What is oregano used for as a medicinal plant?

Oregano is a perennial aromatic herb with a life span of 8 to 10 years. It grows up to 45 cm and is native to western and southwestern Eurasia and the Mediterranean. Oregano means “the joy of the mountain” in Greek, due to the color of its flowers that enhances the beauty of the slopes and slopes where it grows spontaneously. This plant is named in many countries as wild orenga and marjoram

Origanum is the generic name given to 40 species of aromatic plants. All its species are perennial herbs that can reach up to 60 cm in height. This plant grows easily in dry and sunny areas, and all its species are given medicinal, gastronomic and cosmetic powers.

Its cultivation can be done by seed and by cuttings, remaining in production in a period of 4 to 6 years. All its species are highly sought after as condiments, especially in the Mediterranean area, where they are frequently used to garnish the main typical dishes of the region.

What is oregano for and what are its benefits?

The consumption of oregano in infusions or poultices has healing properties. It is usually used to expel bronchial secretions; improve digestive processes; eliminate germs; improve the body’s energy.

It also serves to improve or eliminate pain; improve flatulence; to prevent the development of fungi, and to prevent or calm seizures. It can also be used as a mouthwash or in wound healing treatments.

Oregano orejon

The oregano orejon is one of a kind of the same species. At first glance it can be distinguished by the difference in its flowers, its smell and the color of its leaves. In the case of oregano, its fragrance is stronger and its foliage is dark green.

This plant is used as medicine, in gastronomy and in cosmetology. Its healing powers are evidenced by being beneficial for: curing scabies; control insomnia; soothe headaches and earaches; calm the cough; regulate the digestive processes; normalize menstruation periods; pass kidney stones; heal wounds and improve blood sugar flow.

Small oregano

The small oregano is a variety of species of this plant. Due to its high content of antioxidants and minerals, it is recognized as an effective product to combat osteoporosis and arteriosclerosis, as it acts as an anti-inflammatory. It is also used to improve digestive processes and fight fungi.

Oregano is abortifacient

Due to the presence of its essential oils, oregano is considered an abortifacient substance. This plant when ingested in high quantities can cause spontaneous abortion, which is why its consumption is contraindicated during gestation periods. In addition, it could cause cardiac arrhythmias and sleep disturbances.

Oregano tee to menstruate

Oregano, prepared as a tea, helps regulate the periods of menstruation onset, relieving the pain and inflammation that occurs in these episodes.

You just need to place 5 to 6 dry leaves of this plant in two cups of water to the point of boiling, leaving it on the stove for 5 minutes to obtain this calming potion. A little honey is added to it and it is left to rest for consumption.

Oregano for weight loss

Thanks to the properties of oregano oil, which acts as a natural anti-inflammatory, you can lose weight and reduce the presence of cellulite. This plant, being a natural digestive, causes the secretion of bile, a substance that allows fat to be diluted in the areas of the body where it is concentrated.

In addition, due to its antioxidant properties, it accelerates the breakdown of fat in the body, promoting weight loss.

To calm the cough

Oregano is used as a cough treatment, making it a simple, effective, natural and inexpensive option.

The preparation of this drink is very simple, you just have to put a liter of water to boil by adding two tablespoons of dried oregano, leaving it on the stove for three minutes. Let it rest and add honey to taste. Its consumption is recommended before or after food.

Other uses of oregano

In the cosmetology industry, this plant is used to make soaps indicated for the control and treatment of acne, as its components facilitate the destruction of microorganisms that cause skin infections. In addition, its oil is used as an additive in the shampoo to shine the hair and eliminate bacteria on the scalp.

Its oil is used to treat cellulite, scabies, and varicose veins. Its healing properties, on the other hand, are applied to eliminate toxins in the body, improve menstrual discomfort, fight fungi and bacteria, lower cholesterol, and combat respiratory conditions.

In the kitchen, oregano is commonly used to dress salads, make sauces, marinate meats, and flavor oils and vinegars.

How to prepare oregano?

Oregano is used to make infusions, tea, oil and poultice. To make infusions, a container with a liter of water is placed in the kitchen, and it is allowed to boil; it is lowered of the fire and 250 gr of fresh oregano leaves are placed; cover, and let it rest for 10 minutes. Strain and add honey to taste.

The oil is made by crushing the oregano leaves; then it is placed in a sterilized glass jar, and covered with olive oil and almond up to 2 cm above. It is stored in a cool and dry place for three weeks.

The oregano poultice is used to relieve low back pain and its recipe is as follows: a bunch of oregano leaves is crushed and placed in a previously heated pan. It is stirred and when it is hot enough, it is wrapped in a clean blanket, to be placed on the affected area for 30 minutes. Repeating this action until the pain is relieved.

Types of oregano

There is a wide variety of plants belonging to this species. Among the best known we can find: calf oregano, originally from Mexico; French oregano, used specifically for the preparation of medicines; thick oregano, located in countries like Venezuela, Colombia, Puerto Rico and Mexico; and the aquatic oregano, scattered throughout the humid areas of the planet.

Oregano contraindications

Oregano does not present any contraindication as long as it is consumed in adequate doses, as it has a set of properties that provides many benefits to the body.

Some symptoms that may appear due to its consumption are allergies, manifesting in rashes on the skin, swelling of the throat; abdominal pain; nausea or dizziness.

However, when its consumption is abused, unwanted effects may appear, since its consumption in high quantities is quite toxic, as it is considered a narcotic. Its excess in consumption causes severe nervous alterations, a painful increase in tactile sensitivity, mood swings towards sadness and nervous depression, motor difficulties, and cardiac arrhythmia.

Also, as mentioned above, excessive consumption of oregano is harmful for pregnant women as it can lead to miscarriages. It is important to consult a doctor or specialist in case you feel abdominal pain that the consumption of this plant may be causing. It will be the doctor who determines the cause of the problem and the possible treatment.