herbs - Oregano (Origanum vulgare)

What is it?

Oregano or wild Marjoram is an aromatic herb that is commonly used in cooking, especially in tomato-based sauces and on pizza. It is a perennial plant native to Asia and Europe, but is now cultivated world-wide for its culinary use. The leaves of the dried herb and the volatile oil are used in herbal medicine and Aromatherapy.

Action

Oregano contains up to 3% volatile oils, which are made up of borneol, carvacrol and thymol menthol as well as flavonoids, rosmarinic acid, triterpenoids, sterols and the Vitamins A and C. The volatile oils in Oregano exhibit antibacterial and antifungal properties.

Uses

Our experts recommend Oregano for:

• Candidiasis (systemic) (may be more effective than capryllic acid)
• Dry mouth syndrome
• Skin infections
• Obstruction
• Genital herpes
• Sleep apnoea (inhalation)

Other information

Herbalist and aromatherapists use Oregano for Indigestion, bacterial infections, thrush and other yeast infections. Oregano is available as tablets, capsules or tinctures, and the dried herb can easily be made into a tea, but is also useful in cooking.

Oregano is also available as an Aromatherapy oil for topical use and inhalation.

Cautions

• Generally there are no side effects from Oregano tea or Oregano herbal supplements.



• Oregano should not be used during pregnancy as it may cause miscarriage.



• Oregano oil should not be used internally. Externally it must be diluted in a carrier oil before applying to the skin and is for adult use only.



• When this article was written there were no well-known negative drug interactions with Oregano.

This information is licensed for use by Wellbeing Information Systems Ltd ("WIS"), and protected by international copyright law. All rights are reserved. (email info@wisinfo.co.uk). The information provided by WIS is for guidance only. Whilst it is based upon the expert advice of leading professionals, and extensive research, it is not a substitute for diagnosis by a qualified professional. Always consult your doctor, pharmacist or qualified practitioner before making any changes or additions to prescribed medication.