If I could advise one food to add on during the cold and flu season it would be Oregano!
The word oregano is actually a derivation from Greek words ‘Oros’ meaning mounting, and ‘Ganos’ meaning joy. Thus the word oregano means ‘the mountain of joy’. According to Greek mythology, oregano was created by goddess Aphrodite as a symbol of happiness. For this reason, the Greek believed using oregano in marriage ceremony would provide joy and usage of oregano in funerals would convey peace to the dead. After the Romans conquered the Greek, the Romans inherited the use of oregano and the Romans were the ones responsible for the extensive use of oregano all over Europe and abroad. After that, with time this herb found itself a journey from the Middle East to China. In China, they used oregano exclusively for medicinal purposes. As for the United States, oregano did not seem to find itself much popularity until the World War II.
A member of the mint family, oregano ranks near the top of the list when it comes to overall antioxidant content. According to PreventDisease.com, dried oregano ranks fifth overall on the Oxygen Radical Absorbance Capacity (ORAC) scale, which measures the antioxidant density of foods and herbs. Oregano is actually higher on the list than other more well-known antioxidant foods like acai berry and sumac.
Among oregano’s many antioxidant flavonoids and polyphenols are thymol, pinene, limonene, carvacrol, ocimene and caryophyllene, which collectively give the herb its enticing and pleasant aroma. Each of these compounds is also what makes oregano medicinal, as they synergistically deter infections, cramping, indigestion and various other conditions.
Uses of oregano:
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As an oil oregano can be used both internally and externally to fight of infections and fungal.
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Used by cooks as flavoring for meat and soup.
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Hippocrates, one of the greatest philosophers from the times of the ancient Greek, has found uses for oregano as an antiseptic.
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Oregano oil can be used to keep of yeast infections and can be used for respiratory health and strengthening the immune system.
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Oregano oil is used to treat ear infections in children and adults.
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Oregano oil takes care of bug bites, rashes and has quite an effect on poison ivy too.
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A drop of oregano oil on toothbrush will help completely take care of gum disease and tooth decay.
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Oregano oil also works as quite a painkiller.
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Possible role in prevention and treatment of cancer in the future because of its antioxidant properties, investigation is already underway.
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The leaves and flowering stems of the oregano are a source of antiseptic.
Its so easy to add oregano to your daily routine- you can carry some of the dried herbs, grow fresh or use the oil to diffuse or ingest in capsules. Don’t wait-start today!
Happy Healthy Eating! Dana
https://www.naturalnews.com/042754_oregano_healing_power_antioxidant_herb.html#
