Oregano (And Oil)

Flowering Oregano

Growing up in Italian inspired families, Annmarie and I both love the taste of oregano. You can prepare or cook all different types of delicious dishes from across the Mediterranean with this spice.

Therapeutically, oregano makes my list because of it’s powerful anti-bacterial properties. As you may know, Annmarie and I will not go to a country with poor water supply without 3-4 bottles of Oregano Oil in capsule form. (The oil alone is too strong for Ann’s taste buds.) In just about 100% of all instances, oregano oil has completely relieved any stomach unrest we’ve gotten due to eating contaminated food – this is for the last 4 years of travel approximately.

Oregano

Oregano also has anti-oxidant properties as well, but I think it’s most important super power is it’s ability to regulate bugs.

I’ve used oregano oil in the past externally for some circular rashes that I got after being in a hot spring. I went to the dermatologist because I was afraid the rashes looked cancerous. It turned out they weren’t and when he said they might be bacterial, I decided oregano oil would be something to experiment. Within 2 days of applying the oregano oil, the rash started to peel off and heal. Apparently, it was some sort of bacterial infection that had been killed by the oil.

Usage: For cooking, there are many. For therapeutically, I’d recommend using the oil for a most potent effect. Due to the thymol content of oregano oil, you may want to use it for a few weeks, then take a break. Excessive thymol can be toxic or at least irritating to the liver.

You can also juice fresh oregano leaves and drink them as a tonic.