department of Agriculture reported that oregano oil is effective enough to fight off germs like Salmonella and E. coli. These findings were echoed by researchers of the Department of Physiology & Biophysics at Georgetown University Medical Center who said:
“New, safe agents are needed to…overcome harmful organisms… Based on our previous experience and that of others, we postulated that herbal essential oils, such as those of origanum (oregano oil) offer such possibilities.”
Ways to get Oil of Oregano
Oregano oil is relatively cheap and readily available as a liquid or in capsule form.
It is higher in antioxidants than most fruits and vegetables and is packed full of powerful compounds called phenols.
Oregano oil may be effective against bacterial and fungal infections, inflammation, and pain, among other conditions.
Overall, it has several health benefits and may be useful as a natural treatment for some common health complaints.
Summary
Herbal Roots aka Mortar and Pestle Herbs uses only Organic Mediterranean Oregano Oil, grown in Italy. Our oregano oil is a high potency 10 to 1 extract, equivalent to 1,500 mg of oregano per capsule.
You can also read: "The benefits of oil of oregano".
Some scientific studies regarding Oil of Oregano:
- Oregano Oil May Protect Against Drug-Resistant Bacteria, Georgetown Researcher Finds
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Oregano oil: Could the pizza herb prevent winter vomiting disease?
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Herbal Oils May Enhance Insulin Sensitivity And Lower Blood Pressure In Diabetic Rats
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Essential Oils From Common Spices Are Possible Allies In Food Safety
