The oregano herb is being widely used worldwide for its healing and medicinal purpose. According to the National Library of Medicine, health products and medicines containing oregano are beneficial in treating aching muscles, asthma, skin sores, cramping, indigestion, diarrhea, and colds. Additionally, oregano is known to help boost immunity and overall health of an individual.

Here are some of the health benefits of the oregano plant as backed by science.

• Oregano is known to be an antioxidant. This means that it can help eliminate free radicals in the body and prevent diseases caused by these harmful toxins, such as cancer and heart disease.
  
  
• Oregano may help fight bacteria and viruses. Based on several laboratory tests, oregano has been found to block certain types of bacteria and even stop their growth. Additionally, thymol and carvacrol compounds, which are found in oregano, are known to have antiviral properties.
  
  
• Oregano can help reduce inflammation, which is the body’s natural response to certain illnesses or injuries. Inflammation also leads to chronic health conditions, such as heart disease, diabetes, and autoimmune diseases. As it is known to have high amounts of antioxidants, oregano can alleviate inflammation and prevent certain types of diseases.
  
  
• While oregano leaves and extracts are often taken orally to relieve certain health problems, including cough, asthma, headache, and high cholesterol among others, applying oregano oil to the skin is also found to be beneficial. Some skin conditions that oregano helps address include acne, dandruff, warts, wounds, and athlete’s foot.

Although more in-depth studies and researches are required, scientists have found some evidence that oregano can also help improve blood sugar, regulate lipids, and fight cancer.