Oregano (Origanum vulgare) is a well-known culinary herb that is commonly used to flavor Mediterranean cuisine, as well as a variety of other dishes. This aromatic plant also has many potent medicinal properties.
Studies have shown that oregano is effective against a variety of pathogens, including various strains of bacteria, yeast, and some fungi — many of which cause illnesses in humans and animals. One study evaluating the effectiveness of oregano against various strains of bacteria found that oregano had stronger antimicrobial activity than the antibiotic it was being compared with (Özkalp et al., 2010; Singletary, 2010).
Research has also demonstrated that oregano has an anti-inflammatory effect and may be beneficial for modulating immune response (Singletary, 2010).
It also has antioxidant properties and has been shown to have a beneficial effect on the nervous system. Animal studies have indicated that it has promising anti-depressant effects and may be helpful when coping with stress (Singletary, 2010).
Ginger (Zingiber officinale) adds extra warmth and medicinal benefits. It can be helpful for easing congestion, sore throat, and cough (de la Forêt, 2017).
Honey is antimicrobial and soothing. Studies show that it can be helpful for reducing the symptoms of upper respiratory illnesses, and may shorten the duration by a day or two. In particular, researchers have found that honey helps lessen the frequency and severity of coughs (Abuelgasim et al., 2021).
This infused honey is a great way to benefit from the healing properties of oregano, ginger, and honey. Keep a jar on hand for the colder months, when illness can be more common.
Ingredients:
- 3 Tbsp powdered oregano
- 1 Tbsp powdered ginger
- 1 cup honey
Directions:
Add honey to a jar and stir in the herb powders. You can enjoy the honey immediately, if desired. As the herbs infuse into the honey, the flavor will deepen. Because the herbs are powdered, there’s no need to strain this infused honey.
Add a spoonful of oregano-ginger honey to hot water for an quick, soothing beverage or use it to sweeten & boost the healing properties of your herbal teas. It can also be stirred into lemonade, added to salad dressings or marinades, or paired with cheese for a tasty appetizer.
References
Abuelgasim, H., Albury, C., & Lee, J. (2021). Effectiveness of honey for symptomatic relief in upper respiratory tract infections: a systematic review and meta-analysis. BMJ evidence-based medicine, 26(2), 57–64. https://doi.org/10.1136/bmjebm-2020-111336
de la Forêt, R. (2017) Alchemy of Herbs. Hay House, Inc.
Özkalp, B., Sevgi, F., Özcan, M. and Özcan, M.M. (2010). The antibacterial activity of essential oil of oregano (Origanum vulgare L.) Journal of Food, Agriculture & Environment, 8(2): 272-274. http://probotanic.com/pdf_istrazivanja/OriganoPDF/Antibakterijska%20aktivnost%20esencijalnog%20ulja%20divljeg%20origana.pdf
Singletary, K. (2010) Oregano: Overview of the Literature on Health Benefits. Nutrition Today, 45(3):129-138. http://dx.doi.org/10.1097/NT.0b013e3181dec789
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