March 21, 2003

Newsletter #40

GO BEYOND FLAVOR

The Benefits of Oregano--And Its Oil

A favorite of early Greek physicians, who named it "joy of the mountains," oregano (Oreganum vulgare) is well known by cooks the world over. This leafy Mediterranean perennial from the mint family is more assertive in flavor than its sweeter cousin marjoram, with which it is often confused, and sometimes mixed with, in grocery stores.

Oregano oil has been a popular disinfectant since Roman times. Modern herbalists recommend it for the common cold, fungal infections, psoriasis, and warts. Used since ancient times to treat painful joints, heal wounds, and cure infections, oregano--and its oil--have recently been proven effective in scientific studies.

Both the food industry and medical researchers are currently investigating the antimicrobial action of oregano and its oil. Comparing the effects of a number of plant oils, researchers at the Tennessee Agricultural Experiment Station in Knoxville found that oregano oil offered the greatest protection against Staphylococcus aureus, Escherichia coli, Aspergillus niger, and other harmful micro-organisms, making oregano an effective alternative to conventional antimicrobial additives in foods.

A recent British study found that tow components of essential oil of oregano--carvacrol and thymol-- staph bactera. But research at Georgetown University Medical Center in Washington, DC, suggests that edible oil of oregano is more effective against Staphyloccous aureus than these components alone.

Furthermore, both in vitro and in vivo investigations at Georgetown suggest that oregano oil effectively inhibits Candida albicans. Whle similar effects were noted for the component carvacrol, animals clearly benefited more from whole oregano oil. Harry G. Pruess, MD, at Georgetown has also found oregano oil to be as effective against candida as some antibiotics and other drugs. Oregano also shows promise in culture studies against weakened (and lab-friendly) forms of anthrax and tuberculosis.

This herb contains 31 anti-inflammatory agents, 28 antioxidants, and several COX-2 inhibitors, substances that fight inflammatory enzymes in osteoarthritis. In fact, oregano not only lessens inflammation but also platelet aggregation, or stickiness. In contrast, the popular synthetic COX-2 inhibitors (Celebrex and Vioxx), which are accompanied by significant side effects, only treat inflammation. Furthermore, these drugs suppress the hormone produced in the blood vessels to keep them dilated and keep platelets from sticking to vessel walls. Taking an herb like oregano reduces inflammation and decreases platelet stickiness--without causing bleeding or ulcers.

As a medicinal herb, The Botanical Safety Handbook ranks oregano as one of the safest plants. But always follow product instructions for appropriate use.

Individuals with fungal infections can cook with large amounts of fresh or dried oregano. For fungal infections of the skin, Cass Ingram, DO, recommends rubbing oil of oregano on the infected areas: "For athlete's foot, apply the oil and immediately cover with a sock, as this helps hold the active ingredients against the skin." For warts, treat directly with several drops of oregano oil.

For active infections, Earl Mindell, RPh, PhD, recommends taking up to six oregano oil capsules daily for a s long as 2 weeks. Or mix 5 to 10 drops of oil in liquid, and drink 2 cups of this mixture every day. Dr. Ingram recommends several drops of oregano oil in water or juice, taken twice daily, for eczema and psoriasis, or 5 to 10 drops under the tongue twice daily for candida.

SELECTED SOURCES

• "Antifungal Activities of Origanum Oil Against Candida albicans" by Vijaya Manohar
• "Antimicrobial Activity of Essential Oils from Plants Against Selected…Microorganisms" by M. Elgayyar
• Beyond Aspirin by Thomas M. Newmark and Paul Schulick
• Latino Folk Medicine by Anthony M. DeStefano
• New Herb Bible by Earl Mindell
• "A Study of the Minimum Inhibitory Concentration and Mode of Action of Oregano Essential Oil…" by R.J. Lambert
• The Respiratory Solution by Dr. Cass Ingram
• Supermarket Remedies by Cass Ingram

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Given by: Gail F. McIntyre, M.D.

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