Generally, oregano is known as one of the seasonings often used in various processed dishes. Its sharp taste and aroma are its distinctive characteristics. It turns out that besides being used to add flavour, oregano also has other benefits, especially for your health. Oregano is often usedas essential oil due to its effects as an antioxidant, antibiotic, antifungal, anti-inflammatory, and anticancer. Reporting from Healthline, here are the benefits that you can get from oregano oil.

• Natural antibiotics. Oregano is known to help fight ‘bad’ bacteria in the body. Studies showed that oregano oil can help fight the infection of Staphylococcus aureus, one of the causes of skin infections or food poisoning. It can also fight bacteria that are resistant to antibiotics, such as E.coli.
• Lower cholesterol levels. Some studies have shown that the use of oregano oil can reduce levels of ‘bad’ cholesterol, both in humans and mice. Researchers believe these benefits cannot be separated from the content of carvacrol and thymol in it.
• Rich in antioxidants. Compared to other spices, oregano is known to have a very high antioxidant content. One gram of oregano has 42 times higher antioxidants compared to the same amount of apples.
• Overcome fungal infections. Lab results showed that oregano oil is effective in fighting the growth of Candida fungus, one of the fungi that can infect the digestive tract and vagina.
• Maintaining the health of the digestive tract. According to the results of studies, the use of oregano oil can help fight parasites contained in the digestive system of the body. The parasite is known to cause pain, diarrhea, and bloating. Oregano can also prevent ‘leaky gut’, the condition of damage to the intestinal wall so that bacteria or poisons can enter the blood circulation.
• Prevent inflammation in the body. Inflammation usually indicates a health problem. Studies showed that oregano oil could help relieve the symptoms of inflammation. thanks to its anti-inflammatory properties.
• Relieves pain. Oregano oil can act as a natural painkiller. The results of studies on mice showed that oregano oil could reduce pain significantly. It has the same effect as several types of other pain relievers.
• Fight cancer. Some studies showed that carvacrol in oregano oil could help fight cancer by inhibiting its growth and killing these cells.
• Help you lose weight. Studies found that carvacrol could help you lose weight and body fat significantly.

Text by Anggie Triana
Stock photos from Google Search Images

Source(s):

• Healthline - 9 Benefits and Uses of Oregano Oil (2020). https://www.healthline.com/nutrition/9-oregano-oil-benefits-and-uses, 09 July 2020.