Welcome to Herb Notes, I’m Tara Ruth.
Oregano (Origanum vulgare) is a bold, aromatic herb that’s probably sitting in your kitchen cupboard—but don’t let its everyday status fool you. This plant is a potent medicinal herb with a long history of use as a digestive aid, respiratory support, and antimicrobial remedy.
Let’s dive into 3 key benefits of oregano…
1. Oregano for Healthy Digestion
Oregano’s warming and carminative properties can help move stagnant digestion and ease mild GI discomfort. Sipping on oregano tea before or after eating can help stimulate the digestive process, relieve tension in the gut, and reduce uncomfortable symptoms like gas or bloating.
Cooking with oregano (whether it’s a full on oregano pesto or just a few sprigs added to your recipe) can also support healthy digestion.
2. Oregano for Cold and Flu Symptoms
Oregano isn’t just for pasta sauce—it can also help soothe sore throats and clear sinus congestion during colds and flus. Gargling oregano tea can ease a sore throat, and sipping on the tea with a spoonful of honey can also soothe the throat.
3. Oregano as an Antimicrobial
Oregano is a natural antimicrobial powerhouse. It can help combat pathogens both internally and externally. Oregano tea, when cooled, can be used as an external wash to inhibit pathogens on the skin. Internally, oregano tea can help address digestive pathogens.
A few oregano contraindications…
There are a few important considerations when working with oregano. Oregano essential oil and “oil of oregano” supplements, which are very popular supplements that you can easily find at a health food store, are very concentrated. It’s easy to exceed safe dosages, especially when taking them internally. Overuse can damage mucous membranes and irritate the digestive tract. Always consult a knowledgeable practitioner if you're considering internal use of the oil. It’s also important to properly dilute the oil for topical use.
And medicinal amounts of oregano (especially concentrated forms like tinctures, strong teas, and essential oil) are contraindicated during pregnancy due to oregano’s emmenagogue effects.
Want to learn more about the benefits of other common herbs?
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This has been Herb Notes with me, Tara Ruth. Catch ya next time!
