Oregano: useful properties, use in medicine and nutrition. Pharmaceutical preparations with oregano

Oregano is an excellent honey plant, an effective medicine, and a very aromatic seasoning for dishes. Another, no less famous name for it is oregano. In Italy, not a single hostess can do without her. This herb is an integral part of all kinds of spices and dishes. In ancient times, the leaves of the plant were used instead of tobacco, and the inflorescences were used in the manufacture of dyes. Traditional healers used it to cure many misfortunes.

No less popular is oregano, the medicinal properties and contraindications of which are discussed in this article, and in the modern world. It is still used as a seasoning for dishes and a healing agent.

Description of the plant. Preparation of medicinal raw materials.

Oregano is a perennial herbaceous plant of the Lamiaceae family, reaching a height of seventy or more centimeters. The plant is endowed with an erect, tetrahedral stem, petiolate, opposite oblong-ovate and dark green leaves with translucent glands.

The flowers of this herbaceous plant are small, fragrant, reddish or mauve in color, collected at the tips of the stems in corymbose-paniculate inflorescences. Oregano fruits are naked nuts, brownish or brown in color. The flowering of the plant occurs in the summer, or rather in July-August, and the fruit ripens in August-September.

Sparse mixed and coniferous forests, edges, clearings, upland meadows, rocky slopes are the habitats of this miraculous fragrant plant. The people call oregano: wind color, bee-lover, mother, mint forest, pine forest bone-breaking grass, amulet.

Harvesting oregano is recommended during the period of intensive flowering, in June-August. The grass contains essential oils, and if the harvest is even a little late, the concentration of oils will decrease somewhat, which will affect the quality. Never uproot the grass.

It is desirable to dry the plant on the street, but not under the scorching sun, but in the shade, or in a well-ventilated room. To speed up the process of preparing raw materials, you can use special dryers. Drying is considered complete if the stems break at the moment of bending without applying additional effort. Properly harvested raw materials have a fragrant smell and a bitter, spicy, slightly astringent and tart taste.

It is advisable to store oregano separately from other medicinal herbs. The shelf life of dried whole plants is a year, and crushed and packaged raw materials - three years.

Oregano - medicinal properties and contraindications

This relatively small plant contains far from a small amount of useful substances:

• essential oils;
• thymol;
• carvacrol;
• bitricyclic sesquiterpenes;
• free alcohols;
• geranyl acetate;
• tannins;
• ascorbic acid;
• bitter substances;
• flavonoids;
• phytoncides;
• oil.

Medicines based on oregano have:

• soothing;
• painkillers;
• diuretic;
• expectorant;
• diaphoretic;
• choleretic;
• wound healing;
• antiseptic;
• lactagon;
• restorative;
• anti-inflammatory effect.

The use of oregano in alternative medicine

This herb is an integral part of carminative, diaphoretic and nursing fees, dietary supplements. Medicines based on it are recommended to be taken to cure the following diseases:

• hepatic and renal colic;
• depressions;
• skin ailments;
• stomach cramps;
• gastritis;
• constipation;
• colitis;
• enterocolitis;
• stomatitis;
• gingivitis;
• sore throats;
• tonsillitis
• sinusitis;
• insomnia;
• laryngitis;
• hysteria;
• vegetative-vascular dystonia.

Preparations from oregano help to increase the secretion of sweat and digestive glands, improve and normalize intestinal motility, secrete bile, and regulate the menstrual cycle.

Flocks and infusions from this miraculous plant are used for external use for treatment furunculosis, eliminate rashes and swelling. Infusions wash wounds, wash their hair with such a problem as baldness. In order to cure eczema, diathesis, it is recommended to take healing baths.

Folk recipes with oregano

Preparation of a healing infusion. Brew ten grams of crushed raw materials in 200 milliliters of boiled water, close the container tightly and infuse the product for an hour. Filter and consume 100 ml of medicine twice a day.

Decoction preparation. Take the grass, finely chop and pour twenty grams of raw material with water. Simmer the product in a water bath for half an hour. Cool, strain and take half a glass of decoction twice a day.

Epilepsy: treatment with infusion. Brew a spoonful of the crushed plant with two glasses of boiled water, then leave to brew for two hours. Filter and take one hundred milliliters three times a day. The duration of the treatment course is three years.

Preparation of medicinal tea. Connect oregano with marshmallow and coltsfoot, chop and mix thoroughly. Take ten grams of vegetable raw materials and brew in a glass of boiling water, leave for twenty minutes. Filter and drink warm, 100 ml every five hours.

Preparation of diaphoretic tea. To prepare this medicine, you will need the following plants: coltsfoot, oregano, dried raspberries. Chop and mix all ingredients well. Brew twenty grams of the plant mixture in half a liter of boiled water, set aside for half an hour. Filter and take 50 milliliters three times a day.

Collection to eliminate inflammatory processes in the oral cavity. Take oak bark, oregano and marshmallow, finely chop all the ingredients and pour twenty grams of vegetable collection with 500 ml of boiled water. Set aside for twenty minutes, filter. Use this infusion to rinse your mouth.

Wind farm collection. Combine chamomile with oregano, grind and brew ten grams of raw materials in a glass of boiling water, boil in a water bath for ten minutes, filter. Drink 200 ml of medicine twice a day: in the morning and in the evening.

Application of plant juice. Squeeze the juice of the grass with a juicer and use a spoonful of medicine several times a day to treat: paralysis, convulsions, rheumatism, atony, flatulence, constipation, colds. Helps improve digestion, normalize the menstrual cycle. Outwardly, it is recommended to use it for healing abscesses, eliminating skin rashes, as well as pain in the head.

Preparation of anti-cold tea. Brew the dried and crushed plant in a liter of boiling water, place on the stove and simmer for five minutes. Remove the tea from the stove, cover with a towel and infuse for ten minutes. You can add chopped onions, milk or cream to this remedy.

Collection for the treatment of gynecological ailments. This tool helps to eliminate bleeding and leucorrhoea, normalize menstruation, treat endometritis. Take chamomile, mistletoe, acacia, oregano, leaves blackberries, oak bark, nettle, yarrow, raspberry leaves, finely chop all the ingredients and brew fifteen grams of the plant mixture in a liter of boiling water, set aside for half an hour. Drink 100 ml of the product no more than three times a day.

Plant collection will help in the treatment of hypertension. Combine dried and chopped oregano with finely chopped: adonis, astragalus, sweet clover, mistletoe, hawthorn, clover, mint, hops, cudweed and horsetail. Thoroughly mix the raw materials and pour twenty grams of boiled water, then leave to brew for two hours. Use half a cup twice a day.

Phytocollection will improve sleep and normalize the functioning of the central nervous system. Take crushed plants: oregano, mint, motherwort, lemon balm, initial letter and valerian, mix and pour twenty grams of raw material with boiled water. Set aside for twenty minutes, strain and take 50 milliliters of infusion four times a day.

Oregano flowers will eliminate toothache. Pick the flowers of the plant, wash, attach to the aching tooth, chew or just hold in your mouth. After literally ten minutes, the pain will subside.

Treatment of colds and migraines. For these purposes, it is recommended to use the powder of dried leaves and flower baskets. Grind the ingredients to a powdery consistency and sniff for rhinitis or headaches.

Oregano oil will help in the treatment of stomach ulcers. Pour twenty grams of finely chopped oregano herb with olive or sunflower oil, put in a dark, cool place for a week. After the time has passed, strain the remedy and use three drops before meals.

Contraindications!

Despite the versatility of the medicinal properties of oregano, it is strictly forbidden to use products based on it for pregnant women, since the substances contained in the plant help stimulate the contraction of the uterine tone, which can provoke a miscarriage.

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Small pink-lilac flowers that grow freely in our forests are not only a natural decoration, but also a real cure for numerous diseases. It is interesting to note that it is actively used not only in Russia, but also in many other countries. Pavda, for example, in Europe it is more often used precisely as a spice and is called "oregano". So Italians cannot imagine their favorite pizza dish without this fragrant spicy spice. In our country, in most cases it is called "oregano" and is used for medicinal purposes.

Folk healers note that the discussed plant is “female” or “motherly” because it helps a lot with a variety of women's problems. But for the representatives of the stronger sex, such weed can also bring some benefits.

Application

To begin with, it is worth noting that the grass under discussion is a honey plant, therefore it is used in cooking in two forms - as honey and as a seasoning for a variety of dishes.

But the main scope of its application is, of course, traditional medicine. "Female" grass is able to prevent the development of various inflammations, stop the blood, has expectorant and analgesic properties. It is also used in the treatment of bronchitis and colds, in particular as a diaphoretic drug.

Even official medicine has recognized oregano, as a result of which this herb can be found in some healing natural preparations prescribed for bronchial asthma, various gynecological problems, as a sedative, as well as to get rid of excess weight and cleanse the body as a whole.

After all, this plant, common in our country, is able to calm the central nervous system, helps fight insomnia and nervous disorders. Even with headaches and a bad mood, you can easily and quickly help yourself with the help of oregano.

The list of useful properties of weed is simply huge. It is used in the form of decoctions, tinctures, oils, and even in its pure form. For example, with hypertension, doctors prescribe herbal infusions with oregano to be consumed internally. The same medicine helps with problems with the stomach and intestines.

Alcohol tinctures of oregano help a person fight even such a terrible disease as tuberculosis, and also contributes to the rapid and painless healing of wounds.

By the way, it is used not only internally, but also externally. For example, a special compress from the plant in question or washing the skin with its decoction will help get rid of a skin rash. Newborns with some health problems (for example, with rickets or scrofula) are even completely bathed in such decoctions. These procedures are also indicated for adults. If a rash appears on the skin, then a bath with a decoction of oregano will be the first remedy for solving such a problem. Washed with a similar agent and wounds, and also make compresses for boils and eczema.

And many of the fair sex wash their hair with such a decoction so that their hair grows faster, is smooth, manageable and silky.

As for the oil of the herb under discussion, it is actively used to treat the body with paralysis. In this case, the patient is completely rubbed with such oil, and also bathed in a decoction of oregano.

But fresh grass is chewed, for example, in order to strengthen teeth and get rid of caries and tartar.

Why is oregano tea good for medicinal purposes?

Anyone who cares about their health should get into the habit of pampering themselves with oregano tea from time to time. This drink is very beneficial for the human body. For example, it can replace a variety of harmful and dangerous sleeping pills and help you quickly get rid of excruciating insomnia. To do this, it is enough to drink a cup of fragrant tea before going to bed.

In addition, this herb is a champion in the content of vitamin C, which is important for each patient, so you can drink it simply as a means to strengthen immunity, as well as to prevent colds and various infections. This is especially true in the cold season.

Such tea will also be useful for high blood pressure, and, in addition, for pain in the stomach and intestines.

Benefits for Women in Gynecology

From ancient times, folk healers knew that oregano is able to save the fair sex from numerous gynecological diseases. For example, such an herb is able to relieve a woman of severe pain during menstruation, as well as restore a broken cycle of menstrual bleeding.

In addition, it increases the formation of milk during lactation, and after the birth of a baby, it helps a woman return to normal life as soon as possible, including helping to restore the uterus and normalize the menstrual cycle.

It is believed that oregano can help teenage girls who have underdeveloped genitals and breasts. In general, many women are sure that it is possible to increase the bust with the help of the weed under discussion. But during pregnancy, it is strictly forbidden to use it.

During menopause, oregano will help relieve unpleasant painful hot flashes, get rid of migraines and calm the nervous system.

Medicinal properties for men

Folk healers note that oregano is useful only for those representatives of the stronger sex who have problems with alcohol. If you drink tea with this herb regularly, then the person will decrease the craving for drinking alcoholic beverages. But it should also be said about the other side of the coin. Along with the craving for alcohol and men, sexual desire also disappears. Due to the excessive use of such herbs, impotence may even develop.

Contraindications and harm

Before you begin to deal with any health problems in this way, you should carefully study what contraindications oregano has.

First of all, the grass under discussion is strictly prohibited for expectant mothers. After all, it has an exciting effect on the smooth muscles of the uterus, which can lead to miscarriage. In addition, the list of contraindications includes age up to 16 years.

You can not use oregano as a medicine in the following cases:

1. With various diseases of the heart and blood vessels.
2. With gastric and duodenal ulcers.
3. With increased gastric secretion.
4. If a person is hypersensitive to this drug or if they are allergic to grass.

It is also very careful to such a remedy should be treated during the period of breastfeeding. This is not prohibited, and some mothers are even useful. But still, it is worth consulting with a specialist first.

Video: All about oregano

From June to September, pinkish-lilac flowers of oregano delight fans of field and forest bouquets. Golden time for herbalists and connoisseurs of good, fragrant tea. Oregano has long been used for brewing, which acquires many useful properties.

About the benefits of oregano

This plant is recognized as medicinal. In our country, it grows everywhere except for the Far North. She loves to "settle" in sunny forest clearings, on hills and open meadows.

At present, the number of this species of oregano has significantly decreased, and in many regions of Russia, harvesting of the plant is limited. During flowering, grass and flowers are richest in vitamin C, tannins and essential oils. The aroma of the plant is extraordinary!

Healing properties of oregano

Origanum vulgaris is a part of pharmaceutical preparations, it shows its medicinal properties in many diseases, both in combination therapy and on its own.

Oregano is a powerful natural sedative. Teas and decoctions from it easily cope with anxiety, nervousness, bad mood, insomnia. An infusion of oregano herb in combination with St. John's wort or meadowsweet helps with exacerbation of anacid gastritis, digestive disorders, and weak intestinal tone. It is very useful for people with stagnation in the gallbladder to drink tea with oregano, because. This plant facilitates bile excretion.

Infused oregano, taken shortly before a meal, increases appetite, helps in the absorption of food, regulates the acidity of the stomach (especially indicated for those who have low acidity).

In folk medicine, oregano is saved at high pressure, since the herb has a diuretic effect. Gargling with infusion of oregano relieves sore throat, reduces inflammation in the tonsils with sore throat. The medicinal plant is used in the home treatment of bronchitis, cough, asthma - oregano has an expectorant effect. It is used to treat menstrual disorders.

The diaphoretic effect of oregano is perfectly manifested in fever, it helps to reduce the temperature from critical to optimal numbers.

Outwardly, weed is applied to wounds and cuts - a slight hemostatic effect is wonderfully combined in oregano with antiseptic.

An infusion or essential oil is added to relaxing aromatic baths. By the way, the skin after such procedures glows with beauty and youth, because oregano contributes to the renewal of dermal cells.

Oregano extract is included in the time-tested drug Urolesan, which exhibits healing properties for kidney stones and urinary tract, problems with the biliary tract.

You can not use oregano and even add to tea during pregnancy, because it has an abortive effect.

Application in nutrition

Oregano is a popular spice synonymous with Oregano and is found in many spice mixes for meat, chicken, fish and other dishes.

In addition to tea, oregano is added when making homemade kvass (for flavoring) and when pickling cucumbers (they turn out to be especially crispy and appetizing smelling).

To drink tea with health benefits, oregano is recommended to be brewed together with other plants: strawberries, blackberries, mint, chokeberry. Fragrant leaves are often added to homemade alcoholic drinks.

Healthy Recipes

Oregano leaf tea with blackberry

Young leaves of oregano and blackberries (can be replaced with raspberries, currants) after harvesting are dried on a newspaper - under the sun and in the air. Then dried at a temperature of 40 degrees in the oven. In whole or crushed form, fall asleep in paper bags and store in a dry place. For brewing in a ceramic teapot, take a spoonful of the collection for 3-4 cups of boiling water. Drink with honey or sugar.

Cooking kvass with oregano

Kombucha can be insisted not on tea, but on an infusion of oregano. At the same time, the infusion retains all the beneficial properties, harmoniously combined with the benefits of kombucha. The combination of oregano and kombucha is especially interesting and useful for kidney diseases.

In the case of classic kvass, take 10-15 g of finely chopped raw oregano per 1 liter of bread kvass. Oregano is wrapped in a two-layer gauze bag (sterile) and lowered into a container with a drink at the peak of its fermentation. Then they take it out of the finished kvass. The drink strikes on the spot with a marvelous aroma, pleasant and refreshing taste!

Hello, my dear friends - lovers of traditional medicine! Today, the subject of our conversation will be oregano - the healing properties and contraindications of which we will learn from this article.

The Latin name of the plant sounds like Origanum, but in Russia this herb with small pink flowers is affectionately called oregano for its pleasant, fragrant aroma. But in dried form, we know it precisely as oregano - an excellent seasoning for many meat dishes.

Oregano grows almost throughout the entire territory of our country, although North Africa and Asia are considered the birthplace of the herb. This is a perennial plant with a straight stem, which has a tetrahedral branched shape in the upper part and blooms in inflorescences of small pink-lilac flowers. Flowering time - July and August, until the first decade of September. It was then that the grass accumulates the maximum amount of useful essential oils, and therefore it is recommended to collect medicinal raw materials during this period.

Oregano grows in large numbers in meadows, forest edges and mountain slopes. Garden oregano looks great, planted in the flowerbeds of personal plots - its cheerful, colorful flowers will perfectly decorate any yard or greenhouse. And the presence of a persistent smell allows the plant to be used for the preparation of various incense, for example, for the manufacture of church incense. In ancient times, it was believed that the smell of oregano drives away evil spirits, so it was often used in various rituals from witchcraft and the evil eye.

You can see what this fragrant herb looks like in the photo.

Herb oregano medicinal properties and contraindications

Herb oregano has not only unsurpassed medicinal properties, but also some contraindications.

The main feature of the plant is the high content of essential oil in it - up to 1.5%.

Oregano oil is a very valuable product, which includes:

• Phenols - up to 40%;
• Organic compounds sesquiterpenoids - up to 12%;
• Free alcohols - up to 15%.

If these chemical terms mean nothing to you, just believe me - oregano essential oil is very useful. It has been successfully used in the treatment of various skin diseases, it soothes inflamed joints and muscles, helps with toothaches, relieves spasms and has a strong antihistamine property.

In addition to these substances, the leaves of the plant contain ascorbic acid, flavonoids, tannins, fiber.

All these beneficial properties of oregano are used with great efficiency for the prevention and treatment of various painful conditions.

Medicines based on it help a person to quickly cope with such health problems:

1. Infectious diseases - the plant works as a natural antibiotic and speeds up the healing process.
2. Inflammation of the oral region (gingivitis, stomatitis) - in this case, the action of tannins and antibacterial substances contained in the leaves has a positive effect.
3. Infusions and teas with oregano have a calming effect on the nervous system, relieve tension and stress.
4. The antihistamine characteristics of the herb make it safe to use for people prone to allergic reactions.
5. Oregano has strong antimicrobial properties, thanks to which you can quickly cure eczema and other skin ailments.
6. In diseases of the bronchi, decoctions from oregano are prescribed as an excellent expectorant that removes sputum.
7. The plant has a beneficial effect on the work of the gastrointestinal tract, stops painful spasms and improves appetite.
8. In some cases, oregano is used as a prophylactic to reduce the risk of developing oncology.
9. Essential oil is indispensable for therapeutic massage. It quickly penetrates the skin, relaxes muscles and relieves cramps.

Fresh and dry oregano is brewed like tea or more concentrated infusions and decoctions are made. Alcohol tinctures are made from the flowers and leaves of the plant. Externally, weed is used in the form of lotions, ointments and soothing baths.

Contraindications to the use of oregano are:

• Individual intolerance to the components;
• Severe form of hypertension;
• Pregnancy and lactation;
• Childhood.

Also, with caution, you need to use drugs based on oregano for people with diseased blood vessels, as well as for patients who suffer from renal or gastric colic.

Before engaging in herbal medicine, it is necessary to carefully study the herb oregano - medicinal properties and contraindications, so that unexpected side effects do not exceed the benefits expected from the procedure.

Since ancient times, oregano has been considered a “female” herb; it is not for nothing that one of its popular names sounds like “mother”. Most oregano recipes are used to treat gynecological ailments in women.

Let's take a closer look at what role oregano plays in gynecology and obstetrics, what are its medicinal properties and contraindications for women.

Infusions and teas from the motherboard are successfully used in the treatment of such female diseases:

• Cervical erosion;
• painful menstruation;
• Failure of the hormonal cycle;
• Unpleasant conditions during menopause - oregano reduces the duration and effect of the so-called "tides";
• Postpartum uterine bleeding.

The main contraindication for the use of oregano is pregnancy at any time. Very important - even a single dose of a decoction or tincture from this plant can cause strong uterine contractions and provoke a miscarriage!

And there is also a belief that lotions with weed on the chest help a woman become the owner of beautiful and magnificent forms.

The medicinal properties and contraindications of oregano for men are based on its ability to calm the nervous system, relieve pain and help with muscle strain. This property of the plant is especially valuable for people involved in sports, as it helps to bring the body back to normal after hard training.

It is believed that the regular addition of oregano to food reduces cravings for alcohol.

However, there are also serious contraindications that can become an obstacle for men to use teas and decoctions from oregano:

• Long and systematic use of the motherboard leads to a decrease in sexual desire and can bring a man to complete impotence;
• It is not necessary to drink infusions with oregano for ulcers and patients who have been diagnosed with increased acidity of the stomach.

If a man has such problems, it is better to limit himself to the external use of lotions and compresses with oregano, abandoning other dosage forms.

Oregano medicinal properties and contraindications for children

Oregano medicinal properties and contraindications for children has a rather limited scope. The use of phyto-recipes in the treatment of babies should be very dosed, as it can cause not only a positive effect, but also unforeseen negative consequences.

In relation to oregano, this criterion should be even more stringent, since the plant is able to influence sexual development, slowing it down in boys, and vice versa in girls, artificially stimulating it. This property of the herb makes it impossible for children to use it. It is not necessary to give the child tea or an infusion of oregano, so as not to harm the fragile body.

Oregano - application:

And now let's find out what is the effect of drugs based on oregano with specific examples. I will tell you a few recipes where the use of oregano has shown quite effective results in various areas of our lives.

• in gynecology

Women who suffer from an unsteady menstrual cycle can be advised the following recipe: 1 tablespoon of dried oregano leaves brew half a liter of boiling water and let it brew in a ceramic dish under the lid for about one hour. It is even better to prepare a drink in a thermos - at a constant high temperature, the beneficial properties of the plant will be revealed to the fullest. To normalize the hormonal background, it is enough to drink half a glass of infusion three times a day before meals.

• during pregnancy

The use of oregano during pregnancy is contraindicated. The plant increases the tone of smooth muscles, which can lead to dangerous consequences. In order to avoid the risk of fetal loss, it is allowed to use the plant only in the lowest concentrations as part of general strengthening herbal preparations.

• for colds and coughs

A warm decoction has proven to be excellent in the treatment of colds. It is especially effective to brew St. John's wort and oregano. Both of these medicinal plants have a powerful diaphoretic effect, which normalizes fever, and a large amount of vitamin C contained in their leaves helps the body cope with the disease faster.

Take oregano and St. John's wort in equal parts of 100 grams, pour one liter of hot water and boil in a water bath under a lid for about 10 minutes. Let it brew for a few hours. Strain and drink half a cup 3-4 times a day.

In order to make it easier to separate sputum, take a herbal collection consisting of oregano, mint, sage, pine buds and elecampane root. Brew with boiling water and take it inside several times a day until the condition is relieved.

It is very useful to do inhalations with oregano and eucalyptus oil - the antimicrobial effect of plants suppresses the inflammatory process, and the essential properties “soften” breathing.

• for the nervous system

To soothe frayed nerves, stabilize nighttime sleep and relieve depressive states, an evening tea with oregano and valerian, sweetened with a spoonful of honey, is the best choice. You can simply add these herbs to the tea leaves (it is better to use green tea), or you can make an independent drink. Half a glass of dry leaves of the mother plant and rhizomes of valerian, pour a liter of boiling water and insist under the lid for a day. Strain and take before bed. If the taste turned out to be too saturated, dilute the broth a little with boiled water.

• with dermatitis

For those who suffer from atopic dermatitis, taking an oregano bath can be a good way to relieve skin inflammation. It is quite simple to do this - put 100 grams of dry grass in a gauze bag and add it to a hot bath. So the plant will give up its beneficial properties, but will not get on your skin. To enhance the effect, it is recommended to drink infusions with oregano for at least 7-10 days.

• for the digestive system

In case of bloating, inflammatory processes of the mucous membrane of the stomach and intestines, try to alleviate the condition with the following folk method: add 2 full tablespoons of dry grass to 200 ml of warm boiled water, insist in a water bath for 15 minutes, let it brew under the lid for 45 minutes, strain and drink two on an empty stomach half a glass once a day. Treatment to spend one week.

• in cosmetology

The cosmetic properties of oregano allow any woman to improve her complexion, make her skin more elastic, and her hair soft, without resorting to expensive procedures and store-bought preparations. The mother perfectly cleans pores and accelerates cell regeneration, thereby literally restoring youth to our skin.

Decoctions and oil of the plant are used in the fight against such unpleasant phenomena as seborrhea and dandruff, and a mask with oregano has a positive effect on hair growth and improves their appearance. Do you want your skin to become firm and clean? Use this folk recipe: pour 5 tablespoons of grass with one liter of boiling water, boil over low heat for about 5 minutes, let it brew in a sealed container, filter, pour into ice molds and place in the freezer.

If in the morning, instead of traditional washing, you make it a habit to wipe your face with cold herbal cubes, the result will not be long in coming. The skin will acquire an even pink tint, fine wrinkles will disappear, and the face will simply “shine” with health and beauty.

To improve the condition of the hair, it can be recommended to rinse with a decoction of the plant - this will strengthen the hair follicles and give the hairstyle splendor and volume.

Oregano (oregano, mother) is a wonderful aromatic herb that has taken its rightful place both as an excellent seasoning for various dishes, and as a remedy for many ailments, and as a cosmetic product. The reviews of numerous fans of herbal medicine confirm that oregano - the healing properties and contraindications of which I revealed in my story, will come to your aid in a variety of situations.

Watch your health, friends! Treat folk recipes with respect, study the beneficial properties of plants, share useful information on social networks, and I will reveal to you the secrets of more than one amazing herb growing right under our feet. See you soon!

Oregano (lat. Origanum vulgáre) is a perennial herbaceous plant of the labiatae family (Labiatae), up to 90 cm in height.

The stem is erect, branched in the upper part, tetrahedral, softly pubescent, from 30 cm to 90 cm high. The leaves are oblong-ovate, pointed at the apex, petiolate, opposite, dark green with translucent glands, 1 - 4 cm long.

The flowers are small, fragrant, reddish-lilac or pinkish-lilac, collected at the ends of the branches in a corymbose-paniculate inflorescence. The fruit consists of four bare, brown or brown nuts, sitting in a calyx. Blossoms in July - August, fruits ripen in August - September.

Oregano has a pleasant smell reminiscent of the well-known thyme plant (Thymus vulgaris L.).

It grows in sparse coniferous and mixed forests, on edges, clearings and clearings, on upland meadows, rocky slopes. It grows more often in groups of several plants. Oregano is widely distributed throughout Europe, in Western and Central Siberia, and Central Asia.

Other names: oregano, dushmyanka, dushnitsa, wind color, bee-lover, motherboard, forest mint, fleabane, upland bone-breaking grass, bug grass, amulet.

Collection and preparation of oregano herb

Oregano is harvested during mass flowering and full opening of flower buds (June-August). At later dates of collection, the content of the essential oil, and consequently, the quality of the raw materials, decreases.

When harvesting, the tops of oregano are cut off at a height of 20-30 cm from the ground. Despite the fact that oregano is often found in our forests, it should not be uprooted when harvesting - this undermines the raw material base.

Dry the grass outdoors in the shade or in well-ventilated areas. Raw material dries much faster in special dryers with forced ventilation with air heated to 35-40°C. Drying temperatures above 40°C may volatilize essential oils.

Drying is considered complete if the stems break when bent. The smell of raw materials is fragrant, the taste is bitter-spicy, slightly astringent, tart. Store oregano separately from other medicinal plants.

When storing dried plants as a whole, their shelf life is one year, and if the dried grass is rubbed and put in a hermetically sealed container, then the shelf life increases to three years. Harvesting of oregano ordinary in the same places can be carried out no earlier than after 2 years.

Biochemical composition of the plant

Oregano contains substances that have a beneficial effect on the human body - flowers, leaves and stems contain:

• tannins;
• ascorbic acid;
• bitterness;
• flavonoids and phytoncides.

This plant has a very strong pleasant smell due to the high content of essential oil.

Oregano is among the champions in terms of vitamin C content - 565 mg% in leaves, about 170 mg% in flowers and about 60 mg% in stems. Seeds contain up to 28 mg% fatty oil.

Oregano is a part of dietary supplements, breast, carminative and diaphoretic preparations, on its basis combined drugs are prepared, which are used to treat the liver and gallbladder, with renal and hepatic colic, are added to cough syrups, drops and tablets to improve sleep and treatment of depression, nervous disorders.

Also in pharmacies there is oregano essential oil, which is used to treat skin problems, for aromatherapy and herbal medicine.

Oregano has antispasmodic and analgesic effects and is used for stomach cramps, gastritis, intestinal pain, duodenal ulcers and gallbladder diseases, for the treatment of colitis and enterocolitis, helps with constipation and relieves flatulence.

Oregano infusions have analgesic, wound-healing and antiseptic effects and are used for rinsing the mouth with toothache, stomatitis and gingivitis, and throat with tonsillitis. From the infusion and decoction, inhalations are made for sinusitis, tonsillitis, laryngitis.

The use of oregano in medicine

Dry grass is used for insomnia - a canvas bag is filled and placed next to the pillow, oregano calms the nervous system, promotes fast falling asleep and improves sleep.

Oregano is used to treat women's diseases - it regulates menstruation with a delay, increases menstrual bleeding and stabilizes the menstrual cycle.

Used for delayed puberty in girls. Infusion douche in inflammatory processes.

In obstetric and gynecological practice, oregano infusion is used for amenorrhea, as a lactagon remedy.

General and local baths with infusion have an antiseptic, wound-healing and restorative effect, they are used for pustular skin diseases, diathesis, neurodermatitis, eczema, vitiligo and gynecological diseases.

In homeopathy, the essence is used for hysteria, erotomania, nymphomania, vegetovascular dystonia and menopause.

Oregano is used by official medicine. Oregano extract is part of the drug Urolesan (Urolesanum), used in urological practice for renal and hepatic colic.

Flowers, leaves, stems of oregano are used as a spice when pickling mushrooms, cucumbers, pickling cabbage, tomatoes, cucumbers, as an aromatic seasoning for soups and second courses, as well as for flavoring wines, drinks, liquors, beer, bread kvass.

It is widely used in home baking: in buns, flat cakes, and gingerbread with oregano is an incomparable dish.

Oregano herb treatment - traditional medicine recipes

The most common medicinal preparations from oregano are decoctions, teas and infusions of herbs.

Infusion of oregano prepare as follows: 2 teaspoons of chopped herbs are poured with a glass of boiling water, closed, insisted for 15-20 minutes, filtered, drunk warm 15-20 minutes before meals, 1/2 cup 3-4 times a day.

Decoction of oregano. Take 2 teaspoons of herbs, pour 1 glass of hot water, cover the dishes with a lid and put in a water bath. Heated for 15-20 minutes, cooled, filtered and consumed in the same way as an infusion.

breast tea. Take 1 tbsp. a spoonful of a mixture of 2 parts of marshmallow root, 2 parts of coltsfoot leaves and 1 part of oregano, pour 2 cups of boiling water, leave for 15 minutes, filter and drink 1/2 cup warm every 3 hours after eating.

diaphoretic tea. Take 2 tbsp. tablespoons of a mixture of 2 parts of dried raspberries, 2 parts of coltsfoot leaves, 1 part of oregano herb, pour 2 cups of boiling water, leave for 15 minutes, filter and drink hot 3 times a day for 1/2 cup.

Windmill fee. Take 1 tbsp. a spoonful of a mixture of 1 part of chamomile flowers and 1 part of oregano herb, pour 1 glass of boiling water, place in a water bath and boil for 5-7 minutes, cool, filter and take 1 glass in the morning and evening.

Anti-inflammatory collection for external use (for rinsing the mouth and throat). Take 2 tbsp. spoons of a mixture of 6 parts of common oak bark, 4 parts of oregano herb, 1 part of marshmallow root, pour 2 cups of boiling water, leave for 15 minutes, filter, cool and use warm to rinse the mouth and throat several times a day after meals.

Oregano herb juice taken for rheumatism, paralysis, convulsions, epilepsy, pain in the intestines, with reduced secretion of gastric juice, atony and bloating of the intestine, with constipation, to stimulate appetite, improve digestion, for colds, menstrual disorders and other gynecological diseases.

The juice of the plant has an analgesic, tranquilizing, hemostatic and deodorizing effect. Externally used for skin rashes, furunculosis, abscesses, headaches. Included in balms and ointments - for neuralgia, rheumatism, paralysis, cuts, toothache and earache.

Oregano juice is squeezed from flowering grass. Take 1 tablespoon with honey (1:3) 3 times a day 15 minutes before meals.

Oregano tea. Origanum ordinary, dried or just collected, cut into small stalks and put in a kettle, pour boiling water and put on fire for 1-2 minutes. Then, in order for the tea to brew better, remove it from the heat, cover with a towel and leave for several minutes. If desired, during boiling, you can add a few small pieces of finely chopped onion to the kettle.

This tea is drunk with milk and cream. It is very good for colds.

Oregano contraindications

Despite a wide range of useful properties, oregano is categorically contraindicated during pregnancy, as it stimulates the contraction (increases the tone) of the muscles of the uterus, which can lead to abortion.

Since ancient times, this herb was considered exclusively female properties. On the contrary, men were not recommended to get involved in teas and infusions from this plant, referring to its ability to reduce sexual desire.

Caution should also be taken to its use by people suffering from severe heart disease. In this case, prior consultation with a specialist is recommended before use.