Oregano Help Fight Cancer

Oregano can assist in a holistic cancer treatment. Oregano will not cure cancer alone but in combination with other herbs, juices and therapies, oregano will boost cancer treatment effectiveness.

According to some scientists, oregano may be the most potent anti-cancer herb around. One tablespoon of oregano was found to have as many cancer-fighting antioxidants as an apple. Using oil of oregano, which is derived from wild oregano plants, is another way to add this powerful cancer-fighting herb to a healthy diet.

Oregano is one of the oldest herbs we have at present. Its therapeutic values were first recognized by ancient Greeks. They discovered it as potent antiviral, antibacterial, antifungal, and anti-parasitic oil, which can lower pain, inflammation and also effectively fight against various infections. With studies so far it has been found that Oil of Oregano is a highly potent purifier which is very beneficial for human health.

Every herb and spice is distinctive in the particular phytochemicals it contains. Natural plant substances, called phytochemicals, have been shown to have cancer-fighting properties. Hundreds of phytochemicals have been identified, each highly specialized in the way it can protect health.

A recent U.S. Department of Agriculture study shows that oregano offers the most antioxidant activity of all herbs examined: 42 times more antioxidant activity than apples, 30 times more than potatoes and 12 times more than oranges. Oregano contains quercetin, which has strong antioxidant properties and may be especially protective against breast, ovarian and endometrial cancers.

Oregano Nutritional Profile

Oregano is an excellent source of vitamin K and a very good source of iron, manganese and dietary fiber. In addition, oregano is a good source of calcium, magnesium, vitamin A, vitamin C and omega-3 fatty acids.

Nutritional Value of Oregano: Per 100 gm

• Vitamin A – 6903 IU
• Vitamin C – 50 mg
• Vitamin E – 18.86 mg
• Vitamin K – 621.7 mcg
• Protein – 11 g
• Carbohydrates – 64.43 g
• Cholesterol – 0 g
• Sodium – 15 mg
• Potassium – 1669 mg
• Calcium – 1576 mg
• Copper – 0.943 mg
• Iron – 44 mg
• Magnesium – 270 mg
• Manganese – 4.667 mg
• Phosphorus – 200 mg
• Selenium – 5.9 mg
• Zinc – 4.43 mg

Oregano Health Benefits

Oregano An Effective Anti-Bacterial

The volatile oils in this spice include thymol and carvacrol, both of which have been shown to inhibit the growth of bacteria, including Pseudomonas aeruginosa and Staphylococcus aureus . In Mexico, researchers have compared oregano to tinidazol, a commonly used prescription drug to treat infection from the amoeba Giardia lamblia. These researchers found oregano to be more effective against Giardia than the commonly used prescription drug.

Oregano Anti-inflammatory Effects

Oregano contains significant quantities of a number of well-known anti-inflammatory compounds and is likely to have protective effects against the many chronic diseases that are associated with underlying inflammatory processes.
These anti-inflammatory compounds include caffeic acid, carvacrol, eugenol, rosmarinic acid and ursolic acid.

Oregano Potent Anti-Oxidant Activity

Oregano contains numerous phytonutrients – including thymol and rosmarinic acid – that have also been shown to function as potent antioxidants that can prevent oxygen-based damage to cell structures throughout the body. In laboratory studies, oregano has demonstrated stronger anti-oxidant capacity than either of the two synthetic anti-oxidants commonly added to processed food – BHT (butylated hydroxytoluene) and BHA (butylated bydroxyanisole). Additionally, on a per gram fresh weight basis, oregano has demonstrated 42 times more antioxidant activity than apples, 30 times more than potatoes, 12 times more than oranges and 4 times more than blueberries.

Oregano A Nutrient-Dense Spice

Our food ranking system qualified oregano as a very good source of fiber. Fiber works in the body to bind to bile salts and cancer-causing toxins in the colon and remove them from the body. This forces the body to break down cholesterol to make more bile salts. These are just some of the reasons that diets high in fiber have been shown to lower high cholesterol levels and reduce the risk of colon cancer.

Oregano also emerged from our food ranking system as a bountiful source of many nutrients. It qualified within our system as a very good source of iron, manganese and dietary fiber, as well as a good source of calcium, vitamin C, vitamin A (through its concentration pro-vitamin A carotenoidsl ike beta-carotene) and omega-3 fatty acids.

Oregano Oil

Oregano oil is a natural element that is extracted from wild oregano plants. Oregano contains Carvacrol and thymol, two important compounds of oregano that are responsible for the many health benefits of oregano oil. Studies have shown that both carvacrol and thymol can reduce the growth of bacteria, fungi and virus, which is the major cause of many illnesses in humans. Oregano is loaded with vitamins and other nutrients. It is a good source of iron and manganese as well as calcium, vitamin C, and vitamin A. Oregano oil is said to have amazing health benefits when used as a regular part of our diet.

People often get confused with Oregano oil with common oregano that is used in cooking as spice. There are varieties of Oregano found in the Mediterranean hills. Not all variety has the same medicinal values. Common oregano used in cooking is typically Origanum Marjoram where as oil of Oregano is extracted from Origanum Vulgare.

Oregano Oil Health Benefits

• Protection against Microbes: Experts believe that the presence of thymol and carvacrol in Oregano can help in preventing bacterial growth. This can help in reducing the risk of diseases such as cholera, typhoid, infections in the urinary tract, urine, etc. It is suggested that oregano can be effective against Giardia lamblia, amoeba that can cause parasitic infection in the gut.
• Protection against Degenerative Diseases: It is advised that the antioxidant property of oregano can help in fighting free radicals and in reducing cellular damage caused by them. This can help in treating such diseases as macular degeneration, loss of vision and hearing, degeneration of muscles or nerves, etc.
• An Effective Pain Killer: It is suggested that the components present in oregano can help in giving pain relief. The anti-inflammatory property of oregano can help in reducing swelling and pain. The antioxidant properties can help in reducing damage caused to the cells, thereby relieving pain.
• Promotes Digestion: Oregano has antiparisitic properties and also contains high content of carvacrol and thymol that helps to clam down stomach upset and helps in digestion. This can help by increasing the secretion of digestive juices, enzymes, etc. In addition, it is suggested that the carminative property of oregano can help in expelling gas, thereby treating bloating, indigestion, etc. For quick remedy to mild indigestion add 2-3 drops of oregano oil to a glass of water, juice or milk.
• Treats Colon Cancer: Experts believe that high fiber content in oregano can help in reducing the risk of colon cancer. It has been found that fibers can help in binding cancer-causing toxins and bile salts together and help in eliminating them from the body, thereby treating colon cancer.
• Sinus and Respiratory Problems: Oregano oil helps in treatment of sinus, lung congestion and other respiratory problems. Add 2-3 drops of oregano oil to a glass of juice and drink this daily. You can see the improvement within 2-3 days. It also strengthens the immune system.
• Prevention of Cancer: Oregano oil has antioxidant properties that play an important role in preventing many forms of cancer and also slow down the aging process. Studies have shown that Oregano has more antioxidant properties than apple and blueberries.
• Skin Infections: Oregano oil has strong antibacterial and antiviral properties that help to destroy organisms that play a major role in skin infections. Add 2-3 drops of oregano oil to a cup of water and apply that mixture to infected area. This will help to treat itchy skin, irritated gums and other skin infections.
• Emmenagogue: Oregano oil can help in curing irregular menstruation and reducing the unsafe effects of menopause.

Oregano Precautions

Pregnant women should avoid taking oregano regularly as it can reduce the natural ability of our body to absorb iron. People who are prone to allergy should consult a doctor before taking oregano as it can cause skin irritation, vomiting, etc.

Oregano Selection

Whenever possible, choose fresh oregano over the dried form of the herb since it is superior in flavor. The leaves of fresh oregano should look fresh and be a vibrant green in color, while the stems should be firm. They should be free from darks spots or yellowing.

Just like with other dried herbs, when purchasing dried oregano, try to buy that which has been organically grown since this will give you more assurance that it has not been irradiated.

Oregano Storage

resh oregano should be stored in the refrigerator wrapped in a slightly damp paper towel. It may also be frozen, either whole or chopped, in airtight containers. Alternatively, you can freeze the oregano in ice cube trays covered with either water or stock that can be added when preparing soups or stews. Dried oregano should be kept in a tightly sealed glass container in a cool, dark and dry place where it will keep fresh for about six months.

Oregano Preparation

Oregano, either in its fresh or dried form, should be added toward the end of the cooking process since heat can easily cause a loss of its delicate flavor.

Sprinkle some chopped oregano onto homemade garlic bread.

Add oregano to salad dressings.

Oregano goes especially well with tomato-based sauces, adding cancer-fighting properties to everything from pasta to salsa.

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Oregano Research Links

To understand the role of dietary phytochemical antioxidants in the prevention of cancer, cardiovascular diseases, diabetes and other chronic diseases related to oxidative stress.
http://www.nutritionj.com/content/9/1/3

Antioxidant activity and phenolic compounds in selected herbs.
http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/11714298

American Institute for Cancer Research: It’s the Year of the Oregano (2005)
http://www.aicr.org/site/News2?page=NewsArticle&id=8325&news_iv_ctrl=0&abbr=pr_hf_