I am sure that you have all heard about that wonderful, aromatic kitchen spice that is a must add to any Italian dish!! BUT did you know that Oregano is also a powerful immune system booster?? Read on and find out everything you need to know, but were afraid to ask about Oregano!
A Brief Background on Infections
There was a time in history when antibiotics were hailed as miracle drugs. With the introduction of penicillin in the 1940’s, and the subsequent discovery of streptomycin, the world saw a dramatic reduction in illness and death from infectious diseases. However, the battle of the bugs was far from over. Pathogens that are rapidly developing resistance to available treatments include the bacteria that cause pneumonia, ear infections, meningitis and sinusitis. Skin, heart, bone, lung and blood infections as well as food born infections like Salmonella and E. coli are becoming more common.
According to health authorities, they were predicting the likelihood of a global pandemic as being inevitable as recently as 2013. This due to the rapidly evolving new drug-resistant strains of bacteria and viruses emerging every year. The last global pandemic was the Spanish Flu of 1918 which killed upwards of 50 million people worldwide. Many felt that the West Nile Virus, SARS, Bird Flu and Swine Flu could have been a pandemic, and the media did do its part to overplay the importance of these outbreaks. In the end, 1,144 died of West Nile, 774 died of SARS, 282 died of Bird Flu and 18,000 died of Swine Flu. While tragic, these were not pandemics. To put it in to perspective, according to WHO (World Health Organization) the seasonal flu kills between 250,000 and 500,000 people every year.
Yes we are currently in the midst of the “inevitable” pandemic, CoVid-19. And keeping your immune system strong is your number one defense. Every little bit helps!
Getting to know OREGANO!
Oregano is a member of the Mint Family along with Rosemary, Thyme, Basil and Sage. Oregano has a strong aroma and unique flavor. It has long been used as an ingredient in dishes native to the Mediterranean region. However, it is important to note that most oregano available in grocery stores for cooking is not Mediterranean oregano. It is a variety of marjoram, a close relative of Oregano. Mediterranean oregano is actually quite bitter when picked fresh and it may even leave your tongue quite numb. It is this bitter and hot taste that contains a higher amount of the active ingredients responsible for oregano’s antiseptic strength.
Oregano has been used for 1000’s of years by the Egyptians and Babylonians along with the Greeks and Italians in Rome. The Greek physician Hippocrates used it for respiratory and gastrointestinal disorders, wounds , venomous snake bites and insect bites. It was also used for cough and lung congestion, earache, inflamed tonsils, thrush, stomach ache, heartburn, and intestinal gas.
Use of Oregano oil quickly spread around the world. In China, oregano was used to treat colds, fever, nausea, diarrhea, itchy skin and jaundice as well as bronchitis, pneumonia and asthma. Truly one of Mother Nature’s gifts to us!
Every living plant contains natural compounds called phytochemicals. These all have different effects in our body. For example, if you eat straight ginseng you may feel a boost of energy and your body temperature may rise a bit. This is because of the effect of a particular group of phytochemicals in ginseng called ginsenosides. This increases adrenaline production thus boosting energy and causing a warming effect. Two of Oregano’s main constituents are carvacrol, responsible for Oregano’s infection fighting power. And thymol which has been shown in laboratory studies to significantly increase Oregano’s overall effectiveness as a powerful antioxidant.
Oregano Attributes
Antibacterial, Anti-fungal, Antiviral, Antimicrobial, Anti-parasitic, Anti-inflammatory, and Analgesic. A true natural powerhouse!
Now if you have never tasted Oregano oil before, I do suggest caution for the first time. It has quite a strong flavor and water will not wash the flavor away quickly! The best method is 2 to 3 drops under the tongue to allow for direct absorption into the blood stream. If the flavor becomes too strong, you can follow with water. Repeat this 3 to 5 times per day, depending on what your body is fighting off.
For chicken pox, measles and mumps, again, drops under the tongue. And you can increase the number of drops based on tolerance. You can also apply topically, blended with cold pressed extra virgin olive oil. 1 drop Oregano oil to 3 drops of olive oil. For mumps, can also be applied topically to swollen glands on the neck. You can also apply to the soles of your feet. Rub in 5 to 7 drops vigorously and then put on socks. I used to do this for my kids when they were young because they would not put it in their mouths. 9 times out of 10, I was able to lower fever using this method.
Antibiotics are completely ineffective against viruses like the flu. The antiviral drugs and flu vaccines that are offered by doctors are largely ineffective. Furthermore, there is much controversy over the safety of these pharmaceuticals. The truth is, modern medicine has little to offer when it comes to cold and flu viruses. Thank goodness for Oil of Oregano! Start stocking up for the coming flu season as it will be coupled with the continuing threat of CoVid-19.
Oil of Oregano is helpful for the following:
- Fights bacterial and Viral infections
- Boosts immunity
- Loosens congestion in the sinuses and lungs
- Alleviates coughing and sore throat
- Helps with headache and fever
- Helps protect you when other are sick
This is THE book to have on hand on Oil of Oregano.
Stay Healthy!!
