Oregano: medicinal properties and contraindications

Oregano - a genus of plants that belongs to the family Lamiaceae. One of the most popular varieties is oregano, better known as oregano spice. This herb has not only a pleasant spicy aroma, which is used in cooking. It also has beneficial properties and can be used in the treatment of various diseases. To know how to use oregano, it is important to understand what beneficial properties are inherent in it, what specifically is part of the plant.

Chemical composition

Many representatives of the genus Oregano have a valuable composition. The substances contained in plant materials help to cope with diseases, strengthen the body, contribute to its rapid recovery and improve well-being. Oregano contains a whole range of healthy substances.

Oregano

  1. The most valuable substance that is part of oregano is carvacrol. It is a powerful antibiotic effective against the most common bacterial strains.
  2. Terpen is an antimicrobial and anti-inflammatory substance that helps to cope with various infections.
  3. Ellagic acid is a powerful antioxidant that prevents damage to cells by free radicals. Helps in the prevention of atherosclerosis and cancer, has a cardioprotective effect.
  4. Naringin is a substance that enhances the antioxidant effect, preventing the growth and division of tumor cells.
  5. Thymol is a substance that provides an antiseptic and antifungal effect, it is able to stimulate the immune system and cleanse the body of accumulated toxic substances. Thymol also promotes the rapid healing of wounds and ulcers.
  6. Sesquiterpenes - substances that have an antiparasitic effect, normalize the functioning of the intestine, eliminate spasms, calm the nervous system.
  7. Geranyl acetate is a component that stimulates the production of enzymes, normalizes digestion, and has a mild diuretic effect.
  8. Polyphenolic compounds are substances of a wide spectrum of action that affect the immune and cardiovascular systems.
  9. Glycosides of the flavono group (5 species) are components that have antiviral activity, stimulate hematopoiesis, increase the effectiveness of defense mechanisms.
  10. Tannins - accelerate regeneration, normalize stool during diarrhea, establish the correct metabolic rate and activate the production of enzymes.
  11. Vitamins of antioxidant action (C, A, E), group B, mineral compounds in high concentration.

The composition of the plant determines the healing properties. Origanum common contains the highest concentration of essential oil and other active ingredients that have a therapeutic effect.

How it looks and where it grows

Oregano is a perennial herb with small, fragrant flowers. In alternative medicine and cooking, the most common type is most often used - oregano.

This plant stretches 30-50 cm in height. Most often oregano is found in the countries of the Mediterranean basin.Shoots and sprouts - green or reddish in color, on them in the next order are pubescent ovoid or oval leaves on short petioles. The flowers of the plant can be of different colors - from white to purple - depending on the species. The inflorescences are large, formed from small flowers that exude an expressive aroma that attracts bees.

Views

Botanists and classifiers divided the genus Oregano into 55 separate species. The native land of these species is South and West Asia, North America. Most of them are common in Mediterranean countries. In Eurasia, only a few species are popular, which grow mainly in the European part of the mainland, as well as in southern Siberia. Here are the most popular types:

  • ordinary;
  • marjoram;
  • Syrian
  • Cretan.

Origanum ordinary - this is the variety that is known as the popular oregano seasoning. This species is recognized as the most valuable in cooking, medicine and the perfume industry.

What is the difference between thyme and oregano

Thyme and oregano have common characteristics - both genera belong to the family Iasnatkovye. In addition, thyme also has external similarities, which is why it is sometimes confused. But these are two completely different plants. Thyme is a very undersized plant, oregano is usually larger and taller. Oregano also has larger inflorescences and leaves. The chemical composition of plants is also different, although at the same time they have similar healing properties.

Collection and storage

Harvesting oregano is very simple - this herb has a very long flowering period. The first inflorescences begin to open in late June. After 2-3 weeks, you can begin to begin collecting. It is necessary to cut off soft shoots with inflorescences at a height of at least 25 cm from the ground. Cut branches need to be dried - on a spread tablecloth, diaper or piece of paper. Keep dry, shredded grass better in a closed container. So she will be able to maintain her beneficial properties for 2 years.

The healing properties of oregano

Due to its rich composition, the grass has a lot of useful properties. It has a beneficial effect on the female body, and also contributes to a quick recovery in various childhood diseases. In a small amount, men can use it. There are over three dozen diseases in which oregano can be beneficial.

The healing properties of oregano

For women

Origanum ordinary - "female doctor." This plant is used in the treatment of gynecological problems and hormonal disorders. Oregano positively affects the well-being during menstruation, helps to normalize the hormonal background and make the cycle regular. The grass is used in complex collections that can be used at the planning stage of pregnancy to increase fertility.

Oregano not only contributes to the normal hormonal background, it also effectively protects female reproductive organs from tumors and malignant neoplasms. This herb is used as a prophylactic and therapeutic agent for erosion, inflammation of the ovaries. If cysts or polyps are diagnosed, you can also use oregano infusions as part of complex therapy.

For men

Oregano is not recommended to be used too often for the treatment of men, because it contains plant hormones, which have the same formula and structure with estrogen. But men can also use the power of this herb to combat such problems:

  • urethritis;
  • prostatitis;
  • infections of the genitourinary system.

This herb eliminates pathogenic bacterial microflora and generally has a beneficial effect on the urinary system. But the course of treatment should not exceed 7 days, because the grass is able to affect the functioning of the reproductive system and change the hormonal background.

Overdose, too long reception and abuse of this plant can lead to sexual dysfunction. Too frequent use of spices in the diet can cause early impotence in men or even provoke infertility.Therefore, it is important not to abuse this herbal remedy, and in case of disturbing symptoms - immediately cancel the reception and seek help from a doctor.

During pregnancy

The only period in a woman’s life when you should not use oregano for oral administration is pregnancy. During this period, the use of various herbal preparations, which include plant hormones, is very dangerous. Due to the intake of oregano or the use of this herb in the diet, the balance of hormones in the body may be disturbed. This scenario is especially dangerous in the first trimester of pregnancy, often uncontrolled intake of herbs ends in a miscarriage.

During pregnancy, you can use oregano externally or as a means for inhalation, for example, with a cold, but such actions must be coordinated with your doctor. Sometimes even a small dose of active substances can provoke problems associated with the development of the fetus or the course of pregnancy.

Video: what herbs destroy the fetus during pregnancy Expand

When breastfeeding

Since ancient times, nursing mothers used oregano as a means of normalizing milk production, preventing stagnation and protecting against mastopathy. This herbal remedy can normalize the hormonal background, helps to recover faster after childbirth. In addition, with breastfeeding, oregano supports women's health, helps to cope with fatigue, irritability, and normalizes sleep.

For children

At an early age, doctors do not recommend the use of oregano, it is best to start using it after three years. This plant can bring tremendous benefits to children. Firstly, oregano stimulates the nervous system, helps control stress levels, and also promotes quick relaxation and improves memory. In addition to this, oregano can be used in pediatrics for the treatment of such diseases:

  • urinary tract infections;
  • allergic reactions;
  • bronchial asthma;
  • angina;
  • stomatitis;
  • sleep disturbances;
  • cold.

For children, weak tea from this plant is mainly used. Too high a concentration of substances of natural origin can cause endocrine disorders. You can also use oregano for teens - it helps with delayed puberty, normalizes hormonal levels. For girls in their teens, oregano can be a safe, natural cure for acne.

Oregano in folk medicine

In folk medicine, oregano is most often used as a disinfectant and anti-inflammatory agent. In addition, plant extracts help to cope with various diseases of the respiratory tract, which are accompanied by a cough. Oregano produces an expectorant, diaphoretic and choleretic effect, reduces blood pressure, normalizes the functioning of the nervous system and the level of glucose in the blood. Also, this plant is useful for diseases of the female and male reproductive systems. But for each diagnosis, the method of application is different.

Oregano in folk medicine

With diabetes

Studies have shown that oregano is effective in diabetes. This herb produces the following healing effects:

  • lowers blood sugar;
  • normalizes insulin production;
  • increases the sensitivity of cells to insulin;
  • cleanses the body of metabolic by-products.

With diabetes, herbal decoction should be drunk in courses of the week, taking 100 ml in the morning and evening, before breakfast and dinner. A decoction must be prepared from 20 g of grass and 500 ml of water, simmer in a water bath for 30 minutes.

With pancreatitis

If chronic pancreatitis is diagnosed, you can improve well-being and activate the pancreatic recovery processes using an oregano decoction. You need to drink it in 2 tablespoons strictly before meals, for 10 minutes. A decoction must be prepared from 600 ml of water and 1 tablespoon of collection, boil for 5 minutes over low heat, and then cool and strain. Keep refrigerated. In case of exacerbation, stop treatment.

In chronic pancreatitis, you can also use this plant in combination with other herbs that stimulate the production of pancreatic enzymes, eliminate inflammation, cramping and pain. To restore the pancreas, use this collection:

  • 5 g of crushed licorice root;
  • 10 g of oregano;
  • 20 g of Helichrysum;
  • 10 g of chamomile pharmacy.

It is necessary to take herbs in such proportions, mix and boil in 1 liter of water for 30 minutes. After the broth has cooled, strain through cheesecloth and store in the refrigerator. Drink 40 ml of decoction before each meal with a glass of warm water. Thanks to this approach, it will be possible to achieve many therapeutic effects in 1 month:

  1. Stop the process of death of pancreatic cells.
  2. Normalize the production of enzymes.
  3. Restore normal appetite and improve digestion.
  4. Get rid of the need to regularly take enzyme preparations that harm the stomach.
  5. Relieve inflammation and get rid of chronic pain in the left side.

It is important to understand that no medicinal products based on plant materials will not work without a therapeutic diet. To cure pancreatitis, you need to eat diet food for at least 2 months, exclude sour, salty, peppered, fried foods. It is also worth taking mineral water with a carbonate composition in 1 cup in the morning and in the evening, using it to drink the broth.

With gastritis

If gastritis has passed into the chronic stage, bacteria - Helicobacter are actively multiplying in the body. This is a type of pathogenic microorganism that affects the mucous membrane of the stomach and intestines. Oregano helps to destroy them, thereby eliminating the cause of gastritis. It is necessary to drink the infusion for 3 weeks, strictly before each meal, 30 ml. Infusion can be prepared immediately for several days - to brew 250 ml of boiling water 1 tablespoon of herbs and keep under cover for 2 hours.

With gastritis with low acidity, the use of oregano is especially effective, but in this case it is better to combine it with other herbs that stimulate the production of gastric juice. An effective collection of three herbs is recognized - coltsfoot, tansy, oregano. Take all herbs in equal parts, brew 1 tablespoon of collection of 700 ml of water and drink 200 ml 3 times a day. The course of treatment should be no longer than 14 days. To achieve a stable remission, it is necessary to periodically carry out such treatment - no more than 1 time every 3 months.

For the intestines

Colitis, bowel obstruction, constipation, bloating and problems with microflora are diseases and conditions in which oregano is used. For intestinal treatment, you can take vodka tincture - 1 teaspoon 2 times a day, before meals. You need to drink tincture in a diluted form - with boiled water. The course of treatment should not exceed 1 week. For problems with microflora and the remote appendix, you can use a pinch of dry grass 2-3 times a day. It helps restore the balance of microflora in the intestines.

For the liver

Origanum common has hepatoprotective properties, contains substances that cleanse the liver and restore its cells. To clean the liver, you can use milk broth of oregano - boil 2 tablespoons of grass in low-fat milk (500 ml), leave for 2 hours, then strain and take 50 ml half an hour before meals.

Pure oregano can be used for quick and effective liver cleansing. It is necessary to brew tea from this plant, add fresh lemon juice to it after cooling and drink it before meals, for 30–40 minutes. This tea can stimulate the production of bile and the removal of toxins from the liver. The only drawback of this plant is that it gives a pronounced laxative effect, and also slightly enhances the appetite.

Another way to use oregano to clean the liver is to prepare a collection. It is necessary to take 2 parts of oregano, 2 parts of rose hips and 1 part of artichoke fruits. Pour 2 g of cold water into 50 g of the mixture, boil over a minimum heat for 40 minutes to evaporate 500-600 ml of liquid.Cool and strain the resulting product, and then take 50 ml 3 times a day.

With cholecystitis

Oregano stimulates the production of bile, and also tones the walls of the gallbladder, restoring their motor function. In chronic cholecystitis, if there is no obstruction of the ducts, you can use this recipe:

  • brew 400 ml of boiling water a mixture of oregano and yarrow;
  • insist 3 hours;
  • drink 1 tablespoon before each meal.

It is necessary during the treatment (at least 14 days) to follow a diet and eat fractionally. Without this condition, the result will be unexpressed.

With cystitis

Inflammation of the gallbladder is treated with water infusion or tea from oregano. It is necessary to take the infusion of 100 ml 4-5 times a day, tea - 3-4 times. You can also use a strong decoction of this plant for taking baths to eliminate pain and burning sensations.

The ability of the herb to stop inflammatory processes in the organs of the urinary system has long been noticed by pharmacists. They began to use this plant to make a popular drug called Urolesan. He has proven himself in the treatment of cystitis in men and women, is recognized as one of the most effective and safe natural remedies. As part of this drug, oregano is combined with such herbs:

  • peppermint;
  • castor oil plant;
  • hop;
  • wild carrots.

Plant extracts are present in high concentration, so even a small dose of the drug can relieve spasms, inflammation, pain, and also block the multiplication of pathogenic microorganisms.

With prostatitis

When treating prostatitis, you should not rely only on oregano. This plant can only become an adjuvant, since to achieve the result it needs to be taken for a long time (at least 45-60 days), and for men such a long reception is prohibited, this negatively affects potency. It is better to use oregano only in the acute period to relieve inflammation and eliminate the infection. For treatment, you can use a decoction or tincture. Take a decoction of 40-50 ml 3 times a day, the evening portion may be larger. Tincture should also be drunk three times a day, but 1 teaspoon each.

With mastopathy

Oregano is part of many popular collections that are effective in mastopathy. You can use it separately - take inside 100 ml of infusion 2 times a day, and also do compresses before bedtime. You can also use it in the collection - mix oregano with the color of acacia, nettle dioecious, calendula and hop cones. Take all herbs in equal amounts. 1 teaspoon collection brew a cup of boiling water, insist and take 1 tablespoon 4-5 times a day, before meals. Use the infusion remaining in the evening for a compress on a sore chest.

Video: healing properties of oregano Expand

With angina

To combat sore throat, an aqueous infusion of the plant or essential oil is used. To prepare an infusion for rinsing the throat, you need 1 tablespoon of the collection to brew 500 ml of boiling water, leave for 30 minutes. Add 3 drops of essential oil to 250 ml of water, then use to gargle. Oregano can be used in this way only in the absence of allergic reactions.

With menopause

Origanum common - the most popular herb of all existing "female" plants. You can use it to eliminate the unpleasant symptoms of menopause and maintain good health during the period of natural restructuring of the body. In order to cope with female problems with menopause, it is necessary to brew tea from oregano three times a day and drink it with honey.

When coughing

It is also possible to cope with cough with the help of oregano, but do not use this herb for acute pneumonia - there are great risks, it is important to consult a doctor. There are three of the most popular cough recipes using oregano.

  1. Brew in a thermos 1 tablespoon of grass 0.5 l of boiling water, stand for 3 hours and drink 100 ml every 3-4 hours.
  2. With a dry cough, it is better to use weak tea from oregano and coltsfoot.Mix herbs in a ratio of 2: 1, that is, take 2/3 of oregano and 1 part of coltsfoot. Collect brew immediately before taking, insist 3 minutes and drink with honey.
  3. With a productive cough, add 5 drops of oregano essential oil to any massage oil and rub the chest.

Infusions can also be used externally for compresses. It is important to remember that with compresses and rubbing it is worth avoiding the area where the heart is located.

With epilepsy

Oregano normalizes the functioning of the nervous system, helps to avoid attacks of epilepsy and restore a normal quality of life with this disease. It is necessary to use a decoction of the plant to minimize the frequency of attacks. The broth should be prepared in a water bath, boiled in 2 l of water 3 tablespoons of grass, drink 50 ml 2 times a day, before meals.

With hypertension

Hypertension is difficult to cure with only one oregano. Therefore, you need to use all available methods, and most importantly - stick to a diet and minimize salt intake. With hypertension, you can not use alcohol tincture, because alcohol can provoke an attack and nullify the therapeutic effect. It is recommended to use tea from oregano - brew ½ teaspoon of grass, leave for 5-6 minutes and drink with honey or with a little sugar syrup. You can make mint tea, lemon balm and oregano.

With bronchitis

To get rid of bronchitis, you need to prepare a strong infusion for inhalation. Brew 500 ml of boiling water with 3 tablespoons of herb, leave for 10-15 minutes and breathe in steam. In addition, you should drink tea from oregano 3 times a day, and you can supplement the treatment with grindings - vodka tincture or massage oil with the addition of 3-5 drops of oregano essential oil.

In oncology

Oregano tea and cold herb infusion are used as adjuvants for the treatment of cancer. This tool helps to achieve the following results:

  • remove toxins after chemotherapy;
  • block the growth of cancerous tumors;
  • improve well-being and stimulate the immune system to fight the disease.

It is strictly forbidden to use the infusion for oncological diseases of the blood and lymphatic system. For all other types of cancer, it is necessary to consult a doctor and choose the optimal dosage.

For allergies

Infusion of herbs can serve as a powerful anti-allergic agent. With allergic dermatitis, you can use it for baths or wiping. Eliminate a rash, diathesis on the skin is quite possible by taking the infusion inside. You need to brew a fresh remedy for each reception (1 teaspoon of grass in a glass of boiling water), insist 30 minutes and drink 3 times a day. If an allergic reaction was provoked by other plants from the Iasnatkovaya family, oregano is strictly forbidden to use, it can only aggravate the condition, because it contains a similar set of substances.

With asthma

If there is no allergic reaction, asthma can be treated with oregano infusion. It is necessary to brew 1 liter of boiling water 2 tablespoons of inflorescences, take 50 ml 3-4 times a day for 2 weeks, and then take a break. To enhance the effect, you can also use aromatic mixtures of oils, which include essential oil of oregano.

With depression

The substances contained in this herb can stimulate the production of “hormones of happiness”, which is why marjoram is effective in combating depression. To cope with depressive disorder, you must use a traditional infusion of herbs, drink it 50 ml 3 times a day. Prepare an infusion of 2 tablespoons of collection and 500 ml of water, soak in a thermos for 5-6 hours.

For insomnia

Sleep disorders associated with stress, strain and increased emotional stress can be eliminated with tea or tincture made from oregano. Tea is worth drinking for 10 days immediately before bedtime, in 20-30 minutes. Take tincture about 1 hour before bedtime, 1 tablespoon. You can dilute the tincture with water.To make the dream sound, you can use a mixture of essential oil of oregano and lavender in the aroma lamp.

From parasites

Eating dishes prepared with the addition of oregano is the best prevention against infection with parasites. That is why in many Mediterranean countries, where the main component of the diet is seafood, this spice is used in almost every recipe.

To eliminate intestinal parasites, you can also use this plant. There are two recipes that will help get rid of worms.

  1. Take in equal parts centaury, oregano and St. John's wort. Brew 1 tablespoon of 250 ml of boiling water. Divide into 2 doses and drink in the morning and evening. Repeat for a week.
  2. Take dry oregano powder, grind with honey in a ratio of 1: 1, take on an empty stomach 1 tablespoon (no slide), washed down with plenty of warm water.

Dry grass can be taken orally only if there are no chronic diseases of the stomach and intestines, otherwise an attack may occur or exacerbation may begin.

Types of healing compounds

Depending on the diagnosis and the needs of the body, different types of therapeutic agents are prepared. You can do this yourself using the available components.

Types of medicinal compounds with oregano

Infusion

Oregano infusion is used to gargle with angina, stomatitis, gingivitis, cough with bronchitis and other inflammatory diseases. It is also used to treat wounds, ulcers, abrasions, compresses, baths. From it you can prepare lotions that are effective in treating skin diseases. To prepare the infusion, you need to pour 1 tablespoon of dry herb 400 ml of boiling water, leave for 20-30 minutes, strain and use. Infusion can be taken orally - 30-50 ml every 4 hours, preferably before meals.

Tincture

Oregano vodka tincture should be prepared in a dark glass bottle. It is necessary to take 2 tablespoons of raw materials, it is advisable to use only dry inflorescences, pour 0.5 liters of vodka and close the lid. Maintain tincture in a dark place for 2 weeks, maximum 21 days. After that, strain it and pour into a container convenient for use. Take vodka tincture immediately before meals - 1 teaspoon each.

Decoction

To prepare a decoction, you need to take 1 tablespoon of raw materials, pour boiling water and bring to a readiness in a water bath (boil for 30 minutes). After this, remove the broth, leave it under a closed lid until it cools completely, and then drain through a sieve into a clean container. The maximum shelf life is 5 days.

Tea

Tea from oregano is prepared simply - you need to steam 1 teaspoon of the herb with boiling water and insist for 5 minutes. This tea helps calm the nervous system, relax, strengthen immunity, normalize digestion and stimulate lactation. You can simply add the dry collection to green or black tea in a 1: 1 ratio or make a drink from oregano, mint leaves or raspberries. Herbs take 1 teaspoon, pour 1 liter of boiling water and stand for 15-20 minutes, strain and drink like regular tea, but not more than 2-3 cups per day.

Oregano oil: properties and applications

Oregano essential oil has the same properties as other medicinal compounds, but it contains the active components in the highest concentration. It can be used to combat skin infections, with diseases of the gastrointestinal tract, it copes with colds and coughs. In addition, oregano essential oil is widely used in cosmetology as an anti-aging agent, it is added to shampoos, creams, balms. This oil can help deal with toothache and inflammation of the oral cavity, eliminates the common cold and treats ear diseases.

Oregano oil copes with such diseases:

  • gastric diseases - gastritis, ulcers;
  • fungal infections of the skin and mucous membranes;
  • gallbladder disease, cholelithiasis, congestion, cholecystitis;
  • parasitic infections of the gastrointestinal tract;
  • infectious bacterial and viral diseases of the respiratory system;
  • food poisoning, diarrhea and intoxication;
  • otitis media of various types and etiologies;
  • bronchial asthma and allergic reactions;
  • skin diseases (fungus, acne, warts, psoriasis, eczema);
  • nervous disorders;
  • diseases of the genitourinary system.

Origanum common is an excellent antidepressant and is successfully used not only in herbal medicine, but also in aromatherapy. For therapeutic purposes, with depression and disorders of the nervous system, essential oil is used. You can take a few drops of oil and add to the scented lamp. Inhalation of vapors can relieve symptoms of chronic stress, relieve headaches, restore energy and improve a person’s psychological state.

Application in cosmetology

The use of oregano in cosmetology

To take care of hair and skin, you can also use oregano. Natural cosmetics made from this plant have the following properties:

  • normalizes the secretion of skin glands;
  • restores skin elasticity;
  • eliminates rash and inflammation;
  • improves complexion;
  • rejuvenates;
  • bleaches.

Oregano is useful for hair in that it strengthens them, stimulates growth, improves blood circulation, due to which the hair follicles receive enhanced nutrition. There are especially popular recipes that can be used at home.

  1. For acne, it is good to use a water infusion for washing from 2 tablespoons of grass and 500 ml of water, it is better to insist in a thermos, so you can make the product more concentrated.
  2. Weakened, brittle hair should be rinsed with water infusion prepared according to the same recipe. You can simplify the task - take boiled water and add 5 drops of essential oil.
  3. To lighten the skin and even out the tone, it is better to use an oil extract. In 100 ml of vegetable oil, pour 2 tablespoons of grass, hold for 24 hours at room temperature and strain. Use for evening massage.
  4. To stop hair loss, you need to use masks with the addition of essential oil of oregano. Effective recipe: mix in a clean container 1 tablespoon of burdock and castor oil, add 5 drops of oregano essential oil, rub into hair roots and leave for 1 hour, rinse with shampoo.
  5. If inflamed pimples appear on the skin, you can wipe them with hydrogen peroxide and lubricate with oregano essential oil before bedtime. By the morning of acne there will be only subtle reddish traces.
  6. For those who suffer from excessive sweating, there is also a recipe with oregano. You can regularly wipe your armpits with ice cubes prepared on the basis of the infusion of grass on a regular basis in the morning. This will help to cope with excessive sweating. The herb contains antimicrobial components that eliminate the smell of sweat.
  7. It is good to use water with the addition of herb essential oil or oregano infusion in order to make baths. Such a tool strengthens nails, nourishes the skin, eliminates pigmentation.

Oregano can cause allergies, so you should test the product before use. Essential oil can not be used undiluted - it can irritate the skin and even leave burns due to the high concentration of active substances.

The use of oregano in cooking

Oregano in cooking is used mainly in dried form, as a spicy aromatic additive. This plant is universal, it is combined with meat and fish dishes, used in the preparation of side dishes, appetizers. In many countries, this seasoning is used for cooking first courses, it is also added to various pickles and marinades. In Asian countries, for example, recipes for cooking mushrooms and cucumbers with the addition of this spice are very popular. But the culture of using oregano in cooking is in every country. Below are three original recipes using this spice.

Stuffed squid with oregano

A universal dish that will not leave anyone indifferent.It can be used for a casual or festive table.

Ingredients:

  • 6 medium squid carcasses;
  • 1.5 cups of boiled rice;
  • 1.5 cups Mexican vegetable mix;
  • olive oil;
  • soy sauce;
  • 2-3 tablespoons of lemon juice;
  • 1 teaspoon of oregano.

It is necessary to scald the carcasses, remove the skin. In a deep bowl, mix 3 tablespoons of olive oil with lemon juice and 1 teaspoon of soy sauce. Add there ½ teaspoon of oregano. Prepare the filling - mix vegetables with rice, also add a small amount of soy sauce, olive oil and the remaining oregano. Stuff squid carcasses and send to the oven preheated to 180 degrees for 25 minutes, after covering with foil.

Oregano Drink

A therapeutic and refreshing drink will help not only quench your thirst, but also cleanse your blood vessels, strengthen your immune system, and increase your energy level. Cooking it is very simple. It is necessary to take 2 liters of purified water, boil and cool to 70 degrees. In a clean container, put a couple of branches of fresh oregano, a couple of sprouts of red basil and lemon, cut into 4 parts. All this is steamed with slightly cooled boiling water, cover and insist for 2 hours. Drink in unlimited quantities instead of water, adding honey or sugar.

Salad

You can prepare a delicious salad of canned green beans, eggs, green onions, pickled salmon and oregano. Boil the eggs, cut into cubes and send to a bowl, add the green beans, chopped onion and salmon. Separately, prepare dressing - mix olive oil (2 tablespoons), a pinch of mustard, ½ teaspoon of oregano and 20 ml of lemon juice. Season the salad and serve, garnishing with greens.

Contraindications

Oregano is used in the treatment of far from all people, it can cause harm to health. In order not to harm the body, you need to know in which cases it is better to avoid this spicy aromatic herb.

  1. Oregano products are not suitable for the treatment of infants and children under 12 years of age.
  2. Pregnant women are also forbidden to use oregano externally and internally. The essential oil of the plant stimulates smooth muscles and changes the hormonal background, which can contribute to premature birth.
  3. When breastfeeding, it is advisable to abandon the use of this herb, as there is a risk of developing diarrhea in the baby or a severe allergic reaction.
  4. If a person has already been allergic to other plants from the Yasnotkovaya family (mint, basil, lavender, sage), it is worth abandoning oregano. The probability of an allergic reaction is 90%.

Too long use of oregano in the diet or for medicinal purposes can provoke an upset stomach. Also, do not use oregano oil for too long, as this can lead to disruption of the menstrual cycle in women and to problems with potency in men.

Interesting facts about oregano

Oregano is one of the most common and popular spices in the world. This herb is known in almost all countries of the world, which is not surprising. Below are facts about this plant that deserve interest.

Interesting facts about oregano

  1. In Germany, oregano is considered, first of all, as the main additive to sausages. There it is called - "sausage herb."
  2. This plant is considered one of the most powerful sources of ascorbic acid among all representatives of the family Iasnatkovye.
  3. Scientists are investigating the composition of oregano, as there is an assumption that it is possible to make antibiotics from it that act on those bacteria that are not sensitive to other pharmaceutical preparations.
  4. Oregano was often used in the old days in the preparation of intoxicated drinks. It was also used in the preparation of kvass in Russia.
  5. Oregano is one of the few plants that are massively used in traditional medicine. It is added to cough collection, and is also used in popular drugs for the treatment of cystitis.
  6. Oregano is widely used in the manufacture of dietary supplements that contribute to the normalization of blood pressure, improve the quality of life in diabetes.
  7. Oregano essential oil is actively used by well-known Korean cosmetics brands. This tool is mainly used in a series of caring cosmetics for problematic and prone to inflammation of the skin.
  8. Oregano helps to lose weight. If you take tea from this plant regularly before going to bed, you can greatly enhance the effect of any diet and training, while saturating the body with the missing vitamins and minerals.
  9. For a long time, oregano was considered a weed grass, it was fought by farmers in the Mediterranean countries, where it is especially common.
  10. Oregano can be used in the preparation of barbecue marinades from fatty meats - it helps the body digest heavy foods faster.

Oregano is a natural medicine, excellent spice and an effective ingredient in home cosmetics. Knowing the peculiarities of the healing potential of this plant, you can use it with benefits for health and beauty.

«Important: all information on the site is provided exclusively in fact-finding purposes. Before applying any recommendations, consult with a profile specialist. Neither the editors nor the authors are liable for any possible harm caused materials. "

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