Oregano is a popular spice around the world. When you
mention the word oregano even the most inexperienced cooks know what it tastes
like and for what it can be used. That’s because oregano is what we call a
“staple” in life.
I have to admit, I am not much of a cook. I have a few main
dishes that consist primarily of chicken and seafood. I have been known to cook an
acceptable Thanksgiving meal or two as well. These aren’t necessarily the best
meals you will ever eat, but they certainly won’t be the worst either. J The reason for this is
because I don’t follow set recipes. I am a cook-as-I-go kinda girl. I throw on a
bit of this, a bunch of that and then stick it in the oven and hope for the
best.
Invariably, one of my common “secret” ingredients with all
these dishes is oregano – yes, even on the Thanksgiving bird!
Oregano has been around for as long as you can search
history. It has been used for culinary purposes, medicinal reasons, and was
believed to hold magical properties. In ancient Greece and China oregano was a
used as a poison antidote. Other medical uses included skin irritations
infections, fainting and convulsions. Oregano had other uses as well. According
to Greek lore also oregano was created by goddess Aphrodite as a symbol of
happiness. For this reason, the Greek believed using oregano in marriage
ceremony would provide joy and usage of oregano in funerals would convey peace
to the dead. (Maybe that is why it ends up in my cooking? Lol)
The English also used Oregano to encourage good luck and
good health.
While modern day uses of Oregano focus primarily on cooking,
there are still many health benefits to adding Oregano and DoTerra Oregano
essential oil to your daily routine. Extra through steam dilation of the most
potent and therapeutic plant sources, DoTerra Oregano essential oil provides a
bevy of health benefits.
Antibacterial
– Oregano is by far one of the most potent anti-bacterial agents found in
nature. Used topically, the oil works well to cleanse open and closed skin
surfaces. Diffused in the air, Oregano is an effective immune booster. The
vapors are absorbed into your blood stream through your lungs and the oil
assists your system in fighting infections throughout your body.
Expectorant –
Oregano works as a natural decongestant and anti-inflammatory. When rubbed on
the chest in a carrier oil or diffused in the air, Oregano assists in breaking
up chest congestion due to colds and flu symptoms.
Anti-parasitic
– When ingested in water or with food, Oregano essential oil can assist
with the removal of intestinal parasites. When rubbed topically on the skin and
in the hair, Oregano keeps away external parasites such as fleas, mosquitoes and
lice. (Note – pregnant or nursing women should NEVER ingest Oregano essential oil. Anyone who suspects they
have a severe medical condition such as parasites should consult their doctor
as well.)
Antioxidant –
Oregano essential oil helps cleanse cells of free radicals and slow the aging
process through-out your body.
In General - Oregano essential oil has been shown to
alleviate certain skin conditions such as psoriasis, eczema and athletes foot.
It has also been known to treat and ease symptoms of food poisoning.
Things to keep in
mind/legal ease – Oregano essential
oil should be diluted with a carrier oil as high concentrations can cause skin
irritations. Pregnant women should never use Oregano essential because in high concentrations it is suspected to have
the ability to stimulate and regulate hormones – doing so could have
potentially harmful effects. .Some people who have similar allergies (such
as lavender or basil) may also find they are allergic to Oregano. Overall, while
Oregano is safe for the vast majority of people, it is best to speak with your
doctor before adding Oregano essential oil to your diet – just to be on the
safe side
