Autumn is Lung season and this means that the lungs may be more vulnerable at this time. It’s also a time to support and strengthen them and our respiratory system. Lungs in eastern philosophy refers to more than the organs and breathing. It’s also the skin, letting go, sadness, and the air element. Poor skin conditions can be due to many reasons, including suboptimal elimination by the lungs.
In this article, we are going to look at oregano Origanum vulgare which many of you are already familiar with. It is a perennial culinary herb from the mint family and a popular aromatic one so many people cook with. Traditionally, it’s used for general well-being and specifically for digestive and respiratory ailments. Oregano is not a new kid on the block. Sometimes, however, we may forget these evergreen resources.
Research also shows what a powerhouse it is.
Aside from adding fresh or dried herb to your cooking, you can also enjoy its benefits in other ways – as a tea, oil of oregano, and oregano essential oil.
Because of its anti-histamine property and ability to break up mucous, oregano, especially Oil of Oregano, can be very effective in improving the health of your respiratory system.
What is Oil of Oregano
Oregano is an antioxidant and has many properties including being naturally antibacterial. It also supports digestive function and is an expectorant. Studies also show that it can have cancer suppression action. According to Dr Alan Mandell, properties include:
- anti-allergenic substance
- anti-fungal
- anti-parasitic
- anti-viral
- anti-inflammatory
- anti-yeast
Being active against both antibacterial and anti-viral, it’s not surprising why many people take it to support their immunity when under stress or dealing with a cold. Oil of Oregano strengthens the immune system to do its job.
If you are coughing more or you notice difficulty sitting with your grief during the fall season, it can be a sign that your Lung energy needs some attention. Perhaps you’ve been holding onto something physically that the action as an expectorant can help expel. All aspects of our health are related. It seems obvious though we can still forget.
The Difference between Oregano (Essential) Oil and Oil of Oregano
Essential oils is distilled using steam from plants and flowers and are potent concentrations.
Oil of Oregano is less potent than the essential oil. It’s made through infusion, which is easy to make at home. Fill a clean and dry jar with fresh leaves and cover the leaves a carrier oil such as olive or coconut oil. Move the jar carefully to pop any air bubbles. Leave about a quarter inch at the top. Place the sealed jar in indirect light for at least two weeks. Then strain the contents using a cheesecloth and store the clean jar with the oil somewhere dark and cool.
If oregano doesn’t easily grow where you live, you can purchase high-quality organic ones online. Check out Starwest Botanicals, which has a wide range of organic herbs, spices, teas, and natural wellness essentials.
Ways of taking Oregano:
- as a seasoning to your food
- as a supplement (Oil of Oregano drops, tinctures, softgels)
- inhaling Oil of Oregano directly or diffusing it the essential oil. You can also place a few drops in a bowl of boiling water and inhale (take care of the steam). The dose from Dr Mandell is three to four drops in a cup to a cup and a half of water.
- swishing water with a few drops of Oil of Oregano
- mix a few drops in an oil like coconut or jojoba and rub it on the outside of the ear for infection or vertigo (Get the best-priced organic jojoba oil here)
- drink a peppermint tea with a few drops to aid digestion, or camomile tea for menstrual cramps
- you can also make oregano tea by steeping one tablespoon of dried herb
- for acne or skin conditions, use topically by using drops of oil of oregano in a carrier oil.
- to use as an expectorant, a common way is to mix it with honey, which has its own list of amazing benefits.
- some people are okay one drop under the tongue; for many people, it’s best to take it in juice, water, smoothie, or another beverage.
The extracts of oregano are less studied than essential oils, especially antimicrobial activity. Castilho et al. (2012) compared the antimicrobial activity of essential oils and n-hexane extracts of oregano collected from different location.In several cases, the extracts were more active than the essential oils against tested pathogenic and food spoilage microorganisms. Water infusion, also, showed significant antibacterial effects against pathogenic bacteria (Chaudry, Saeed, & Tariq, 2007). In addition, water extract of O. vulgare leaves exerted a significant and potent anti-hyperglycemic activity (Lemhadri, Zeggwagh, Maghrani, Jouad, & Eddouks, 2004). Water, ethyl acetate and diethyl ether extract showed anti-inflammatory activity using 5-lipoxygenase assay (Albano & Miguel, 2011). – extract from “Biological activities of the extracts from wild growing Origanum vulgare L” in Science Direct
Precautions
- Oregano is part of the Lamiaceae family which includes mint. If you are allergic to plants such as mint and basil, be careful with oregano.
- Oregano oil and Oil of Oregano are not recommended for those who are pregnant or breastfeeding.
- Anyone on medication is always advised to consult their doctors first in case of interaction.
Sources & Resources
Dr Mandell – Youtube and website
Studies – gastro infections (including Staphylococcus, Streptococcus, and E. coli infections), parasites, review of oregano essential oils, oregano essential oil broad spectrum action
Health Disclaimer
Information provided on the What Therapy platform is for educational purposes and to raise awareness. Check in with your healthcare practitioner, naturopath, functional medicine doctor, etc, regarding any changes you want to make.
