Oregano originated from the Mediterranean region, specifically from regions near the Black Sea coast. This herb is well known for its numerous medicinal and culinary properties. For many centuries, people have been using Oregano as a spice, but now it has made its way to people’s homes as a supplement, food coloring agent, even as a natural painkiller and antibiotic.
Oregano is actually a family of herbs, having three common species. broadly it is grown now in Central Asia, Mediterranean regions and South Asia. Turkey is considered to be the largest exporter of Oregano, providing the region with the most varieties.
Oregano is classified according to the genus Astragalus, which also includes Carissa, Lemon balm and Ginger. It belongs to the mint family Labiatae that includes Carminatives, Lamiaceae and Rutaceae. It was first thought that Oregano has no significant medicinal value. However, research showed that the volatile oil contains several major carvacrol, allantoin and thymol which are beneficial for human health. These ingredients have antimicrobial activity, antiseptic activity, antimicrobial activity and sedative activity.
Oregano has antimicrobial activity, antiseptic activity, antibacterial activity and sedative activity. The presence of carvacrol in the essential oil triggers the secretion of saliva, which contains thermogenetic properties and thus stimulates salivation. The action of the oil is thus directed to the mouth and prevents the accumulation of bacteria and plaque around the teeth and tongue. Oral infections are prevented by coating the tongue and inner cheeks of the patient. This coating also slows down the development of oral plaque, which is beneficial as it develops slowly over time and does not dissolve easily.
The studies have also revealed that some of the other essential oils like geranium, lemon grass and lavender have similar antibacterial and sedative effects on humans. Thymol is another component of Oregano and has similar properties with carvacrol. Thymol has antimicrobial, antifungal, anti-inflammatory and sedative properties and acts as a powerful antioxidant. It also prevents lipid peroxidation and cell damage caused due to free radical activity.
Oregano, being a natural antiseptic has properties that can kill the yeast and bacteria that cause candida infection and thrush. The antimicrobial activity is achieved by inhibiting the activity of ergosterol-producing enzymes and thus is useful in treating athlete’s foot, thrush and dermatitis. Studies have revealed that Oregano extracts possess powerful antibacterial, anti-inflammatory and antiseptic properties. Several species of this herb are used worldwide for medicinal purposes and each plant has its own distinctive set of properties.