Oregano Leaves 100 g, 50 g, 25 g

Oregano Leaves – 100 g ($11.99), 50 g ($8.99), 25 g ($5.99)

Also available as a ready to use oil:
Oregano Oil: https://www.herbscrafters.com/shop/oils/oregano-oil/

Benefits:
Nutrition  One teaspoon (about 2 grams) of dried oregano contains approximately:
5.4 calories
3.4 carbohydrates
0.2 grams protein
0.2 grams fat
0.7 grams fiber
10.9 micrograms vitamin K (14 percent DV)
0.8 milligrams iron (4 percent DV)
0.1 milligrams manganese (4 percent DV)
27.6 milligrams calcium (3 percent DV)1. Rich in Antioxidants

Oregano is rich in antioxidants, which are compounds that help fight damage from harmful free radicals in the body. The buildup of free radicals has been linked to chronic diseases like cancer and heart disease. Several test-tube studies have found that oregano and oregano oil are high in antioxidants. Oregano essential oil is especially high in carvacrol and thymol, two antioxidants that can help prevent damage to cells caused by free radicals.  In combination with other high-antioxidant foods like fruits and vegetables, oregano could provide a hearty dose of antioxidants that may help improve your health.

Anti-Bacterial  Oregano contains certain compounds that have potent antibacterial properties. They contain two important compounds, thymol and carvacrol, which help fight bacterial infections.

One test-tube study showed that oregano essential oil helped block the growth of Escherichia coli and Pseudomonas aeruginosa, two strains of bacteria that can cause infection. Another test-tube study found that oregano was effective against 23 species of bacteria. Furthermore, a test-tube study compared the antimicrobial activity of oregano, sage and thyme essential oils. Oregano was one of the most efficient essential oils against bacteria, second to thyme.

Current research are often test-tube studies that have used concentrated amounts of this herb. Positive experience gained by people using oregano oil supports these studies. Several studies indicate that oil of oregano has antibacterial effects against a range of bacterial strains. There’s even research supporting the use of the oil as an alternative to harmful antibiotics for a number of health concerns. One study found that oil of oregano possesses the highest antibacterial activity against E. coli, suggesting that the extract can be used to promote gastrointestinal health and prevent food poisoning.

Anti-Viral  In addition to fighting off bacteria, some test-tube studies have found that oregano and its components may also protect against some viruses. Carvacrol and thymol are two compounds in oregano that do double duty weakening or killing viruses too. In one test-tube study, carvacrol inactivated norovirus, a viral infection that causes diarrhea, nausea and stomach pain, within one hour of treatment (12). Another test-tube study found that thymol and carvacrol inactivated 90% of the herpes simplex virus within just one hour (13). This enables oregano oil to delay viral disease progression and improve resistance to infections. These studies use the herb’s essential oil, which differs from consuming fresh or dried leaves, but they highlight the beneficial compounds that are present in the plant.

Antioxidants  Oregano is jam-packed with health-promoting antioxidants, including limonene, thymol, carvacrol and terpinene. In fact, it’s one of the top antioxidant foods with an oxygen radical absorbance capacity (ORAC) score of 159,277. (That’s high!)

There are numerous benefits of eating foods high in antioxidants. They help slow the effects of aging by reducing free radical damage, which can contribute to many health issues and premature aging. Antioxidants positively impact your skin, eyes, heart, brain and cells as well. Studies on oregano extracts show that the herb’s antioxidant effects are likely attributed to carvacrol and thymol, two components that have therapeutic and preventative purposes in folk medicine.

Cancer  Oregano is high in antioxidants. These compounds can not only neutralize free radical damage, but they may also aid in cancer prevention.

Some test-tube studies have shown that oregano and its components may help kill cancer cells. One test-tube study treated human colon cancer cells with oregano extract and found that it stopped the growth of cancer cells and helped kill them off. Another test-tube study showed that carvacrol, one of the components in oregano, also helped suppress the growth and spread of colon cancer cells. However, keep in mind that these were test-tube studies using high amounts of the herb and its compounds. Human studies using typical doses are needed to determine its effects.

A 2020 study assessed the effectivity of oregano against melanoma. Among cancer tumours, skin cancer is the most common neoplasia worldwide. In particular, the more aggressive and deadliest form of this pathology is represented by melanoma. Melanoma is a disease caused by multiple factors, both environmental and physiological factors. About 90% of melanomas are caused by ultraviolet light exposure, while the remaining 10% has been associated to genetic defect. Currently, such type of skin cancer is treated by surgical removal, which leads to a high survival rate except in the presence of metastases.

The molecular bases underlying its anti-tumour activity on B16-F10 and A375 melanoma cells were investigated. Oregano vulgare hydroalcoholic extract, inhibits melanogenesis and melanoma cell proliferation or growth. Through in-depth molecular analyses, the activity of the oregano extract was associated to its ability to trigger programmed cell death (apoptosis and necroptosis) in A375 human melanoma cells via mitochondria and DNA damage. As this molecular mechanism was correlated to the intracellular/nuclear concentration of copper ions, oregano phytochemicals appeared to be slightly toxic or non-toxic for non-tumour cells. All this evidence represents a robust starting point for further studies focused on the design of new anti-melanoma natural drugs. Indeed, according to the present data, Oregano vulgare, is an excellent anticancer agent, being highly selective and effective against human melanoma cells.

Inflammation  Inflammation is a normal immune response that occurs as a result of illness or injury. However, chronic inflammation is believed to contribute to the development of diseases like heart disease, diabetes and autoimmune conditions (14).

Oregano is rich in antioxidants, which can help neutralize free radicals and reduce inflammation (15). It also contains compounds like carvacrol that have been shown to have anti-inflammatory properties. In one animal study, carvacrol reduced swelling in the paws of mice by up to 57% (16). Another animal study showed that a mixture of thyme and oregano essential oils reduced the number of inflammatory markers in mice with colitis, or an inflamed colon (17). More studies are needed to determine how a normal dose affects inflammation in humans. Consuming this health-promoting herb, whether it’s dry or fresh, may help reduce inflammation. Studies on the herb’s essential oils show that it contains powerful anti-inflammatory properties.

This is due to the plant’s antioxidant activity, which helps improve chronic inflammation and a long list of diseases, including cancer and Alzheimer’s disease. Oregano products are used to relieve inflammatory conditions including allergies and rheumatoid arthritis. Herbs are also used topically to reduce issues like insect bites, psoriasis, acne and muscle pain.

Digestion  Several of the active compounds found in Origanum vulgare can help aid digestion by relaxing the muscles of the GI tract and also helping balance the ratio of good-to-bad bacteria in the gut. Thymol, one of oregano’s active compounds, may help relax the soft tissue of the throat and stomach, which can help to decrease GERD, heartburn and discomfort after eating.

A 2014 study published in Global Advances in Health & Medicine found evidence that use of herbal antimicrobials is just as effective as the antibiotic usually given for the treatment of SIBO. When 104 patients diagnosed with SIBO (via lactulose breath test) were treated either with rifaximin (1,200 milligrams) or herbal antimicrobials over the course of four weeks, the results showed that 46 percent of the patients treated with herbal antimicrobials experienced symptom improvements compared to only 34 percent treated with the antibiotic rifaximin.

Cholesterol  Research published in the Journal of International Medical Research suggests that adding oregano oil supplementation can improve cholesterol levels. For the study, 48 patients with mild hyperlipidemia were given lifestyle and low-fat dietary advice. Thirty-two of the patients (study group) were prescribed 25 milliliters of oregano distillate to be taken after each meal for three months, and the remaining 16 patients were the control group. After the three-month study period, those in the study group showed significantly greater increases in high-density lipoprotein (HDL) cholesterol and significantly greater decreases in low density lipoprotein (LDL) cholesterol compared to the control group.

Botanical Name Origanum vulgare
English: Oregano, Wild marjoram
Ayurvedic: Sukhaatmaka, Marubaka
Unani: Marzanjosh
Also, known as: Oragan, Ordinara Origano, Oregano, Oregano, Acciughero, Aitz Belarr, Anrar Ao Le Gang, Ao Le Gang Cão, Avishan Kuhi, Bantulsi, Bergminta, Bergmynte, Brauner Dost, Brauner Dosten, Buklutulgezal, Ching Chieh, Marjolaine Bâtarde, Marazolette, Marijolai, Marjolaine Sauvage, Marjolaine Sauvage Origan, Common Marjoram, Dobromysl, Dost, Doste, Gewohnlicher Dost, Hana-hakka, Hanahakka, Harilik Pune, Satar barri, Izmir kekigi, Ngou lahk gong, Ngauh ji, Ao le gang, Niu zhi, Ao le gang cao, Herba Origani, Jakhmbuti, Kaslök, Kekik Otu, Klopovnayatrava, Kostets, Kostolomnaya Trava, Kung, Kungsmynta, Lepiodkapospolita, Loragiño, Majurano Fero, Marzangush, Materynka, Materynka Zvichajna, Mountain Mint, Thym De Berger, Tograihon, Tost, Vadmajoránna, Vild Mejram, Wild Marjoram, Mravinac, Mäkimeirami, Ngauh Ji, Ngou Lahk Gong, Niu Zhi, Orégano, Oregano, Oregánó, Orégão, Oregãos, Orenga, Organ, Oreganos, Organy, Origan, Origan Commun, Origan Vulgaire, Origano, Ourego, Paprastasis Raudonėlis, Pamajorán Obyčajný, Pelevoué, Penevoué, Pot Oregano, Raudenes, Remago, Rigan, Riegnu, Rigon I Eger, Rijan, Rigoni I Zakonshëm, Satar Barri, Sathra, Sovarf, Szurokfü, Tavshava, Thérouge, Wild Oregano, Wilde Marjolem, Wilder Majoran, Winter Marjoram, Wintersweet, Maruae, Santhraa, Jangali Maruaa, Oreganum, Sajivan, Sathra, Dziki majeranek, Lepiodka pospolita, Vild Mejram, Kungsmynta, Dosten, Duhov’s Tsvet, Dushita, Dushitsa, Dziki Majeranek, Echter Dost, Erba Acciuga, Fekete Gyopár, Frauendost, and Gemeiner Dost
Habitat: Europe and the Middle East
Origin. Turkey
Harvested: Cultivated
Parts Used: Leaves
General Information:
Origanum vulgare, is a perennial herbaceous plant, which grows up to 100cm tall and 25cm wide. Genus name probably comes from the Greek words oros meaning mountain and gamos meaning beauty in reference to the physical appearance of this plant which is sometimes native of mountain areas where it is appropriately referred to as “beauty of the mountain”. The leaves are opposite, petiolate, long, oval and usually slightly toothed and are sweetly scented. Leaves are 10-40mm long and 5-20mm wide petiole hairy, about one fourth as long as the leaves, green on the top and paler underneath Stems, erect, woody at the base, branched, quadrangular, hairy, often violet or purplish-green Flowers, labiate type, generally bisexual, sometimes just female flowers with immature stigmas. The inflorescence is many-flowered, white to reddish purple in colour, grouped into short dense lateral or terminal spikes. The corolla is white to purplish, 5-10 mm long, and has two lips. The calyx is five-toothed Each flower has four stamens.

The white-flowered Greek form O. vulgare is the best for culinary use. The whole plant has a strong, peculiar, fragrant, balsamic odour and a warm bitterish, aromatic taste, both of which properties are preserved when the herb is dry. Oregano is an important herb in Greek and Italian cuisine, the dried form having more flavour than the fresh leaves. To ensure that the flavor is retained, the dried product is not powdered but broken into small fragments. The flavour of oregano varies according to cultivar, environmental conditions and time of year Perhaps the dish most widely associated with oregano 19 pizza. Oregano gives the classical pizza aroma, the pungent, thymie-like smell familiar to anyone who regularly eats Italian-style pizzas.

Oregano (Origanum vulgare) is a member of the mint (Lamiaceae) family. It has been used for thousands of years in folk medicines to treat upset stomach, respiratory complaints and bacterial infections. The spice was used in ancient Egypt and Greece to flavour meats, fish and vegetables. The leaves and dried versions are excellent sources of antioxidants and antibacterial compounds. Most studies involving the herb are done with its essential oils, which is a more concentrated form and has greater efficacy for promoting overall wellness and healthy aging.

Oil of oregano contains two powerful compounds called carvacrol and thymol, both of which have been shown in studies to have strong antibacterial and anti-fungal properties. Oregano’s oil is primarily made of carvacrol, while studies show that the plant’s leaves contain a variety of antioxidant compounds, such as phenols, triterpenes, rosmarinic acid, ursolic acid and oleanolic acid.

 

How to use:
We make these suggestions to help you get the best benefit from the herbs that you’re choosing to improve your health. Also we make these ideas and recommendations so that consuming them easier and better fit into your lifestyle by adding them to the food that you already eat.
For the full health benefit, it is best to consume (or use the whole herb in poultices) the whole herb. All of the compounds in the herb act best together, as nature intends. Extracts draw out the most prominent beneficial compounds and may concentrate them. What is not extracted can be helpful in ways that we do not yet understand.

Cut Pieces or Powdered Herb:
There are different ways to use cut pieces or powdered herb.
Food Preparation: You can add powdered or pieces of herb (if the pieces you buy are bigger than you like, a coffee or herb grinder will quickly reduce) to any yogurt, smoothie, apple or other sauces, spreads, salads or other foods more familiar to you that don’t use heat. Heat can be damaging to the beneficial compounds in the herb. Other options like oatmeal, scrambled eggs, pasta sauce, soup, cookies and anything else that fits your lifestyle, but minimizing (by adding near the end of cooking) the heat is helpful.
Also, for children, you can mix powdered herb with honey or glycerin to make paste. The thicker the paste, the more potent and herbal in taste. The sweet taste of honey and glycerin will help medicine go down. The resulting liquid is called an electuary.
For seeds in general, but especially small seeds, it’s best to grind these to break the protective hulls a short time before consumption. This makes all the benefits available, rather than some remaining locked inside the hulls that are unbroken by insufficient chewing.
To make adding herbs even easier, you could add a week’s worth of your chosen herb(s) to an amount of, for example, yogurt that you would eat in a week. Mix thoroughly and eat this each day of the week. So you make once /week and just eat each other day.
Hot Infusion: The basic method for dried herbs and flower is, take 2-3 tablespoons of dried herb in a cup or teapot. Pour hot water over it and cover it with lid for 10-30 minutes. The heat from making tea can degrade some of the beneficial compounds in the herb. This method minimizes this effect. For the full health benefit, it is recommended to consume what is left over after making tea.
Decoctions: Decoctions are suitable for roots, barks, large seeds & berries, and other dense material. The simple way to make decoction is, in a saucepan, add 1 tablespoon of dried herbs to 1 cup of water, Bring the water to boil, reduce heat and simmer for 30-60 minutes with the pot covered. Squeeze out as much as liquid as possible. Best practice is to drink the liquid and also consume the solid material that remains. Herb pieces can also be used.
Powdered Herb:
There are different ways to use powdered herb.
Capsules: HerbsCrafters makes capsules guaranteed to be filled with the pure herb with no filler or any other products. You can also use powdered herb to make your own capsules at home. These capsules are best taken with liquid to aid in digestion and absorption and to ensure it doesn’t stick in your throat.
Poultice: Poultice can be made with an herbal powder and liquid (mostly water) to form a paste which is then applied to the skin. This method is very helpful for skin conditions.
Herbal shot: Powdered herb can be mixed with water, fruit juice or other liquid to make herbal shot.

Tips:
You can sweeten your herbal decoctions with bit of honey, natural fruit juice, stevia leaves powder or licorice root powder.

Precautions:
You should consult with a qualified healthcare practitioner before using any herbal products, particularly if you are pregnant, nursing, or on any medications.
All information on this website is for educational purpose ONLY.
This information has not been evaluated by Health Canada.
This information is not intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any disease.

How Much To Use
It is common that 10g of a fresh herb = 1g when dehydrated.
Recommended daily amount: 1 -2 tsp of oregano leaves (2-4 g)/use, up to 3 times/day. This can be added to food, drink or to make tea.