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

The post Oregano Has Incredible Health Benefits (And It’s Tasty Too!) appeared first on EcoSalon.

One of the most underrated herbs is marjoram. But give one these incredible uses a try and let a love affair begin.

Marjoram is like oregano’s sweeter, lighter sibling. A Mediterranean-region staple, marjoram has a very distinct aroma that was praised among ancient Greeks and Romans as a symbol of love and happiness. Newlyweds would often be crowned with wreaths made of sweet marjoram to promise a long-lasting marriage. Deceased people who had marjoram growing on their graves were considered to be granted with eternal peace and happiness. Commonly, marjoram is used to season soups, stews, dressings and sauces, but its uses go much further than that. Due to its high nutrient content and flavor, the herb is a potent healer that surpasses many other herbs.

The herb is incredibly healing and quite the perk to many of your favorite dishes. Marjoram leaves contain essential oils and acids, vitamins A, B3, B6, C, D, and K as well as flavonoids, potassium, manganese, iron, copper and phosphorus. These ten uses of marjoram are just a glimpse of what it can do for you.

1. Heart Health

Your heart may love the herb in more ways than one. Marjoram has been shown to improve cardiovascular health and support a strong and robust heart.

2. “Anti” Herb

Marjoram possesses antibiotic, antibacterial, antidepressant, anti-fungal, anti-infectious, anti-inflammatory, and antioxidant properties, making it great for treating a host of infections.

3. Natural Fragrance

Take fresh marjoram and rub the leaves on your wrists and behind your ears, enough to release the herb’s essential oils. What you are left with is a light fragrance that bears piney, citrus overtones. I find the aroma fit for both men and women.

4. Digestive Aid

Marjoram’s essential oils have digestive properties. Its oils stimulate the secretion of digestive juices, starting with the salivary glands in the mouth. Then, it jump starts the secretion of gastric juices and bile as well as the peristaltic movement of the intestines.

5. Tea

Enjoy marjoram’s many benefits in a relaxing way – as a tea! Simply drop fresh marjoram leaves in piping hot tea water and let steep for a few minutes before sipping.

6. Pizza Topping

Oregano is a popular spice to season pizza with. Replace oregano with marjoram and bring a sweeter, albeit potent, flavor to the same old.

7. Anti-Aging Remedy

Aging is due to oxidation of cells, but foods high in antioxidants can reverse, or at least slow, this process. Marjoram is jam-packed with antioxidants and is thus a great anti-aging herb.

8. Sausage

If you make your own sausage, add more exciting flavors to the mix, starting with marjoram. Dried marjoram will give sausage a truly unique flavor and keep the taste buds guessing.

9. Menstrual Cycle Regularity

Because of its anti-inflammatory properties, women who endure painful or irregular periods can benefit from regular marjoram consumption. The oils help to relieve cramps and other menstrual symptoms. The herb is also beneficial for those going through menopause. Pregnant women should avoid marjoram, as it can cause uterine contractions.

10. Pesto

Why stick with the same old when you can add a little bit of mystery to a regular recipe? Add some fresh marjoram to your next pesto recipe and you’ll see a lot of raised eyebrows, wondering what the secret ingredient could possibly be.

Image: TheGardenBuzz

Related on EcoSalon

7 Unusual Culinary Herbs You May Never Have Cooked With…Yet

20 Unusual Uses For Everyday Herbs

The post Marjoram: 10 Incredible Uses for this Underappreciated Herb appeared first on EcoSalon.

Slice the calories, fat, and sodium with a cauliflower-based alternative

Pizza very well may be the world’s favorite food, but it can really bust your diet. The more mainstream it has become, the further it has diverged from the use of authentic, high-quality ingredients as well as the larger the serving sizes have become – the bread is thicker, the number of toppings defy the point of the dish, and the amount of cheese is greater.

But one thing that has never changed is its difficulty to digest. The pairing of protein and starch, from the cheese and bread respectively, is a classic train-wreck in the stomach. Protein requires an acidic environment for stomach enzymes to digest it and the addition of starch weakens the mix, making it exhausting for your body to process a slice. This is why you may experience extra bloat on pizza night and feel tired quickly. Not to say you shouldn’t enjoy the traditional combination when you crave it, but whenever you’re looking to tighten those abs or avoid the sluggish feeling, keep this knowledge in mind!

This is even before we get to pizza’s nutritional stats. Using Pizza Hut as an example, in a 12-inch medium size pizza, one slice bears 240 calories, 10 grams of fat, 4.5 grams of saturated fat, 25 milligrams of cholesterol, 530 milligrams of sodium, 27 grams of carbohydrates, and only 1 milligram of dietary fiber. And, let’s get real, who ever stops at just one slice? Double, triple, or quadruple those numbers and you’ll realize just how much saturated fat, sodium, and empty carbohydrates you are consuming in just one sitting. Regular consumption of pizza can lead to raised blood pressure, weight gain, an increase in blood-sugar levels, and cardiovascular diseases.

To avoid the hard-to-digest starch and protein combination and reduce the sodium, fat, and empty carbohydrate levels, I created a recipe that uses cauliflower as the base. Cauliflower has a natural cheesy aroma when cooked, so you can omit cheese altogether without missing out of the flavor. Full-fat yogurt holds together the cauliflower crust, and the “icing” on these mini pizza cupcakes is made up of a simple cooked cherry tomato sauce. Enjoy!

Mini Cauliflower Pizzas

Makes 12 servings

Ingredients:

For the Crust

• 1 head cauliflower, grated in food processor
• 2 egg whites
• 1 cup full-fat yogurt
• 1 teaspoon dried oregano
• 1 tablespoon fresh basil, chopped
• 1 teaspoon salt
• 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder

For the Marinara

• 1 cup cherry tomatoes
• 1 garlic clove
• 1 teaspoon coconut oil
• 1 teaspoon dried oregano
• Dash of salt and pepper

Directions:

Preheat oven to 425 degrees Fahrenheit.

For the crust, pulse the florets of one head of cauliflower in the food processor until rice like. Cook in a saucepan over medium heat with 1/2 cup water. Cover saucepan with a lid and let steam for 5 minutes, mixing every minute or so to make sure the cauliflower does not brown. This step softens the cauliflower. Once softened, remove from heat and let cool in a large bowl before adding the wet ingredients.

In a separate bowl, whisk the yogurt, egg whites, basil, oregano, salt and garlic powder together. Pour the wet mixture into the cooled cauliflower mixture. Fold until thoroughly combined.

Scoop the cauliflower crust mixture into muffin cups that have been greased with coconut oil. Pack them in firmly until they reach the top of the tin. Flatten the top. Bake for 45 minutes, or until the tops have browned lightly and the edges begin to pull away from the tin.

While the pizzas bake, prepare the cherry tomato marinara sauce. Stem and slice in half 1 cup of tomatoes. In a saucepan over medium heat, sauté the tomatoes in 1 teaspoon of coconut oil with 1 diced garlic glove, 1 teaspoon oregano, and a dash of salt and pepper. Cook until the tomatoes have broken down.

One cooled, line the edges of the cauliflower crusts with a knife and remove each carefully.

Top each cauliflower crust pizza with a spoonful of the cherry tomato marina.

Photo Credit: Kohtzy, GlowKitchen

Aylin Erman currently resides in Istanbul and is creator of plant-based recipe website GlowKitchen.

The post Nutritional Breakdown: Pizza’s Healthier Half Takes Center Stage appeared first on EcoSalon.

When thinking of a healthy french fry, think zucchini. When thinking of eating this at a McDonalds, wait for pigs to fly.

French fries seem easy enough – just a matter of potatoes and frying oil, right? Wrong. The kind of fast-food fries we’re used to aren’t as straightforward as they seem. McDonald’s French Fries contain the likes of natural beef flavor (wheat and milk derivatives), citric acid, dextrose, sodium acid pyrophosphate, hydrogenated oils, stabilizer tertiary butylhydroquinone, and anti-foaming agent dimethylopolysiloxane. Many of these artificial ingredients are dangerous in large quantities and overall toxic in your body.

One medium serving (117 grams) of McDonald’s French Fries packs 380 calories, 19 grams of fat, 270 milligrams of sodium, and 48 grams of carbohydrates. With one serving accounting for nearly 30 percent of your daily value of fat, the 5 grams of dietary fiber and vitamin C calcium, and iron quantities, albeit scant to begin with, are vastly overshadowed. The carbohydrate count isn’t doing any favors to your waistline either.

With these stats, there is room for a serious makeover. To lower the fat, this recipe requires baking the fries, which are lightly coated with olive oil. I also used zucchini as the base to slash the carbohydrate load. Zucchini won’t crisp quite like a potato when baked, but it will firm slightly and taste absolutely crave-worthy. The corn flour helps to achieve a crispy brown coating, but if you want a firmer fry, replace the zucchini with a sweet potato or white potato. Regardless of how you alter the base vegetable or ratio of spices, you are bound to end up with a healthier alternative to the Micky D’s classic.

Spicy Zucchini Fries

Serves 1-2

Ingredients:

• 1 large zucchini
• 1/4 cup corn flour
• 1/4 teaspoon salt and pepper
• 1/2 teaspoon dried oregano
• 1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes
• 1/8 teaspoon turmeric
• 1/4 cup extra-virgin olive oil

Directions:

Preheat oven to 425 degrees Fahrenheit.

Cut off both ends of the zucchini and slice it along its length into 1/2-inch pieces.

Set aside one of the rounded edge slices and turn zucchini onto its side so it is lying flat. Again, slice lengthwise into 1/2-inch thick pieces to create French fries shapes.

In a medium bowl, toss zucchini strips with corn flour, salt, pepper, turmeric, oregano, red pepper flakes, and olive oil until each fry is evenly coated with the spices and oil.

Lay fries out on a baking sheet so each has its own place.

Bake for 45 minutes or until browned and slightly crisped. Serve with herbs and ketchup!

Bon Appetit!

Aylin Erman currently resides in Istanbul and is creator of plant-based recipe website GlowKitchen.

The post Nutritional Breakdown: Revamping the McDonald’s French Fry appeared first on EcoSalon.

More than just a garnish.

Take these 10 herbs and you’ve got yourself 20 different ways to tackle everyday issues, from keeping mice away to treating the common cold. This list gives you reason to chew shamelessly on fresh tarragon leaves, re-establish Mojito Monday, and pass up your expensive and toxic perfume for slightly green-tinted wrists. Enjoy!

Tarragon

1. Toothache Treatment

Back in the day, Greeks used to chew on tarragon to numb their mouths from toothache. Instead of reaching for a painkiller, try easing the pain the natural way. If anything, at least your breath will be refreshed!

2. Internal Cleanser

Clean yourself from the inside out with tarragon. Tarragon consumption has been linked to increased bile production, which contributes to the elimination of toxins from the body. Tarragon is packed with tannins, bitters terpenes, flavonoids and coumarin, which are the backbone to its cleansing properties.

Mint

3. Mojito Makin’

Make a mint mojito with a kombucha base. With or without alcohol, the herb is the star of this show stopping drink.

4. Keep Mice Away

Despite our predilection for the fresh aroma of mint, mice beg to differ. They despise the smell mint so much, they will avoid all areas – even a block of cheese – where mint is scattered.

Marjoram

5. Natural Perfume

According to mythology, the goddess of love Aphrodite grew marjoram. Because of this, marjoram has been used in many a love potion. Take fresh marjoram leaves and rub them on your wrists and behind your ears. The aroma is sweet and light but with a spicy edge that makes it fitting for both males and females.

6. Bone Building

Marjoram offers some 520% of the recommended daily intake of vitamin K, making it one of the richest herbal sources of the vitamin. Vitamin K contributes to healthy bones and preventing the onset of osteoporosis.

Rosemary

7. Mosquito Deterrent

Rosemary is a great way to turn an itchy Summer evening into a bug-free one. Grow rosemary in your garden or near an area of your porch where you like to entertain guests or hang out most. Mosquitoes are averse to rosemary and will stay clear.

8. Hair Rinse

Rosemary has been associated with hair re-growth and strengthening as well as the elimination of dandruff. Boil a handful of rosemary leaves in two cups of water, let the water cool, and then rinse your hair with the rosemary-infused liquid.

Oregano

9. Common Cold Fighter

Oregano is an effective treatment for the treatment of colds and to relieve sinus pressure. Oil of oregano, which is available at most health stores, is especially effective. Place a few drops under the tongue or place 2-3 drops in a glass of water or juice before drinking. The oil drains sinuses and reduces inflammation.

10. UTI Treatment

Oregano has anti-microbial properties that can fight off E-Coli, the bacteria responsible for urinary tract infections. Oregano oil is the most potent forms of this treatment.

Thyme

11. Lung Booster

Thyme contains an oil called thymol that acts as an antiseptic and disinfectant. Add a sprig of thyme to hot water with honey and lemon for a soothing drink that prevents bronchitis and clears lung passageways with each sip.

12. Household Cleaner

Because of thyme’s disinfectant properties, the herb can be used to clean around the house in place of toxic, harsh chemical cleaners. Brew fresh thyme in water. Mix water with a light, vegetable-based soap and pour into a spray bottle. Use the liquid to clean kitchen and bathroom surfaces.

Basil

13. Fatigue Support

Basil is known to help treat adrenal fatigue. Place a few drops of basil oil on clothing to carry the effects with you all day or include some fresh basil at mealtime for a pick-me-up.

14. Acne Treatment

Because of its anti-inflammatory and anti-bacterial properties, basil is great for combating acne. Steep fresh basil leaves in hot water for 20-30 minutes. Let the water cool and use a cotton ball to apply the basil-infused liquid to acne-prone areas on your skin.

Coriander

15. Headache Healer

Coriander is regarded as a natural way to help get rid of a headache. Grind coriander leaves to release their juices and rub the paste on your forehead to relieve an aching headache. Or, sleep with a coriander leaf on your pillow.

16. Immunity Strengthener

Coriander leaves are packed with magnesium, potassium, and fiber. Eat coriander regularly and you will surely boost your overall immunity.

Parsley

17. Dark Under-Eye Circle Remover

Crushed parsley is a great remedy for ridding dark circles under the eyes. Parsley contains vitamin C, chlorophyll, and vitamin K and many other active compounds that cause it to reduce inflammation and tighten and lighten the skin.

18. Breath Freshener

Chew on parsley after dinner, especially if garlic was involved, to remove the stink and leave behind a fragrant and pleasing scent.

Saffron

19. Memory Booster

Saffron contains a compound called “crocin” that contributes to faster learning and better memory retention. This is especially helpful for those with age-related mental impairments.

20. Colorant

A little goes a long way with saffron. Whether it’s to color a grain dish red or even stain fabrics, adding saffron to the mix will ensure a dark rosy tint. This is a much better option than the overused red 20 coloring, which is derived from crushing red ants.

Aylin Erman currently resides in Istanbul and is creator of plant-based recipe website GlowKitchen.

Image: VancityAllie, DebbieC, Gravitywave, Greatist, FeatOfFun

The post 20 Unusual Uses for Everyday Herbs appeared first on EcoSalon.

Create a new summer food staple to add to the family recipe archives.

Zucchini is a summer staple in my kitchen. It’s light and versatile. I like to pair it with Italian flavors, such as goat cheese, tomatoes, and basil, and create unique variations of antipasti. This recipe bakes zucchini slices and rolls them around in basil and sun-dried tomato while being mixed into soft goat cheese. The result is a poppin’ appetizer or snack.

And you’re getting more than just a delectable, bite-sized treat. Zucchini is a powerhouse of nutrition. It contains only 36 calories per one cup and improves digestion, prevents cancer, lowers cholesterol, is anti-inflammatory, reduces blood pressure, and contributes to vibrant and glowing skin.

But, don’t take my word for it. Incorporate zucchini into your diet and see for yourself – starting with this recipe!

Zucchini and Goat Cheese Sliders

Serves 2-3

Ingredients:

• 2 zucchini
• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• Dash of sea salt
• 3 ounces soft goat cheese
• 1 tablespoon chopped sun-dried tomatoes
• 1 tablespoon chopped fresh basil
• 1 teaspoon olive oil
• Dash of salt and pepper
• Dried mint for garnish

Directions:

Slice along the length of the zucchinis, cutting pieces 1/4-inch thick. Layer them on a greased baking sheet, season with sea salt, and drizzle with olive oil. Bake at 400 degrees Fahrenheit for 15 minutes or until the zucchini is elastic, able to bend freely without falling apart. You could alternatively grill the pieces, cooking for 2-3 minutes on each side.

While the zucchini is cooking, in a small bowl combine the goat cheese basil, and sun dried tomatoes. Mix until evenly combined.

When the zucchini has finished cooking, place 1-2 teaspoons of the goat cheese mixture on the end of each piece. Roll the zucchini unto itself, starting with the goat cheese side.

Serve with a garnish of fresh or dried basil, mint, or oregano. Enjoy!

Bon Appetit!

Aylin Erman currently resides in Istanbul and is creator of plant-based recipe website GlowKitchen.

The post Recipe: Zucchini and Goat Cheese Sliders appeared first on EcoSalon.

Rethinking breakfast, one egg at a time.

Pizza for breakfast. We’ve all been there, but this time it doesn’t involve you shamelessly munching on the cold leftovers from last night’s dinner. Instead, it’s a fried egg, cheese and tomatoes served over a whole-grain toasted bagel.

The whole-grain bagel provides you with the fiber your body craves in the a.m. and the protein-packed egg and cheese are sure to keep you fuller for longer, all the while offering the comfort of a flavor combination you know all too well. Sometimes a savory breakfast fits the bill and this recipe takes pizza and gives it a morning makeover.

Egg Sandwich Pizza

Serves 1

Ingredients:

• 1 egg
• 1/2 tablespoon butter
• Dash of salt and pepper
• 1 whole-grain/whole-wheat bagel, toasted
• 1 thin slice of parmesan cheese
• 1 slice tomato
• 3-4 sun-dried tomatoes
• 1 teaspoon fresh oregano, pulled from stems

Directions:

In a saucepan over high heat, add the butter. When melted, crack open the egg into the saucepan and let cook. Pull in the edges of the egg white as it cooks and break open the yoke slightly with a spatula to help it cook through.

When the egg is cooked through, but still soft on top, season with salt and pepper and remove the saucepan from the stove and set aside.

Over a toasted sliced bagel half, begin to add the fillings – the fried egg, then the cheese, tomato slice, sun-dried tomatoes, and fresh oregano.

Cover the sandwich with the other half of the bagel and slice along the middle before serving.

Bon Appetit!

Aylin Erman currently resides in Istanbul and is creator of plant-based recipe website GlowKitchen.

The post Sunday Recipe: Egg Sandwich Pizza appeared first on EcoSalon.