ICAM News

The Healing Power of Oregano

The world of medicine and the mindsets of people in society are undergoing a major change. A shift is occurring that finds people seeking out alternative forms of medicine and healing. Much of this stems from an increased awareness of the various options and benefits of complementary and alternative medical therapies and practices. Herbal medicines, supplements, and healings are experiencing a resurgence in popularity and public interest. A new awareness of artificial ingredients and supplements has resulted in many calling for other natural options when it comes to vitamins, diets, and medicine. Many of you may have heard of the medical benefits of such herbal remedies such as gingko balboa or St. John’s wort. One you may not have considered is oregano, which is gaining increasing significance as an agent in physical and mental well-being, and may begin to play a powerful role in the treatment and prevention of mental degeneration.

It’s important to distinguish between the more common oregano spice and actual oil of oregano. Oil of oregano holds much more powerful healing properties than the average manufactured dried oregano spices. Doctors and scientists have shown that the oil of oregano can act as a strong anti-bacterial agent. A few drops can combat the common cold, serve a defence against infections, soothe skin irritations, improve digestion, and promote an overall healthy physical immune system. Furthermore, fresh or dried oregano is an excellent alternative when it comes to flavouring ones food. Rather than using salt, try oregano in your cooking. It serves as an excellent source of fiber, iron, magnesium, vitamin K, C, and A, and omega-3 fatty acids.

More recently, oregano has been explored for its benefits to the mind as well as the body. While it promotes an overall physical well-being, oregano may have direct benefits to the brain and even treat and prevent cognitive degeneration such as dementia or Alzheimer’s Disease. While studies investigating the advantages of oregano are premature, it has been shown that oregano holds strong antioxidant properties. A recent study completed in October of 2007 examined Mexican oregano for its antioxidant and antimutagenic properties. The study showed that oregano is indeed an antioxidant and can work against the free radicals that contribute to cell degeneration in the body.[pubmed] In terms of mental health, dementia and Alzheimer’s Disease, oregano may serve the same function as Vitamin B supplements or Acetyl-L-carnitine to combat the cell degeneration in the brain that leads to mild-cognitive impairment.

So, the next time you’re suffering from a cold, try drinking some tea steeped from oregano leaves or adding a few drops of oregano oil to your diet. Even better, add oregano to your daily diet as a spice and flavouring agent and you may be preventing dementia or mental decline in your later years.

For more information on how to incorporate oregano into your diet, and the proper ingestion of oil of oregano contact your family physician.

Karly Millions, BA
Research Assistant

Dr. Jean Antoine Boodhoo, BSc (Hons), MBBS (UK), MRC Psych (UK), T Psych, Specialist in Psychiatry