Is oregano good for you?
Turmeric and ginger tend to get the lion’s share of attention, but dried oregano is another herb that offers powerful benefits for your health. It’s antibacterial, contains antioxidants and essential vitamins and is considered a remedy for multiple ailments.
There are many different ways you can incorporate oregano into your diet. This herb is not only good for you, but it’s also a delicious addition to many dishes. Read on to learn more.
The history of oregano
With more than 40 varieties of oregano at your disposal, you may wonder which one provides the most benefits — the answer is origanum vulgare. This variety has been used as a medicinal plant for centuries.
Originating in the Mediterranean, oregano was considered sacred by the Greek goddess Aphrodite, according to legend. Egyptians used it as a poison antidote and preservative, traditional Chinese healers have for generations wielded the herb as a treatment for ailments and the Greeks used it for everything from convulsions to infections.
Oregano has also been associated with good luck, happiness and good health.
What is oregano used for?
Chances are, you’ve eaten foods containing oregano. Perhaps one of the most popular uses in the United States is as a topping sprinkled on pizza. Some other common foods with oregano include:
Herbed bread
Soups
Tomato dishes
Meat dishes
Alcoholic beverages
This versatile spice is also transformed into an essential oil that is well regarded as being preventive against a number of illnesses. The dosage used depends on the particular condition.
Health benefits of oregano
Vitamins and minerals
Oregano naturally contains several vitamins and minerals that are critical for a long, healthy life.
Vitamin K: supports blood clotting
Vitamin E: supports brain, blood, skin, reproduction and vision functions
Manganese: fuels the metabolism of carbohydrates, cholesterol, amino acids and glucose
Iron: helps transport oxygen throughout the body
Calcium: supports bone, nerve, muscle and heart health
Anti-cancer properties
While human studies are necessary to confirm this benefit, oregano has shown potential in test-tube studies for killing and slowing down the growth of cancer cells. The spice may also help prevent cancer altogether. Oregano is packed with antioxidants that neutralize free radical damage and protect against chronic diseases.
Virus protection
Oregano has demonstrated antiviral properties. The compounds responsible for this function are carvacrol and thymol. Two test-tube studies showed particular promise:
Carvacrol and thymol inactivated 90% of the herpes simplex virus within just one hour
Carvacrol inactivated norovirus within one hour of treatment
Antibacterial properties
Among impressive test-tube study results, one study showed that oregano killed 23 species of bacteria. In its essential oil form, oregano has proven in studies to be more effective against bacteria than spices such as thyme and sage.
How to use dried oregano
In addition to being a wonderful way to flavor many dishes and sauces, you can use oregano in many other ways to positively impact your health. One example is combining it with other dried herbs including thyme, basil and rosemary to make a facial steam that provides congestion and cough relief. Oregano is also an ingredient in a salve for cracked heels and plays a key role in an herbal mouthwash.
Best dried oregano
Here’s a list of the best dried oregano to help you maximize the benefits of this potent spice.
HQOExpress Organic Oregano: available at Amazon
This sustainably farmed, pesticide- and herbicide-free oregano is medium-cut for versatility. The flavor of this oregano is slightly sweet and mildly pungent and bitter. The leaves are 100% USDA certified organic, gluten-free, kosher and non-GMO.
McCormick Oregano Leaves: available at Amazon
A member of the mint family, these oregano leaves have a sweet aroma with a hint of mint, along with a peppery bite. McCormick carefully selects leaves that contain a robust flavor. This oregano is non-GMO.
Amazing Chiles and Spices Dried Mexican Oregano: available at Amazon
This Mexican oregano packs a powerful flavor punch thanks to the fresh whole leaf. Sourced directly from farms in Mexico, it’s high-quality and 100% natural. Mexican oregano is among the most flavorful oregano varieties.
Classic Provisions Spices Mexican Oregano: available at Amazon
Classic Provisions makes a Mexican version with citrus notes that add a refreshing tang to any dish. The herbs are housed in a sturdy 3-ounce shaker that keeps the oregano fresh and will hold up for a long time.
Frontier Co-op Oregano Leaf: available at Amazon
This fancy-grade oregano leaf is handpicked and dried in the sun for an aromatic and earthy spice with pungent undertones. The flavor of Frontier’s organic oregano is stronger than fresh leaves because it’s cut and sifted. These organic leaves grown in Turkey are kosher certified, non-irradiated and are never treated with ETO.
Litehouse Freeze-Dried Oregano: from $6.33 at Amazon
A single jar of freeze-dried oregano is equal to three fresh bunches of the herb. Litehouse harvests its species from high-quality crops, and their oregano is gluten-free and non-GMO.
Megan Oster is a writer for BestReviews. BestReviews is a product review company with a singular mission: to help simplify your purchasing decisions and save you time and money.
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