Page 117 - Lost Book Remedies

The Lost Book of Herbal Remedies

Oregano, Yeast and Other Fungal Infections: Oregano
oil is a powerful antibacterial, antiviral, and antifungal.
Origanum vulgare It is also an anti-inflammatory, which helps in healing.
It inhibits the growth of Candida, the yeast that
most often causes yeast infections. Car-
There are many different varieties of ore-
gano; all are medicinal but vary in the vacrol and thymol are the main compo-
amounts of beneficial compounds. nents that treat yeast infections and pre-
The most potent oregano is said to venting them from spreading.
come from Greece and I find that Use Oregano Tea or Tincture
plants grown in the summer heat once or twice daily to treat in-
seem to be more potent. It is in the ternal yeast infections and for
Lamiaceae (Mint) Family. external use, use a tea wash or
use well-diluted oregano oil.
Identification: You’ll find oregano The diluted essential oil is effective
growing in most herb gardens and you against toenail fungus, athlete’s foot, other fungal in-
may already use it in cooking.
fections, and ringworm.
If you are unfamiliar with it, look for bright-green, op-
posite oval leaves that are slightly hairy. It is a sprawl- Skin Problems: Oregano contains antioxidants
ing perennial plant that, like its relative mint, can take and anti-inflammatories that are beneficial to healing,
over an area. The plant grows close to the ground, reduce the signs of aging, heal blemishes, and reduce
reaching 8 to 32 inches (80 cm) tall. Each leaf is 1/2 to the appearance of scars. They neutralize the free radi-
1 1/2 inches long. The flowers are purple and tiny, cals in the skin that cause wrinkles and age
growing on erect spikes above the leaves. spots and they improve skin elasticity.
Cancer: In addition to the beneficial
Edible Use: Oregano is used as a culinary herb
to flavor many types of foods, especially in anti-inflammatory benefits and immune
Mediterranean dishes. boosting effects of oregano for fighting
cancer, the carvacrol in oregano has an-
Medicinal Use: For medicinal titumor properties that slow the growth and
use, oregano can be used as an reproduction of cancer cells and promotes can-
herb in food, used as a tea, as a cer cell death.
tincture, or as an essential oil. The
essential oil is very concentrated Heart Healthy: Oregano Tea contains omega-3
and should be diluted in a carrier oil fatty acids and helps improve cholesterol levels. It
before use. It is antiviral, antibacterial, is also beneficial for the heart in other ways, helping
and antifungal. Oregano is used internally prevent atherosclerosis, heart attacks, and stroke.
to treat infections and externally to treat Stimulates Metabolism and Weight
skin problems and fungal infections. Loss: Oregano stimulates the metabolism causing

Boosts the Immune System and Anti- the body to burn more calories. It can increase energy
viral: Oregano contains a wide range of antioxidants, levels in some people and can help you lose weight.
anti-inflammatory, and anti-infectious properties that Prevent Illness or Speed Recovery: When
help the immune system heal the body faster. It con- household members are sick, I often use Oregano Tea
tains vitamins A and C, as well as other compounds or Oil of Oregano to prevent the spread of the illness
that are beneficial in boosting the immune system. and to speed recovery of those who are ill. Best to use

It helps relieve stresses on the body and stimulates the at the first sign of illness.
immune system to produce white blood cells, which Bronchial Infections, Asthma, and Coughs:
defend the body against bacteria, viruses, fungi, and Add oregano oil to water and create a facial steam for
cancerous cells. loosening congestion and treating bronchial

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