Oregano

Scientific name: Origanum vulgare

Description: Oregano is an aromatic herb in the mint family sometimes referred to as "wild marjoram" in Europe and is closely related to the herb sweet marjoram. It can be use as fresh, dried or as an oil and is considered a staple herb in many cuisines around the world. The leaves of oregano are oval and are covered with glandular trichomes (plant hairs). The aroma and flavor of the leaves are far greater when the herb is dried than when the leaves are fresh.

Health Benefits:
Oregano contains chemical compounds such as carvacrol, thymol, limonene, pinene, ocimene, and caryophyllene which has antispasmodic, carminative, cholagogues, diaphoretic, expectorant, stimulant, and mildly tonic properties. Its decoction is used for the treatment of colds, influenza, mild fevers, indigestion, stomach upsets, dysmenorrhea and are known to have disease preventing and health promoting properties.  It is high in carvacrol and thymol considered antioxidants that can help prevent damage to cells caused by free radicals and have remarkable bacteria-fighting power. Oregano is a natural form of omega-3 fatty acids which help in preventing atherosclerosis, heart attacks, and strokes. It is also have high content of manganese, calcium, iron, vitamin K and fiber.

Medicinal properties and benefits:

1. Anti-inflammatory Properties

Oregano contains beta-caryophyllin (E-BCP), a substance that inhibits inflammation and may also be beneficial for conditions including osteoporosis and arteriosclerosis.

2. Antifungal, Antibacterial and antiviral.

Oregano oil can effectively protect the body against many of these fungal, bacterial and viral infections. Carvacol and thymol are powerful antimicrobials. Oregano contains carvacrol, thymol, cymene, caryophyllene, pinene, bisabolene, linalool, borneol, geranyl acetate, linalyl acetate, and terpinene.

3. Rich in Antioxidants

One active agent in oregano is rosmarinic acid, which is a strong antioxidant that supports immune system health.

4. Colds/Cough

The  carvacrol content induces sweat production as a mode of detox as well as get rid of unwanted phlegm in your lungs.

5. Osteoporosis/Good for the bones

Vitamin K is a fat-soluble vitamin, so your body stores it in fat tissue and the liver. It is important for bone growth, maintaining bone density, and the production of blood clotting proteins while calcium is necessary for the formation of bones and teeth.

Ginger

Scientific name: Zingiber officinale

Description:

Ginger is a tuber grown for its pungent rootstock which is popularly used as condiment, spice or medicine.  Ginger is also a useful food preservative.  Turmeric, cardamom and galangal (Thai ginger) are members of this plant family.

Health Benefits and Medicinal use:

This familiar kitchen ginger can be processed into ginger brew powder, tincture, oil or syrup preparations.  These preparations are employed in various ailments as cough, colds, sore throat, dyspepsia, colic and high blood pressure.  It is also use as analgesics and antiseptics.

Ginger promotes the production of bile and is thus contraindicated in people suffering from gallstones.

Alleviates High Blood Pressure and Useful for Treating Heart Disease – Ginger have blood thinning and cholesterol lowering properties.  It also improves and stimulates circulation and relaxes the muscles surrounding the blood vessels thus facilitating the flow of blood throughout the body.

Diarrhea caused by E.coli – Ginger’s active compound Zingerone destroys the bacteria E.coli.

Ginger relaxes the stomach and relieves the feeling of nausea caused by seasickness, morning sickness and chemotherapy.

Brewed Ginger Tea is a remedy for colds. While Ginger ale and ginger beer are said to be used for indigestion.

Ginger is generally recognized as safe and is sold as an unregulated dietary supplement.
Adverse effects include allergic reactions, bloating, gas and belching when taken in powdered form.

Parts Utilized:

Fresh or dried rootstock

Indications and Directions for use:

1.    Morning sickness, Seasickness, Nausea and vomiting.
 Chew a piece of fresh or dried ginger to prevent motion and morning sickness.

2.    Common cold and Sore throat
Make a Ginger Tea by boiling chopped ginger and adding sugar.  You can add honey instead of sugar and also put in a sliced orange or lemon.
3.    Headache, muscle and joint pains
Slice a ginger. Heat or roast it and apply directly over the affected part.   It can also be applied as a paste to the temples to relieve headache.

4.    Acute Bacillary Dysentery
Thoroughly pound a fresh ginger and add brown sugar.  Mix well to form a paste-like mass.
   
5.    Rheumatism, Sprain
Heat oil filled with chopped ginger (5:1).  Massage oil unto affected part.


THOUGH THE CONTENT OF THIS BLOG HAD BEEN TRIED & TESTED AND HAD BEEN USED AS FOLK/HERBAL MEDICINE IT IS STILL BEST TO CONSULT YOUR DOCTOR.