Wednesday, April 1, 2015

Oregano's Medicinal Effects


                               In the summer of 2014 I went on a trip with my mom and brother to El Salvador to visit family there. While we were there we walked a lot and consequently my mom’s feet got swollen and ached for some reason. So then some locals told my mom to boil oregano and wash her feet with the warm oregano. After washing her feet, it immediately had an effect and the swelling decreased.  I thought this was fascinating how this herb can be used for other purposes other than cooking.

            Oregano (Origanum vulgare) is also a medicinal herb that has antioxidants and antibacterial properties. It is a rich source of fiber, iron, manganese, calcium, and vitamin K. Vitamin K promotes bone growth, maintenance of bone density, and the production of blood clotting proteins. The herb can be used to treat respiratory tract disorders, gastrointestinal disorder, menstrual cramps, urinary tract disorders, colds and headaches. Oregano can also be applied topically to help treat different types of skin conditions like acne, dandruff, or muscle pain. A study led by scientists at Bonn University in Germany and the ETH Zurich in Switzerland identified an active ingredient in oregano called beta-caryophyllin (E-BCP) that can possibly be used against disorders like osteoporosis and arteriosclerosis because of its anti-inflammatory properties. There have also been lab tests on oregano and rosemary showing that they could work to decreases diabetes. In a study published in ACS’ Journalof Agricultural and Food Chemistry, tested four different herbs, either greenhouse grown or dried commercial versions. They tested their ability to interfere with a diabetes-related enzyme like the prescription drug used to treat diabetes. The results showed that the commercial versions of Greek oregano, Mexican oregano and rosemary were better inhibitors of the enzyme than the green house grown herbs. The enzymes they inhibit are required to reduce the risk of type 2 diabetes.

            Some side effects of eating oregano are that in some people it can cause an upset stomach. There is still further research necessary to confirm the effects oregano has and the role some of its components play.  What do you think, should there be more studies on natural medicine or remedies like how oregano is used?           
 
-Posted by Jazmin Granadeno (Group B)

6 comments:

  1. I definitely think there should be more studies on natural remedies since research tells us how important some naturally occurring plants and herbs are in medicine. I know of a few cancer suppressor drugs that were derived from plants (ie. Taxol derived from a Yew plant) so there is no doubt that medicinal herbs are a major contributors to medicine. Great blog by the way, very well organized.

    -Amanda Okpoebo

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  2. I have always believed that so many herbs, both discovered and undiscovered ones are all medicinal, herbs are mostly used in Africa as so many cultures do not believe in powdered chemicals in treating illnesses.
    talking of side effects, theres absolutely no meds taken that has no side effects and I sometime wonder if those side effects were put on there on purpose or if its a natural cause.

    osuji chukwunonso

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    1. I feel like side affects occur because everyone's body can react differently to the meds and the herbs. It can also be due to all the chemicals used to make the medicine.

      - Jazmin Granadeno

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  3. Nice post! The utilization of herbs for medicinal purposes has been used for Millenia, and probably for good reason! As the pharmaceutical advantages of these compounds become better understood, I may find myself picking up oregano to combat a headache! There should definitely be more studies done to research age-old herbal remedies!

    -Michael Salhany

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    1. These herbs have been used for such a long time and I don't understand why we don't try to use them now. I think we rely to much on technology to make man made medicine from scratch, rather than studying herbs and its properties that can be used to treat certain diseases.

      - Jazmin Granadeno

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  4. Great article, natural medicines that can be found and grown by yourself are always fascinating. I also think we should continue research on these herbal medicines as well as expand, and provide a more scientific basis, for other common, yet understudied medicinal plants
    -Dan Staiculescu

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