People around the Mediterranean region have used oregano for centuries in herbal medicine to treat many ailments, including:
- skins sores
- aching muscles
- asthma
- cramping
- diarrhea
- indigestion
- colds
- to boost overall health
Scientists need to do more research to confirm the benefits of using oregano, but there is some evidence that it could help:
You are watching: What are the health benefits of oregano?
- fight bacteria
- relieve inflammation
- regulate blood sugar and lipids
- fight cancer
Oregano and other herbs provide antioxidants. Dietary antioxidants help the body eliminate free radicals, which are toxic substances that result from natural processes and environmental stresses. A buildup of free radicals can trigger oxidative stress. Oxidative stress can lead to cell damage that may result in various diseases, including cancer and diabetes.
Learn more here about antioxidants.
Antibacterial properties
The main components of oregano essential oil are carvacrol and thymol. These may have antimicrobial properties.
In a 2019 laboratory study, carvacrol and thymol prevented various strains of Staphyloccus aureus (S. aureus) bacteria from developing in meat and dairy products, suggesting that it could help control bacterial growth in foods.
Amid growing concerns about diseases becoming resistant to antibiotics, researchers carried out lab tests to investigate the effects of oregano oil on various microbes that do not respond to other drugs.
The oil showed “significant antibacterial activity” against 11 such microbes. This suggests that substances in oregano could play a role in fighting diseases that no longer respond to antibiotics.
While these tests indicate that compounds in oregano may have antibacterial properties, it does not mean that eating oregano will prevent infections.
Vitamin C is an antioxidant that plays a key role in the immune system. Which foods contain vitamin C? Find out here.
Anti-inflammatory properties
See more : How Many Calories In Meatloaf | Learn Calories In Meatloaf
According to one literature overview, the oils and constituents of oregano oil, such as thymol and rosmarinic acid, appear to have anti-inflammatory properties.
In animal studies, oregano extract has reduced inflammation that could lead to:
- autoimmune arthritis
- allergic asthma
- rheumatoid arthritis
It is worth noting that the studies used concentrated extracts of oregano. This is not the same as humans eating oregano in the diet.
Rosemary is another herb that may have anti-inflammatory properties. Find out more.
Protecting against cancer
Some of the ingredients in oregano may have anticancer properties.
Scientists have found evidence that extracts may help prevent DNA damage in cells due to oxidative stress, radiation, and mitogens, a type of protein that can cause unwanted cell division.
Researchers have also found evidence that carvacrol and thymol may prevent melanoma cells from growing and skin cancer from spreading.
While eating oregano by itself is unlikely to prevent cancer, a varied, plant-based diet that is rich in antioxidants may help prevent cell changes that can lead to cancer.
In 2013, lab studies suggested that Origanum majorana could help slow or stop the progression of metastatic breast cancer.
How can diet affect the risk of cancer? Find out here.
Diabetes
Compounds in oregano may help manage type 2 diabetes. Authors of a 2016 rodent study concluded that Origanum extract may help:
- improve insulin resistance
- regulate the expression of genes that affect fat and carbohydrate metabolism
- restore damaged liver and kidney tissues
The authors noted that some people already use oregano leaves and oil to manage high blood sugar levels.
Type 1 diabetes is an autoimmune disease. Experts do not know what causes it, but oxidative stress may play a role.
In 2015, researchers found that an extract of oregano improved type 1 diabetes in mice. They suggested this could be due to oregano’s antioxidant properties, its effect on the immune system, and its ability to prevent cell death.
Which other herbs and spices may help with diabetes? Find out here.
Depression
In 2018, scientists looked at how treatment with oregano oil and other substances affected rats with depression due to chronic unpredictable stress.
After 14 days, stress-related behavior improved in rats that received the oregano treatment. The study authors concluded that oregano might relieve stress-related behavior.
Can other herbs help with depression? Find out here.
Other possible health benefits
According to the National Library of Medicine, people take oregano products by mouth for:
- coughs
- asthma
- allergies
- croup
- bronchitis
- painful menstrual cramps
- rheumatoid arthritis
- urinary tract infections and disorders
- headaches
- diabetes
- bleeding after a tooth extraction
- heart conditions
- high cholesterol
People apply oregano oil to the skin for:
- acne
- athlete’s foot
- dandruff
- canker sores, toothache, and gum disease
- warts
- wounds
- ringworm
- rosacea
- psoriasis
- insect bites and as an insect repellant
- muscle and joint pain
- varicose veins
There is not enough evidence to support the medicinal use of oregano as a dietary herb, supplement, or oil in most of these cases.
However, it is unlikely to cause harm in most people as long as people do not consume too much oregano oil and ensure that any topical applications use a diluted form of the oil.
Source: https://en.congthucvatly.com
Category: Cook