Everything about oregano and its properties
Oregano is a native, perennial and aromatic herb of Greece and one of the most important herbs we use daily. It has a trunk woody and its branches are thin. It is a short bush with fluffy and oval leaves. Flowers, depending on the variety, are white or pink. The flowers of the Greek oregano are white.
The best time to collect oregano is during the flowering period, in July and August, and of course in the early morning hours. Oregano, amongst other ingredients, contains tannins, sterols, essential oils, thymol, flavonoids and carvacrol.
The parts of the herb that are useful and contain most of the healing and cosmetic properties, are the aerial parts, leaves and tops. The way of drying oregano is very important for the herb to keep its properties. The traditional way is to cut the branches to a height of about 20 cm and then tie them in thin bunches. Then, in a shady place, let them hanging upside down. The drying duration is about 15 days.
Oregano is a herb with excellent properties. The main ingredient in oregano is the essential oil, which contains phenols such as thymol and carvacrol. It also contains pinene and uric acid, caffeic acid, rosmarinic acid, iron and high levels of vitamin C. It is a very good source of iron, beta-carotene and fiber, which reduces cholesterol and triglyceride levels in the body.
The qualities of oregano are so many that are worth categorizing in areas that benefit our body and spirit.
The oregano benefits the heart, protecting against arteriosclerosis and hypertension.
In relation to the digestive system, oregano helps a lot in bowel weakness, facilitates digestion and opens the appetite. It has beneficial effects on bowel diseases, such as gastritis, food poisoning and diarrhea because of its spasmolytic and anti-diarrheal properties. It effectively treats constipation and spastic stomach and intestinal pains, as well as the feeling of saturation. Its spasmolytic action is beneficial for both colitis and irritable bowel syndrome. The oregano is very beneficial for those who suffer from Crohn’s disease.
The oregano protects but also treats urinary tract infections such as kidney, bladder and biliary tract infections. Prostate disorders and women’s hypovolaemia are treated effectively either with the oregano infusion or with tincture treatment. It is administered as a diuretic even in painful urine retention.
Also the oregano is beneficial for the respiratory system. In cases of bronchitis, pneumonia, asthma or dyspnoea, its softener infusion is particularly effective. Its essential oil contains expectorant properties that are beneficial for productive cough and nasal discharge. Its antitussive properties make it ideal for persistent coughing.
Another property of oregano is to stimulate the immune system. In cases of colds it is very useful, as well as in flu, sore throat and sinusitis. Its strong antioxidant action combined with its anticancer properties prevents the action of free radicals. While its sweating action combined with its antiviral property, combats fever as well as antibiotic bacteria.
The oregano is healing, so in case of sores in the oral cavity and irritated tonsils it is very effective. Its infusion is used for mouthwashing for bad breath in oral solutions, gargle and in cases of laryngeal and gum inflammation. Its analgesic action relieves painful toothaches, while in combination with its antiseptic and hemostatic properties, it makes it ideal for gingivitis and periodontitis.
The oregano also helps a lot in the healing of open wounds and ulcers, as well as chronic rheumatic discomfort. Its anti-inflammatory and analgesic properties relieve bruising and swelling, while the massage with Oregano essential oil relieves the symptoms of arthritis, muscle aches and tendons. Finally, oregano is ideal for varicose veins, burns and for earache.
The infusion of oregano also acts as an emmenagogue, but also during the menopause period, it helps the body both physically and psychologically. The oregano works as tranquilizer for the nervous system. Its analgesic properties are ideal for nervous headaches and for mental and physical fatigue.
Be careful not to be given to pregnant women because it stimulates the uterus and can cause miscarriage.
Beyond the countless healing properties it has and offers, also has a wide variety of cosmetic uses.
It is very effective in treating acne, as well as in cases of cystic acne, either in the form of an infusion or by using a balm with its essential oil.
Oregano is also ideal for use in hair, as it effectively treats dandruff and oiliness. At the same time, the oregano extract acts as a natural hair tonic.
Skin problems such as seborrhea, eczemas, herpes, warts and psoriasis, oregano has great symptomatic treatment. That is, it effectively relieves symptoms such as itching, pain or burning sensation. It is considered to be suitable for curing the above diseases, without being fully medically supported. Oregano infusion is effective for relieving insect bites and fighting lice.
Finally, due to its strong antioxidant action and its high vitamin C content, oregano is a perfect anti-aging and antioxidant. Protects the skin from premature aging, protects against free radicals, and significantly reduces wrinkles.
The essential oil of oregano effectively helps to fight cellulite and in cases of fluid retention. Oil massage treatments where you add oregano essential oil will promote better blood circulation and decongest the area effectively!
Source: Botanologio.com- healing properties of oregano – cosmetic uses of oregano – how to collect oregano
