This Common Herb Improves Cancer Outcomes, Cholesterol, and Immunity

Many of us are familiar with oregano. It's the herb that gives pizza and pasta sauce its savory taste. But this aromatic leaf has a lot more to offer than just flavor. Benefits of oregano herb range from potential medicinal properties to a nutritional boost, all packed into a tiny leaf. Throughout history, oregano, also known as Origanum vulgare, and from ancient Greece to traditional medicine practices around the world, has held a place as a potential healer. Let's delve into the history and examine the potential benefits of oregano in greater detail.

A Deeper Dive into the Benefits of Oregano

The buzz surrounding the benefits of oregano isn't entirely unfounded. Scientific research, still in progress, is starting to illuminate why oregano has traditionally been used as a medicinal herb. Researchers have discovered powerful compounds in oregano, mainly carvacrol and thymol, which contribute to its potential health benefits. These compounds exhibit potent antibacterial properties, possibly fighting various strains of Staphyloccus aureus (1).

This makes oregano a fascinating subject of study, especially in an age of increasing antibiotic resistance. Along with antibacterial properties, oregano also boasts rosmarinic acid. This powerful compound has been researched for its potential to lower inflammation markers, such as C-reactive protein (CRP)..

Antioxidant Powerhouse

With a high ORAC value of over 15,000, Oregano is known to be a rich source of antioxidants, particularly flavonoids and phenolic acids. Antioxidants play a crucial role in protecting our bodies from the damaging effects of free radicals. Free radicals contribute to oxidative stress and cell damage. The damage caused by free radicals is often associated with chronic diseases such as heart disease and cancer. Incorporating a diet rich in antioxidants, like one that includes oregano, can be beneficial for overall health. The antioxidants in oregano can even help to eliminate free radicals and help the body handle oxidative stress. 

Supporting the Immune System

Research on oregano regarding immune system support is an intriguing field of study. Research indicates that specific compounds in oregano, such as carvacrol and rosmarinic acid, possess anti-inflammatory properties. A 2014 study revealed that herbal antimicrobials, including oregano, can effectively treat SIBO, matching the success of conventional antibiotics.

SIBO is a condition involving an overgrowth of bacteria in the small intestine. Although the mechanisms aren't fully understood, there's promising evidence that suggests oregano may help boost the immune response. It might also assist the body in combating pathogens.

Blood Sugar Management and Cholesterol Levels

One of the more surprising potential benefits of oregano lies in its possible impact on blood sugar and cholesterol levels. Research in both animals and humans points towards a potential role of oregano in managing type 2 diabetes by improving insulin sensitivity.

Extracts from oregano might help regulate gene expression related to fat and carbohydrate metabolism (study). There is even more promising research published in the Journal of International Medical Research (study), that points to a positive impact from taking oregano oil supplements on cholesterol levels.

Though these early studies offer exciting possibilities, more comprehensive studies are needed to confirm these effects. However, oregano's impact on blood sugar levels is certainly a point of interest for future research.

Anti-Cancer Potential of Oregano

Lab studies in 2013, suggested a role of Origanum majorana , a type of oregano, in possibly slowing down or halting the growth of metastatic breast cancer. There's an active research focus on the effects of carvacrol and thymol on cancer cells.

Although a definitive link between oregano consumption and cancer prevention hasn't been established, it offers a fascinating path for future research. Numerous studies highlight oregano's potential health benefits for various conditions. However, it's crucial to view these findings with a balanced perspective.

Nutritional Profile of Oregano

One of the often overlooked aspects of oregano is its surprisingly good nutritional profile for such a tiny herb. It's a source of several vital vitamins and minerals, including:

Benefits of oregano extend to providing a decent amount of dietary fiber, vital for digestive health, along with Vitamin K, crucial for blood clotting. Not only that it's also a source of manganese, an important mineral for bone health and metabolism, and iron, which plays a vital role in transporting oxygen throughout the body. We know that d/rgried oregano is a great source of fiber, which is essential for digestive health.

Adding Oregano to Your Daily Life

Incorporating oregano into your diet doesn't require complex recipes. A sprinkle of dried oregano instantly elevates the taste of tomato-based sauces, soups, stews, and grilled meats, and you can use oregano essential oil for recipes as well. The oil has been found to have potent antimicrobial effects against Listeria and MRSA (2). Fresh oregano leaves add a bright, herbal kick to salads and sandwiches and add flavor to numerous savory dishes.

When cooking with oregano, add it to the dish toward the end of cooking so that you preserve its aromatic oils. Oregano can be added to dishes such as legumes and pasta sauces for an extra boost of flavor, or almost any other dish in the Mediterranean and Mexican diet.

Conclusion

Though many associate oregano simply with pizza, its used in Mexican food, Moroccan, Greek and many other cuisines. However, the benefits of oregano extend far beyond its culinary applications. The herb's powerful antioxidant and antibacterial properties make it worthy of attention. Ongoing research continuously reveals more about its potential for various health conditions, including dried oregano. Incorporating oregano into our diets and lifestyle could contribute to a healthier life. Whether it’s to boost our immune systems, enhance the flavor of our food, or for its potential health advantages, this little leaf packs a punch. So the next time you reach for the oregano shaker, remember that you're adding more than just flavor – you might be adding a dose of health as well.

For an extra potent dose of oregano, sure to promote immune stimulation and detoxification of the GI tract, you can use Dr. Clark's Oregano Oil, which is food grade and safe to ingest orally, unlike many other essential oils. 

Sources

1. Nostro, A., Roccaro, A. S., Bisignano, G., Marino, A., Cannatelli, M. A., Pizzimenti, F. C., ... & Blanco, A. R. (2007). Effects of oregano, carvacrol and thymol on Staphylococcus aureus and Staphylococcus epidermidis biofilms. Journal of medical microbiology, 56(4), 519-523.

2. Hao, Y., Li, J., & Shi, L. (2021). A carvacrol-rich essential oil extracted from oregano (Origanum vulgare “hot & Spicy”) exerts potent antibacterial effects against Staphylococcus aureus. Frontiers in Microbiology, 12, 741861.