11 Health Benefits and Uses for Oregano

Oregano is one of the most versatile and potent herbs. Its wide-reaching and research-documented therapeutic properties make it the herb of choice for what ails you. Here are 11 health benefits of oregano:

ANTIBACTERIAL AGENT

Research reported in the journal Microbial Ecology in Health and Disease showcased oregano’s effectiveness against Klebsiella oxytoca and Klebsiella pneumonia. These bacteria can infect the skin, wounds, throat, gastrointestinal tract, urinary tract and particularly the lungs.

ANTI-STREP SENSATION

In addition to the effectiveness against the bacteria mentioned above, research published in the journal Frontiers in Microbiology showcased the effectiveness of oregano against antibiotic-resistant strep infections, particularly strep throat. This study used oregano essential oil, which is a particularly potent extract of the oil components of the plant.

SUPER ANTIOXIDANT

Dozens of sources show that oregano has demonstrated significant antioxidant activity, making it effective in preventing or alleviating many health conditions caused or aggravated by the presence of free radicals in the body. 

GLAUCOMA PREVENTER

Free radicals are involved in the eye condition glaucoma, which causes damage to the optic nerve and can result in vision loss or blindness. If glaucoma runs in your family or you have been diagnosed with the condition, it is best to incorporate plentiful amounts of antioxidants, and particularly oregano, in your diet.

ARTHRITIS ANTIDOTE

Because of its anti-infectious and antioxidant properties, oregano can be helpful in the treatment of both rheumatoid and osteoarthritis. While infections have only been implicated in rheumatoid arthritis, both types of arthritis benefit from oregano’s potent antioxidant activity.

BLOOD PRESSURE BALANCER

According to the research of the renowned herbalist James Duke, author of The Green Pharmacy, oregano contains seven natural compounds that reduce high blood pressure, making it a great regular dietary addition for anyone suffering from the condition.

CANCER INHIBITOR AND FIGHTER

While oregano hasn’t been studied extensively for use against cancer, preliminary studies published in the Journal of Medicinal Food showed that the compound 4-terpineol found in oregano was effective at inhibiting the spread of cancer. In an article in the journal Food and Chemical Toxicology, researchers reported that oregano particularly targeted liver cancer cells to destroy them.

ASTHMA AID

According to James Duke, oregano contains four anti-asthma compounds. The oil or tincture should be ingested, not inhaled, when used for asthma. Actually, it is important not to breathe too deeply when using oregano with asthma, especially the essential oil, since the powerful aromatic compounds can initiate a cough reflex that can temporarily aggravate asthma.

EMPHYSEMA AND LUNG INFECTION REMEDY

James Duke identified six compounds in oregano that help to expel mucus from the lungs (expectorants), making the herb an excellent choice for treating emphysema or lung infections. These expectorant compounds also work on mucus in the sinuses, so you might find oregano helpful in treating sinus infections as well.

VIRUS, PARASITE, WORM KILLER

Oregano is a powerfully antiseptic plant, thanks to the compounds known as carvacrol and rosmarinic acid. In one study against a variety of viruses including the herpes viruses, researchers found that oregano had high antiviral activity against most of the viruses tested. Unlike antibiotic drugs, which act only against bacteria, these compounds work against bacteria, viruses, fungi and even parasites like worms, making oregano a well-rounded antiseptic for your natural medicine cabinet.

CANDIDA FUNGAL FIGHTER

New research in the medical journal MicrobiologyOpen found that oregano worked against 6 different strains of candida fungus. Candida are harmful fungal infections linked to intestinal, vaginal and systemic infections.

Oregano is available in fresh or dried herb, essential oil, capsule or tincture formats. Add the fresh or dried herb to your soups, salads, stews, curries or other savory foods. Follow package directions for essential oil, capsule and tinctures.

The herbal super drug is as close to the fountain of youth as you can get

In recent years the medical community (and now all of us) have become increasingly aware of the importance of hormones and healthy hormonal functions in our body.  They regulate everything from our overall daily mood to how we age over decades.  Basically since puberty, hormones dictate much of how our body looks and feels.  For instance, look at the hormone cortisol.  Cortisol is released into our body as a result of stress.  It causes inflammation and oxidative stress when released.  Unfortunately, triggers for the release of cortisol are not limited to fight and flight kinds of stress.  

Daily life, encounters with toxins from processed foods and chemical cleaning products all create stress on the body that triggers the release of cortisol, leading to hormonal imbalance (Adrenal Fatigue), increased weight retention and a higher risk for diabetes and heart disease.  Most of the conventional products that claim to control hormones, such as cortisol, contain unnatural ingredients with potentially harmful side-affects.  Wouldn’t it be great if there was a natural solution? 

The answer is Ashwagandha Root.  Used for thousands of years in India and Africa, this herbal super drug is as close to the fountain of youth as you can get.  Also know as Indian Ginseng, this powerful root does much more than just increase immunity (which it does quite well) it also can slow the aging process, leaving you looking youthful and energetic longer.  The specific thing that makes Ashwagandha such a powerful anti-aging substance is the fact that it is a Adaptogen, which means, it can adapt (increasing or lowering hormonal production) to what the body needs.  If you are stressed out, or have hyperthyroid issues such as Graves Disease, Ashwagandha will work to lower hormonal production.  However, if you suffer from lower hormonal production, such as men aging and producing less testosterone or Hashimoto’s disease (hypothyroid issues), Ashwagandha will work to raise hormonal production.

   

 

For this reason, Ashwagandha can be used to treat a variety of debilitating conditions such as:

• Immune Deficiency
• Low Energy
• Stress
• Anxiety and/or depression
• Diabetes
• Inflammation
• Acne
• Sexual potency
• Stamina and vitality
• endurance

Ashwagandha and Cancer

One potentially amazing possibility for the future of Ashwagandha is a role in cancer prevention and treatment.  While there are no human study’s yet conducted to confirm it’s direct role in treating cancer, tests conducted on rodents and patient testimonials indicate positive results.  Ashwagandha’s immune boosting and antioxidative properties are essential for both reducing cancerous cells from forming and spreading.  The same properties help current cancer patients on chemo therapy, as the poisonous chemicals used in the treatment can destroy a patients immune system, often leading to sickness and even life ending infections.  Cancer patients also indicate greater energy levels when they are taking a daily dose of Ashwagandha.

The traditional method of consuming Ashwagandha is to add 5-10 mg to a cup of warm milk (substitutes such as nut milks or a smoothie are acceptable modern adaptations).  You can also purchase capsules and other ways to ingest it.  Regardless, make sure to purchase GMO free, Organic Ashwagandha to ensure the highest amount of safety and efficacy.

The Medication that Causes More Liver Failures than All Other Medications Combined.

Did you know that in the U.S. alone last year, acetaminophen (branded Tylenol) was responsible for over 100,000 calls to poison control centers?  Tylenol is responsible for about 56,000 visits to the Emergency room annually and also receives credit for around 450 deaths each year due to liver failure.  A little know fact is that acetaminophen causes more liver failures than all other medications combined.

  

However, liver failure associated with the use of acetaminophen should not be new news to anyone.  However, what is probably new to most is the growing amount of evidence that indicate acetaminophen may actually have negative side-affects on our brain!

  

Tylenol Causes Brain Damage

A joint study conducted by the University of Toronto and the University of British Columbia is the leading official neurological study looking into the mental affects of Tylenol.  Researchers explain that since pain and decision making (especially when evaluating what to do after a mistake) are both handled in the same part of the brain, acetaminophen might affect both (since we know it affects pain).  When researchers asked test subjects to choose the correct target between two choices in rapid succession, they tested the brain response in that area of the brain.  When a mistake was made, those who took acetaminophen showed less brain reaction and stimulus after making a mistake.  If the results are accurate, it could mean that cognitive control and ability is impaired when taking acetaminophen.

Expecting mothers should be acutely aware of the dangerous side-affects of all medications they take, including Tylenol.  There are currently at least 8 published medical studies (2 of them in JAMA pediatrics, 2014 and 2016) warning about the risks of using Tylenol during pregnancy.  All study’s indicate long term neurological damage to infants who’s mother took acetaminophen during pregnancy.  Also, be aware that the leading manufacturer of acetaminophen (Tylenol) in the U.S. acknowledges that not one of the tests conducted to evaluate the safety of Tylenol in infants tested at brain function.

Of course further tests and evaluations need to be conducted to better understand the potential impacts of acetaminophen on brain activity.  However, given it’s well established history of causing liver damage, we should all be extra cautious about using this product for pain as it may be damaging a lot more than your liver!

The Surprising Reason Why Some Kids Are Shorter

Depression doesn't just hurt--it stunts growth, according to a new study published in the journal Pediatrics.

Mothers who suffer from depression the first year of their child's life are more likely to have shorter kids, based on findings by researchers at the Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health.

Pamela Surkin, an associate professor at the university, led a team of researchers in analyzing data of over 6,000 mothers and babies through the course of four years. They discovered moms with moderate to severe depression nine months after their children were born, were 50 percent more likely to have shorter kids by the time they turned five. 

Surkin believes the side effects of postpartum depression are at the root of her results. 
"We hypothesize that the main link between maternal postpartum symptoms of depression and child height is through care-giving behaviors, perhaps by means of feeding practices or through these mothers' reduced abilities to get help for their sick children when they are sick," Pamela J. Surkan, the study's lead researcher and an assistant professor at the Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health, tells Yahoo! Shine.International studies over the past decade have shown moms with PPD have difficulty picking up cues and bonding with their young children, which can make it harder to catch when something is physically wrong with a child. 

Also compromised are "feeding practices, most especially breastfeeding, sleep routines and well-child visits and vaccinations," according a 2010 University of Miami Medical School review of PPD's effects on kids. Because malnutrition is a major factor in stunted growth, those missed moments of care-giving could have long-term repercussions on a child's physical development. 

Surken and her team looked at data of 6,550 moms and kids. Nine months after having a child, 17 percent of mothers reported moderate to severe symptoms of depression. A little over four years later, nearly 50 percent their children were at or below the 10th percentile in height for their age group. 
What's the big deal about being short? "We know from other research that child height is an important health indicator related to later morbidity and mortality as well as educational outcomes," Surken tells Shine. 

If your parents are small, she says, that's probably a genetic outcome and not a sign of poor health. "But if the reason you're in the 10th percentile is because you lacked nutrition or because you had a number of illnesses over the course of your early childhood that weren't treated properly, that is a problem," Surkan explained to HealthDay News. 
An estimated 1 out of 5 women will suffer from PPD, but as many as 85 percent suffer in silence because of the stigma surrounding the illness or a general lack of awareness of the condition. 

Mild symptoms like anxiety, feelings of inadequacy and insomnia are hard to separate from the overwhelming situation at hand--new motherhood. But more serious depressive symptoms like loss of appetite, inability to do everyday tasks and a blunted emotional bond with your child, can be a sign of a mental and physical imbalances associated with PPD. Left untreated, the effects can be devastating. 
Past research has linked PPD in moms to cognitive impairment and physical health problems in their children. But treatment—through medication, hormone therapy or counseling—can make a difference. 
Surken's own research suggests as much. About 24 percent of moms she studied reported only mild symptoms of depression (often called "baby blues") at the nine month mark of motherhood. Their kids showed the same disparity in height at age four. But by five, they had largely caught up with their peers, indicating that mom's restored mood, or at least her milder symptoms early on, are less damaging. It's also an indicator of the impact a parent's mood can can have on the health of her child—for better or worse. 

The Fit Fridge: 10 Foods That Make You Healthier

The foods and nutrients found in your refrigerator can have a far greater effect on your health than the prescription pills sitting in your cupboard. In essence, your refrigerator is the local pharmacy right in your own home.

The Diabetes Prevention Program, a large-scale clinical research study that pitted diet and lifestyle changes against drugs in preventing Type 2 diabetes, made this nutrient power evident. The people in the study who received diet and lifestyle counseling experienced nearly twice the reduction in their risk of diabetes than those taking diabetes medication. This difference was so great that the researchers stopped the study early

But in the pantheon of healthy and nutritious fare, some options are superstars, with potentially powerful and diverse effects on your health -- no prescription required.

Salmon

Salmon is a potent dietary source of the heart-healthy omega-3 fats EPA and DHA. Despite what you may have heard, farmed salmon actually contains more omega-3 fats than wild salmon. Salmon is also a smart choice of fish because it contains low levels of mercury. EPA and DHA have profound effects on heart health, ranging from decreasing triglyceride levels -- an independent risk factor for cardiovascular disease -- to reducing the risk of sudden death from heart attacks by almost 50 percent. Salmon can be a versatile protein and omega-3 source in your diet. Enjoy smoked salmon as a snack or in an omelet. You might also choose to broil, bake or poach salmon filets for lunch or dinner. And if you're in a pinch, canned or packet salmon is a portable source you can add to salads without needing a refrigerator to keep it fresh.

Chia Seeds

Chia seeds -- yes, from the famous Chia pet -- have emerged as a health-boosting powerhouse. One tablespoon of chia seeds contains five grams of fiber, while you'd need two tablespoons of flaxseed meal to get the same amount of fiber. One tablespoon of chia seeds has approximately 2.4 grams of the plant-based omega-3 fat, alpha-linolenic acid, also found in flaxseed meal. Chia seeds contain chlorogenic acid, an antioxidant that may help improve blood sugar control. You can find chia seeds in the health food section of your local grocery store, usually near the flaxseed. Adding chia seeds to your diet is simple. Mix them into yogurt, add 1 tablespoon to a protein shake or stir them into oatmeal for an extra infusion of fiber and antioxidants.

Blueberries

Blueberries are one of a limited number of fruits with its origins in North America. A berry with a long history, researchers estimate that blueberries have been around for 13,000 years. They were a long-time staple of native American foragers, used for nutritional and medicinal purposes. Blueberries have also been shown to fight America's silent killer, high blood pressure. Eating the equivalent of 2 cups of blueberries each day for eight weeks can lower blood pressure by 6 percent, according to a 2010 study in "The Journal of Nutrition." Blueberries, like raspberries, are just as nutritious fresh as they are frozen. Top a bowl of Greek yogurt with blueberries and raw cashews for a simple, high protein, high antioxidant breakfast, or have a bowl of blueberries after dinner for a naturally sweet dessert.

Raspberries

Blueberries are often touted as the ultimate healthy food, but raspberries contain a nutrient profile that should not be forgotten. One cup of raspberries has more than two times the fiber of one cup of blueberries. Raspberries have an antioxidant capacity -- a rating scientists use to determine the amount of antioxidants in foods -- greater than strawberries, kiwis, broccoli, leeks, apples and tomatoes. Research with black raspberries has shown that raspberries can fight DNA damage and the production of inflammation producing proteins in your body.

Depending on where you live, raspberry season usually lasts from the end of May to August. But you don't have to be limited to eating raspberries only during this time. Frozen raspberries are available year round and contain levels of nutrients comparable to freshly picked raspberries. Raspberries are naturally sweet and are perfect for dessert after dinner, on top of a spinach salad with sliced almonds and grilled steak during lunch, or in a smoothie for breakfast.

Kimchee

Kimchee is a traditional Korean dish consisting of fermented vegetables, mainly cabbage. The fermentation of the cabbage to make kimchee fosters the growth of probiotics such as lactobacilli, the same healthy bacteria found in yogurt. In addition to the probiotics to support healthy digestion, eating kimchee can also aid in weight loss. Researchers from Ajou University School of Medicine found that daily consumption of kimchee improved insulin levels and reduced body fat percentage. You can find kimchee in the Asian section of your local grocery store or you can make your own. Eat kimchee as a side dish or incorporate it into an Asian-inspired stir fry.

Broccoli

Perhaps you remember broccoli as one food that your parents forced you to eat as a child. But your parents were onto something: Broccoli is arguably one of the most nutritious foods you can eat. It is a low-carbohydrate, high-fiber food, making it perfect for weight loss. In addition, broccoli contains two compounds -- indole-3-carbinol and diindolylmethane -- with powerful anti-cancer capabilities, especially effective against breast, prostate and ovarian cancers. Fresh or frozen, raw or cooked -- it doesn't seem to matter how you eat your broccoli. Just eat it.

Spinach

Spinach is your nutrition utility player because of its broad spectrum of nutrients. Spinach contains 18 different vitamins and minerals, ranging from iron to vitamin A. When looking to get more spinach into your diet, purchase triple-washed and bagged baby spinach. Baby spinach has a sweeter taste and is more tender than regular spinach. Spinach is versatile, so don't limit yourself to just salads. Stuff an omelet with wilted spinach and feta cheese for a nutrient-packed breakfast. You can easily increase the number of servings of vegetables in your day by adding a handful of baby spinach to a smoothie. Baby spinach has a mild flavor that blends in well with the berries found in most smoothies.

Cottage Cheese with Live Cultures

Cottage cheese is a cheese curd product that is high in casein, a dairy protein that is absorbed slowly by your body, fueling muscle. In addition to its high levels of casein, cottage cheese contains live cultures, or probiotics, that play both functional and nutritional roles.The live cultures are needed to manufacture cottage cheese.. Nutritionally, probiotics help repopulate your intestinal tract with good bacteria that promotes healthy digestion and may play an important role in the treatment and prevention of colon cancer. While cottage cheese contains only small amounts of lactose, it can still be too much for those with lactose intolerance. For those who face this problem, lactose-free cottage cheese is readily available. You can eat cottage cheese as a stand-alone snack or combined with berries, flaxseed meal and cashews for breakfast or a light lunch.

Walnuts

People have been eating walnuts for thousands of years, with reports of growing walnut trees dating as far back as the Roman empire. Researchers from the University of Oslo in Norway found that walnuts contain more antioxidants than 1,111 other foods tested, second only to blackberries. Antioxidants play an important role in our bodies by fighting molecules called free radicals, which if left to their own devices can accelerate signs of aging and cardiovascular disease. In order to maintain the highest level of freshness, walnuts should be kept in the refrigerator. Walnuts can be added, along with blueberries, to Greek yogurt for a nutritious and fast breakfast. They can be added to a smoothie because they have a neutral flavor and won't settle to the bottom of your blender like almonds.

Omega-3 Eggs

Omega-3 eggs are the nutritionally-upgraded versions of the eggs you usually eat. By feeding chickens omega-3-rich food, the eggs they lay contain more omega-3s. One omega-3 egg can contain 150 milligrams of the omega-3 fat DHA, the long chain omega-3 fat that is essential for optimal brain function. Omega-3 eggs are found next to regular eggs, but look for the omega-3 label. Free-range or cage-free eggs are not necessarily omega-3-enriched eggs. Try scrambling two or three omega-3 eggs with a bit of reduced-fat cheddar cheese, half a diced tomato and one chopped scallion. Serve the egg mixture on a sprouted-grain English muffin for a fast, portable and nutrition-packed breakfast.

7 Reasons To Have Fish Oil

Fish oil is one of those wonder foods that is being much talked about by health experts. It is among the top 5 healthy oils that are known to us. We all know that fish oil contains tons of good cholesterol. However, there are many more health benefits of fish oil other than controlling your cholesterol levels. People often have many misconceptions about this healthy oil. Lets break the myths first.

What is Fish Oil?
This oil is derived from the tissues of fatty or oily fish. Fatty fish we do not literally mean fish that are fat. Fatty fish are bigger fish like whale. The oil extracted from these fish are not used for cooking but eaten as vitamin tablets. It is usually available in translucent capsules.

Here are some reasons to have fish oil regularly.

1. Betters Your Lipid Profile: Lipid profile is a blood scan to know the types of lipids (fats) present in your bloodstream.. Triglyceride is a lipid that is very harmful for your heart. The omega-3 fatty acids in fish oil helps in reducing triglyceride.

2. Oily Way To Slim Down: Could you actually believe that an oil will help you lose weight? But this oil does help you slim down by preventing the pre-fat cells from becoming fats. Thus it slows down the process of putting on flab.

3. Kills Depression: This oil is great for your mood. EPA is an anti-inflammatory substance present in fish oil that is very good for raising your spirits. It also helps in curing post-partum depression.

4. Relieves Aches & Pains: As we just said, this oil has EPA that reduces inflammation in the body. The health benefits of this oil includes relieving joint pain in adults. Women tend to develop some form of calcium deficiency pains. This oil can help in relieving post-menopausal bone ache.

5. Great For Asthmatics: One of the most bizarre treatments for asthma is to swallow a whole live fish. We don't know if that works but the oil extracted from seafish certainly helps in curing asthma. It has been seen that kids who grow up on a diet rich in fatty fish, tend to have lesser occurrences of respiratory disorders.

6. Protection Against Cancer: Cancer is the worst killer disease in the 22nd century. So, if there is anything that we can do to protect ourselves against cancer then we should do it. The omega-3 fatty acids in this oil helps us to get protection against cancer.

7. Would-Be Mom's Diet: This oil is sometimes prescribed to pregnant women. This is because the DHA present in this oil helps to develop the eyes and brain functions of the unborn child.

These are some of the most vital health benefits of fish oil. Other than these health benefits it also gives you glowing skin and lustrous hair.

How Do Mobile Phones Affect our Brain?

There are always two aspects to the same thing, one positive and one negative. But what if the negative aspects of a particular thing are far more than the positive? What do you think you must do then? A mobile phone is very useful as it helps you communicate with people in many awkward situation and places. But at the same time there are many health hazards of mobile phone usage. Mobile radiation adversely affects the brain. Let, us see how.

Toxins- Excessive use of mobile phones breaks the safety barrier in the blood stream. This in turn results in the release of harmful toxins into the human brain. The blood brain barrier is formed by the endothelial cells lining inside the blood vessels of the brain. An overuse of mobile phones leads to the formation of a gap between these cells. The toxic substances in the blood can affect the neurons in the brain. Such conditions might even cause cerebral oedema (water retention in the brain).

Cancer- There is a rising debate on whether mobile radiation can cause severe damage in the structure of brain cells. The heat and radiation produced by the mobile phone causes a change in some chemicals in the brain cells. This might or might not prove to be harmful. But, researches show that if you talk over the phone for more than 50 minutes or so this results in a much higher rate of brain metabolism. As a mobile significantly affects the brain function it is better to avoid using it for too long a time.

Impairs Memory- Do you know the electro-magnetic field that is created by a mobile phone radiation may impair our memory. That is why it is always suggested to keep the antennae away from your brain while you are talking over a mobile phone. It has been proved that the frequencies produced by a mobile phone hinders with the memory and the ability to remember.

Headache and Fatigue- Mobile significantly affects health conditions of a human being. The radiations produced by a mobile phone affects the brain. Over usage of a mobile affects the brain cells so much that you might even have a headache or suffer from fatigue after a long call. The radio waves that are emitted by a mobile puts stress on the brain cells and thus is extremely harmful.

All of the above are the reasons as to how a mobile phone affects the brain. It is thus advisable not to use it for too long or else it might cause significant and irreversible brain damage.