Oregano is a common kitchen herb, but it can do much more than just spruce up your tomato sauce recipe.

A few years ago, on the recommendation of a friend, I purchased oregano oil and started my day with a drop under the tongue. I was told that the oil would kill bacteria and viruses and ultimately cleanse my system of the stresses that were inspiring acne.

Oregano packs incredible cleansing power and works to improve just about every system in your body. Slowly but surely, my use of the oregano oil made the difference! Only later did I learn about all the other positive things I was doing for my body by taking it.

Oregano is high in iron, manganese, vitamin K, fiber, and omega-3 fatty acids. Iron is essential in the formation of red blood cells, which bringing oxygen to the body’s tissues. Manganese is central to proper brain function while vitamin K is key for bone health. With its omega-3 content, oregano incurs an anti-inflammatory response and may be helpful in improving mild Alzheimer’s patients’ symptoms, as omega-3 fatty acids are beneficial to the brain and mood.

Oregano also contains powerful antioxidants that do their share of magic on the body, from treating cancer to improving heart health to fighting aging. In fact, while antioxidants can be found in most fruits and vegetables, oregano is markedly among the top of the list in terms of antioxidant levels per gram of fresh weight. For example, oregano ranks first among most common herbs for its antioxidant content and holds 42-times more antioxidant activity than apples, 30-times more than potatoes, 12-times more than oranges, and 4-times more than blueberries.

As far as the skin is concerned, oregano is a lifesaver. With its anti-bacterial and anti-viral properties, oregano can be used in its oil form as a topical treatment for acne and dandruff. Before using oregano in this way, however, be sure to test a small area of skin on your arm to see how the patch reacts. If you don’t, there could be a nasty allergic reaction.  

To get the most out of oregano and its various benefits, use it fresh in your home cooking or add a drop of oregano oil to water in the morning.

Related on EcoSalon:

20 Unusual Uses for Everyday Herbs

Marjoram: 10 Incredible Uses for This Underappreciated Herb

5 Natural Herbs That Improve Digestion

Photo Credit: Maureen Lunn

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