Spice up your health

We love oregano in our marinara sauce and sprinkled on pizza, but the popular and fragrant herb--ubiquitous in Mediterranean cuisine--is known for its potent medicinal properties as well. Researchers are just beginning to discover the numerous therapeutic benefits in the extracted oil of wild oregano. The active components, phenols, are found in higher concentrations in the oil than in the plant's leaves and stems. Not only have these phenols been touted for their antibacterial, antifungal and antiparasitic properties, but they also are effective in treating everything from acne and arthritis to sinus problems and varicose veins.

For thousands of years, people of the Mediterranean have relied on oregano as a natural preservative. Modern laboratory tests have proven it to be a potent killer of food-borne microbes and pathogens, including staphylococcus, campylobacter, E. coli and giardia. In addition, oregano oil is a powerful natural remedy in the treatment of athlete's foot, psoriasis and eczema.

Depending on the ailment, a few drops of the oil are taken under the tongue or applied topically. It's best to dilute the oil with olive oil if using externally, to protect the skin from its mild stinging or burning sensation. If taken internally, diluting also helps improve palatability, because although it goes by the same name as the green stuff in your cupboard, this kind of oregano packs a real punch.

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