For over 2,000 years of man's history, the ancient herb Oregano has been used by healers world wide to treat a wide variety of ailments, and to strengthen man's ability to fight off illness. It has powerful bacteria and fungi killing properties, as well as being used as a painkiller and anti-inflammatory.

The ancient Greeks were among the first to take advantage of oregano's medicinal qualities. The Greeks termed the spice origanos, meaning "delight of the mountains".  Those who have visited Greece, where oregano covers the hillsides and scents the summer air, would probably agree with this name. The sweet, spicy scent of Oregano was reputedly created by the Goddess Aphrodite as a symbol of happiness. Bridal couples were crowned with garlands of oregano, and the plants were placed on the tombs to give peace to departed spirits.

Oregano is one of the most diverse health aides available.  Researchers have uncovered numerous benefits to using oregano and extracted oil of oregano. But buyer beware, these significant health benefits are unattainable if the oregano is not the true substance. Although there are a wide variety of plants that are confused with oregano (including marjoram, thyme and sage), true oregano grows wild in Mediterranean regions such as Greece. The wild oregano is the source of surprisingly potent oil of oregano.

True oil of oregano offers many exciting remedies to a variety of ailments. In Herbal Renaissance, Steven Foster credits oregano as having "been employed to treat indigestion, diarrhea, nervous tension, insect bites, toothache, earache rheumatism, and coughs due to whooping cough and bronchitis (primarily for it's antispasmodic effects)."

In The Cure is in the Cupboard, Cass Ingram, D.O., has written a book that is dedicated to unveiling the health benefits of oregano and oil of oregano. He notes that "wild oregano is a veritable a natural mineral treasure-house, containing a density of minerals that would rival virtually any food."

The wild oregano is rich in a long list of minerals that includes calcium, magnesium, zinc, iron, potassium, copper, boron, and manganese. Vitamins C and A (beta carotene) and niacin also are contained in oregano. Judging from its mineral content alone, it isn't hard to figure out why oregano is such a valuable commodity. Consider some of oregano's other useful purposes and it becomes even more obvious.

"Oregano is one of Nature's finest preservatives." states Ingram in another book, Supermarket Remedies. The author suggests that if oregano is used with foods such as meat, eggs, milk, or salad, you "will greatly halt the growth of microbes and, thus, reduce the risk for food poisoning."

The key element in oregano is the oil, which Foster points out "contains carvacrol and thymol as the primary components." Foster attributes the "fungicidal and worm-expellant properties" of oil of oregano to carvacrol and thymol. "These two phenols may constitute as much as 90% of (the oil)."

However, Ingram adds that these two phenols work synergistically and that is the reason "oil of oregano packs a double punch in antiseptic power and explains why it is infinitely more potent than commercial phenol in microbial killing power."

All of this helps make oregano oil a significant factor in treating internal and external fungi including athletes foot. Skin conditions such as psoriasis and eczema can be improved with the treatment as well. Ingram explains the astonishing discovery that "oil of oregano outright destroys all variety of fungi and yeasts, regardless of where they reside."

In addition to fighting various fungi, oil of oregano is useful against bacteria and parasites. As Ingram asserts, "oil of oregano's antiseptic powers are immense...it inhibits the growth of the majority of bacteria, something that prescription antibiotics fail to accomplish." In the case of parasites, oil of oregano has had success neutralizing worms, amoebae and protozoans.

Additional uses for oregano and oil of oregano are unlimited. They have been found helpful in combating diarrhea, intestinal gas, and digestive problems, as well as sore throat and breathing difficulties. Oil of oregano can be immediate help against bee stings and many venomous bites until medical attention can be reached. Oil of oregano has even been suggested as a treatment for dandruff, diaper rash, and other skin disorders.

The benefits of oregano have gone largely unnoticed and underpublicized for far too long. As Ingram notes, oregano is "one of the world's finest natural medicines, that is if it's true oregano." So while oregano may hold the answer for a number of your health questions, be sure that it is in fact the real thing. Remember, these remedies are only attributed to genuine oregano and oil of oregano. Nonetheless, their values are much too important to overlook. Oregano may just be the thing you are searching for, or maybe didn't realize was available.

Many studies are discovering that Oregano, the "pizza herb", is a powerful antioxidant. The compound in Oregano, rosmarinic acid, has antibacterial, anti-inflammatory, antioxidant and antiviral properties. Of all the plants in the mint family, Oregano is the richest in antioxidants.

Oregano may help prevent the cell damage caused by free radicals--highly unstable oxygen molecules that steal electrons from other molecules they find. Free radical reactions are most likely involved in inflammation, degenerative arthritis and the aging process in general. Evidence is growing that antioxidants may help relieve osteoarthritis and rheumatism.

Oregano also contains four anti-asthmatic compounds; six compounds that are expectorants; seven that lower blood pressure; nineteen antibacterial compounds and up to 8.8 percent bactericidal compounds.

Loaded with antiseptic compounds, Oregano is useful in treating sinusitis; try a tea and inhale as you drink.

Make a tea by using one to two teaspoons of dried oregano per cup of boiling water.

According to Heinerman's Encyclopedia of Fruits, Vegetables and Herbs, Oregano helps reduce fevers and relieve cramps, bronchitis, childhood diseases such as measles and mumps, and irregular menstruations. Make this tea: bring a pint of water to a boil. Remove from heat and add one teaspoon of Oregano. Stir well, cover and let steep for about half an hour. Strain and it can be refrigerated. Warming only slightly that amount to be consumed, one cup two to three times daily.

Click Here For More Information