Pages

Sunday, February 20, 2011

What are the Medicinal Uses for Oregano?

Medicinal Uses for Oregano

In traditional medicine, oregano has been used to treat respiratory and gastrointestinal disorders and menstrual irregularities. Suggested modern medicinal applications of oregano have included the reduction of cardiovascular disease risk, prevention of bleeding following tooth extraction and elimination of intestinal parasites. However, while some initial research has indicated possible benefit, clinical evidence remains insufficient to support the use of oregano for any human indication.

Arabic medicine: In Morocco, oregano is commonly recommended for gastrointestinal disorders. In Egypt, oregano has a history of use for food preservation.

Asian medicine: Oregano is an important part of Philippino natural medicine where it is often used in the country for pain, aches and infections. It is also commonly given to children for ear aches and coughs and to women after childbirth. Oregano is used in teas and its dry form.

Ayurveda: In Ayurvedic medicine, oregano oil is known for its antibacterial properties and commonly is used for toothaches and skin conditions. Because of its proposed antioxidant properties, it is also used for pain and swelling.

Biblical: Oregano is also mentioned in the Bible where it is described as a cleansing tonic.

Chinese medicine: Oregano has been used in China for fevers, diarrhea and vomiting. In traditional Chinese medicine, oregano leaves are commonly used in teas to help with infections, the immune system, and relaxation.

European medicine: In Greece, it is used for various viral infections, including herpes.

Modern (Western) herbal medicine: Modern herbalists recommend topical or oral application of oregano oil for the treatment of infection. Some herbalists use oral oregano to treat respiratory disorders such as asthma, cough, colds and bronchitis. A U.S. survey of adult patients with asthma (N=67) found that oregano was the most commonly used herbal product (28% of responders) for the treatment of asthma.

Industrial: The antibacterial and antioxidant effects of oregano are of particular interest to the food industry as oregano may hold promise as a natural preservative.

For more information about oregano, please visit Natural Standard's Foods, Herbs & Supplements database.

References
1.Natural Standard: The Authority on Integrative Medicine. http://www.naturalstandard.com/

http://www.depsyl.com/

http://back2basicnutrition.com/

http://bionutritionalresearch.olhblogspace.com/

No comments: