Probably many of you use oregano in the kitchen. But have you ever wondered what this herb is good for?
Translated, oregano means "the joy of the mountain." Since ancient times, the herb has been revered as a symbol of happiness by the Greeks and Romans.
Oregano contains a solid amount of vitamins A, C, E and K. In addition, it contains folic acid, magnesium, iron, vitamin B6, potassium and calcium. It has 12 times more powerful antioxidant capacity than oranges and 42 times more than that of apples. Let me remind you that antioxidants are those chemical compounds that help the body counteract the negative effects of free radicals.
They are the cause of skin damage, premature aging, cancer and a number of other health problems.
Oregano is one of the herbs that have been studied for its powerful antibiotic and medicinal properties. However, as with anything else, so with oregano, it is very important that you do not abuse it. It is enough to add it as a spice to salads and dishes.
It is proven that Oregano significantly relieves symptoms of upper respiratory tract infection. In this line of thinking - oregano essential oil will be of great benefit to you if you are caught by the flu or cold. Oregano is used in respiratory diseases: bronchitis, bronchial asthma, pneumonia.
The herb has a calming, expectorant, diuretic effect. Oregano stimulates the secretion of the gastrointestinal tract, bile secretion, tones the smooth muscles of the uterus. Both flowers and leaves are used in folk medicine. Do not worry that you will find them in different shades - from pink-purple, through pale pink to white. It is the same plant.
The healing properties of oregano are so many that here I can hardly list them all, but will certainly give here the most important guidelines for its use in our natural medicine.
The plant has local analgesic, anti-inflammatory and antiseptic action. Oregano is used for neurosis, insomnia, hypertension, atherosclerosis, during menopause. The use of Oregano is recommended for chronic gastritis, constipation, stomach cramps, stomach ulcers and duodenal ulcers. In our folk medicine Oregano is mostly used in a form of a tea – here is how we prepare it:
Three or four teaspoons of finely chopped fresh or dried Oregano is poured into a 300ml of boiling water. After cooling, the infusion is filtered and drunk for one day 2 or 3 times a day. The plant is also used as a tonic in the form of tea - it is prepared by boiling a teaspoon of the herb with 200 ml of water for 5 minutes.
The oil is (50% or more dilution) The safety of the oil for internal use has not been well studied and therefore should be used with caution and after consultation with a professional.
Externally the Oregano is best used when- boil 100 g of herb with 2 liters of water for 10 min. Strain and add to the bath water.
Of course, it is always good to use more than a pinch of Oregano leaf in your cooking.
And my favorite vegan and very rich in taste salad is simply made of freshly picked and boiled potatoes and carrots. It is best while they are still hot to pour generously over them Extra Virgin Olive oil and Oregano, a pinch of sea salt, the juice of half a lemon and enjoy the taste.
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A.A
Stob, Bulgaria