I'm kind of obsessed with oregano. I literally use it for everything, from seasoning my meats, making my beans taste yummier, to even reaping its benefits as a natural remedy when my stomach is feeling wacky. That's right, oregano isn't just for cooking, chica, it has a number of health benefits and healing properties that make it an amazing medicinal herb. Trust me, I use it all the time!
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Believe it or not this Latin food staple has been used as medicine for years, because of its antioxidant and anti-bacterial benefits. Growing up, I remember seeing my abuela put it in cold, flu, and even upset stomach remedies. Here are just some of the health conditions you can treat with oregano!
For stomach problems: Oregano's anti-inflammatory and anti-fungal properties helps to treat some gastrointestinal issues. I use it whenever I'm struggling with an upset stomach or diarrhea. A small study also found it useful for treating parasite infections. Just boil some dried oregano in water and drink it like a tea.
For colds: Feeling a little stuffy? The carvacrol and thymol found in oregano helps it to fight micro-organisms that can contribute to respiratory illnesses like a cold, flu, or even sore throat. Try adding a few drops of oregano oil to your tea or water.
For urinary tract infections: Believe it or not, oregano can actually help ward off a UTI because of its antimicrobial, anti-mutagenic, antioxidant, and kidney protecting properties. The carvacrol is also effective in treating drug-resistant E. Coli which many times causes urinary tract infections. And unlike antibiotics, oregano won't give you a yeast infection–it cures it instead!
For bad periods: I use to suffer from severe menstrual cramps and sometimes not even pain killers helped. The natural anti-inflammatory properties in oregano do wonders for pelvic pain. I make myself a tea made with chamomile, dried oregano and lemon whenever I'm struggling with a bad period.
For skin conditions: A study found that oregano oil might be effective in treating psoriasis, an inflammatory skin condition. The anti-fungal properties are also known for curing cold sores, dandruff, and nail fungus.
Warning: Oregano (and oregano oil) isn't for everyone. Make sure to contact a physican of health professional before beginning using oregano or oregano oil to treat any internal symptoms. Please avoid if you're pregnant or breast-feeding, as it could cause a miscarriage.
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