Oregano

Oregano is considered a staple herb in many cuisines; It’s typically used in small amounts as a flavor enhancer to many dishes, mostly salads, grilled or roasted vegetables, fish, meat, pastas… It can be found fresh, dried or as an oil.

Oregano is a superfood; it’s rich in antioxidants, Vitamin A, C, K, B6, magnesium, potassium, iron, calcium, carvacrol and thymol (two compounds that fight bacterial infections). It has anti-inflammatory, antibacterial and anti-viral properties.

Here are some of its benefits:

• High in antioxidants
• Anti-inflammatory
• Antibacterial properties
• Antiviral properties
• Reduces indigestion and gas
• Has a warm and calming effect
• Has cancer-fighting properties
• Relieves Pain
• Enhances weight loss
• Strengthen the immune system

 

Beside using it in salads, on pastas and pizzas, Oregano tea has a lot of benefits; it’s mainly used for:

• Colds
• Muscle aches
• Respiratory conditions
• Skin sores
• Digestive problems
• Constipation and diarrhea
• Kidney stones

 

To make the tea, you can use fresh or dried  leaves.

For dried leaves:

• Bring 2 cups of water to a boil
• Add around 3 teaspoons of dry oregano and let it steep for 8-10 minutes
• Strain and serve.
• Optional: Flavor with Honey, lemon…

For fresh leaves:

• Bring 2 cups of water to a boil
• Add 2 to 3 leafy sprigs to the teapot
• Cover the pot and let it sit for about 5 minutes
• Strain and serve
• Optional: Flavor with Honey, lemon…

 To enhance its benefits, prepare your tea and add a drop of edible oregano essential oil. Mix well and enjoy.

PS: – Usually, Oregano tea is safe; however high consumption may lead to abdominal discomfort.

– Avoid Oregano if you are on blood thinners or medicines for diabetes..

– Oregano oil is very concentrated and cannot be used daily.

 

To your good health.