Oregano

Oregano is another humble herb that has spiritual and physical health benefits.

Ancient Greeks and Romans believed that oregano promoted happiness in relationships; so much so that brides and grooms wore sprigs of it during wedding ceremonies. This happiness may have stemmed from the fact that Michael tells us that oregano supports honesty and subverts sabotage...useful in any relationship. It is also a medicinal herb, especially valued for its oil.

Oregano oil is high in phenols, which are natural phytochemical compounds with beneficial antioxidant effects. The two most abundant phenols in it are:

Thymol - a natural fungicide with antiseptic properties. It helps boost your immune system, works as a shield against toxins, and even helps prevent tissue damage and encourages healing.

Carvacrol – found to be effective against various bacterial infections, such as candida albicans, staphylococcus, E. coli, campylobacter, salmonella, klebsiella, the aspergillus mold, giardia, pseudomonas, and listeria.

Other healthful compounds in oregano oil include:

Terpenes – known for their powerful antibacterial properties.

Rosmarinic acid – an antioxidant that prevents free radical damage and has shown promise in treating allergic asthma and preventing cancer and atherosclerosis. It also works as a natural antihistamine that reduces fluid buildup and swelling caused by allergy attacks.

Naringin - inhibits the growth of cancer cells and helps boost the antioxidants in oregano oil.

Beta-caryophyllin (E-BCP) - this substance inhibits inflammation and is also beneficial for conditions including osteoporosis and arteriosclerosis

Nutrients like vitamins A, C, and E, calcium, magnesium, zinc, iron, potassium, manganese, copper, boron, and niacin are also found in oregano oil.

This oil is so potent that it's even used on nail fungus and as an insect repellent. Because of this doctors don't recommend it for pregnant women, infants and small children and caution people to use it sparingly in case of allergy or sensitivity. For those of us who can use it wisely, however, it is a potent support against winter clods, flus, and infections of all kinds.