Hearing the word ‘oregano’ chances are you will think of your favorite plate of Italian food. Contrary to popular belief, this ancient herb is a superfood with multiple incredible benefits that extend far beyond the culinary. Read on to learn more about the health benefits of oregano, and how to best include it in your everyday routine. 

1. A Powerful Antioxidant

When we talk about antioxidants, we tend to refer to the usual healthy greens and fruits like apples and even blueberries. Unfortunately, not everyone has the time to consume these foods regularly with their hectic lifestyles, and finding an acceptable substitute on a budget can be quite a challenge.

Oregano is a deceptively powerful antioxidant, even more potent than the fruits listed above. Whether you’re enjoying the benefits of oregano essential oil, or just sprinkling the seasoning over a plate of dinner, even a small helping of this herb can protect your cells against devastating free radical damage and strengthen your immune system in the process.

2. Antibacterial and Antiviral Properties

Recent times have shown how important it is to defend yourself against both viral and bacterial threats. From whooping cough to ear infections, exposing yourself to bacteria can potentially be a massive health risk if your body does not know how to defend itself. 

A popular health benefit of oregano is its ability to stop the growth of harmful bacteria in the consumer. In fact, it is commonly used to treat a variety of infections in regions that may not have access to regular medicine. According to some studies, oregano might even possess the ability to fight off multi-drug-resistant bacteria. With incidences of resistant bacteria growing across the board due to an overuse of antibiotics, oregano is a great way to shield yourself against conditions like Lyme disease.

The same can be said about oregano’s antiviral properties. The primary compound in oregano is known as carvacrol which lends the herb its signature culinary and medicinal properties. The benefits of oregano essential oil are largely attributed to carvacrol, which is effective in stopping the advance of multiple viruses, including the human norovirus.

3. Defends Against Parasites

Parasites come in many forms, and one of the most useful health benefits of oregano is its antiparasitic character. Even brief, accidental contact with contaminated food and liquids carries the risk of infecting your body with hard-to-detect parasites that can cause a medley of health issues.

For example, a USDA team pointed out the effectiveness of oregano as a herbal defense against the Crypto parasite, responsible for pushing malnutrition through diarrhea and other gut-related health problems. For better results, consider combining oregano with black seed oil to reap the dual benefits of Nigella sativa, another herb known for its antiviral and antiparasitic properties.

4. A Versatile Ingredient

One health benefit of oregano that often flies under the radar is how versatile it is. From consuming oils to chopping it fresh on the block or even just sprinkling dry oregano over a hot meal, there are a ton of interesting ways to enjoy the wonderful benefits that this herb brings to the table. Keep in mind that each method of consumption has its benefits, and it’s worth knowing if you’re looking to make the most of oregano’s properties.

Most consumers are interested in the benefits of oregano essential oils due to how convenient they are. Instead of having to keep your herbs fresh in the fridge and consume them before they go bad, you can instead drizzle a few drops over a meal of your choice and enjoy the concentrated benefits without having to deal with the pungent odor of carvacrol. 

What about dried vs. fresh oregano? Dried oregano is naturally going to be more concentrated in terms of flavor and smell, which might make it tempting to use over fresh herbs for cooking. The trade-off here is that you might lose out on the other health benefits of oregano. For example, fresh oregano herbs contain a significantly higher concentration of vitamin A, which is destroyed by exposure to light. If you’re relying on dried herbs, consider making up for the loss in nutrition with a balanced herbal multivitamin.

5. An All-Round Health Booster

Oregano comes loaded with a cocktail of necessary daily nutrients, from vitamin A to C, making it a must-have when you consider its low caloric density. A key benefit of oregano essential oil is its concentration of vitamin B6, also known as pyridoxine. This vitamin is in charge of maintaining the health of your blood vessels and skin. If you’re suffering from acne, oregano and Egyptian black seed oil might be the way to go.

6. Promotes Gut Health

From parasitic invasions to physical damage caused by rough and undigested food, your gut is constantly struggling against an army of pathogens and other harmful factors around the clock. By stopping parasites and bacteria from attacking your gastrointestinal tract, oregano is extraordinarily effective at relieving stomach-related problems like constipation, gas, and even bloating–similar to moringa leaf extract. 

A related health benefit of oregano is its ability to reinforce your gut wall, preventing conditions like ‘leaky gut’ that tend to occur when a weak gut wall allows key toxins to pass through and infect the bloodstream. It’s also worth pointing out that oregano can reduce the concentration of E.coli gut bacteria and even relieve indirect symptoms associated with an unhealthy gut, such as tiredness and blotchy skin.

Boost Your Health With Oregano Oil

Whether you’re chopping it up fresh from the market or using it with a black seed extract, oregano is a must-have for any healthy modern diet. If you’re struggling to get your recommended intake of fresh oregano, check out Amazing Herbs for premium GMP-certified supplements. 

These statements have not been evaluated by the FDA. These products are not intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any disease.