What is Oregano? Oregano, with a scientific name Origanum vulgare, is a species of Origanum and a genus belonging to the family Lamiaceae. It grows in areas with a warm-temperate climate, like in the Western and Southwestern regions of Eurasia and the Mediterranean region. It is a perennial plant that grows from 20 cm up to 80 cm tall, although in the colder regions, the herb is grown as an annual, since more often than not, it cannot survive the winter season.
Also known as wild marjoram, Oregano is closely related to the herb marjoram.
Uses of Oregano
Oregano plays a major role in the culinary world, with its leaves being used to flavor food. Its taste is characterized to be aromatic and warm, but slightly bitter. It is known to be the staple herb of the Italian-American cuisine, but is also used in cuisines of the Philippines, Latin America, and Mediterranean Basin.
Aside from this, Oregano is also consumed for its many natural health benefits. Oregano oil, for instance, aids in one’s bowel movement. This particular benefit will help in treating anal fissure, which is a condition wherein the anal lining has cracks or tears.
Anal Fissures and Constipation
Anal fissure heals on its own, with the healing time normally between four and six weeks. One way to expedite the curing process is to make sure that the body of the patient is clean and free of toxins, especially in the affected area. With this, constipation is a major effect of this condition. A system that is constipated is one in which the transition time of toxic wastes is long and slow, meaning, the toxic wastes stay in our bowel, which may lead to fermentation and reabsorption. The longer the intestines are exposed to decaying food, the greater the chances of the involved person to develop diseases.
Oregano as Treatment
To treat constipation and aid in digestion of food, oil of oregano may be used as remedy. It contains carvacrol, the active ingredient that is the reason for the antiseptic properties of Oregano. The amount of substance may vary depending on the harvest, location and distillation methods.
Nutritional oils like oil of Oregano help in digestion because they function as solvents and dilute fatty components in the body while also alleviating the dryness of stools.
A homemade remedy to cure constipation and aid in digestion can be made by mixing a drop or two of oil of Oregano with milk or juice.
Another recipe that one may create using the said herb is Oregano tea. Put 3 teaspoons of fresh oregano or 1 teaspoon of dried oregano in a mug filled with boiling water. Let the herb soak for five to ten minutes, depending on the preferred strength of tea. Sweetening agents like honey, sugar, or any other sugar alternative, may be added to further enhance the flavor of the tea. Adding little amount of lemon juice is also recommended.
Other ways to consume Oregano is by gargling the unsweetened version of the tea and including its oil and/ or leaves in the bath for disinfection purposes.
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