Medicinal Herbs ... of the 19th Century: Golden Oregano

Oregano

Medicinal Uses:  antiseptic, stomach and respiratory ailments, anti-fungal, antibacterial, cancer.

Oregano is one of those herbs that most everyone knows and loves. Pizza, lasagne, pastas ... and the list goes on and on. Who doesn't love the Italian food so richly spiced with oregano and basil and marjoram?

But in recent years, there have been some studies conducted on the medicinal qualities of oregano and a naturally occurring compound within the herb. And they've found some pleasing results, especially to those of us who love Italian food. 


Oregano is an herbaceous perennial herb that grows to about 20 inches tall sporting pink flowers that typically bloom late July through September and have pointed olive green leaves that are opposites. Golden Oregano is also part of the mint family and delightfully, is attractive to butterflies.


Early medicinal uses for oregano were detailed by Hippocrates. It was used antiseptic as well as stomach and respiratory ailments. Often oregano leaves were used in poultices and applied to muscle pain or insect bites. It is high in antioxidants and has shown antimicrobial activities against strains of listeria.


A 2008 British study reported in the UK's Daily Mail found that miniscule amounts of a naturally occurring compound in oregano called carvacrol can, "Sterilize septic water, kill giardia, treat fungal infections such as candida and rivals pharmaceutical antibiotics such as streptomycin and penicillin in its ability to eliminate microbes.

Preliminary research into the oil found that tiny doses are capable of wiping out fungi and bacteria, including MRSA."


In 2012, new studies continue to sustain previous research into how beneficial carvacrol can be to our bodies. They also indicate that oregano may also extend beyond its ability to fight bacteria.  New research from Long Island University is showing that the compound found in oregano is effectively eliminating cancer cells; most specifically that of prostrate cancer.

“We used various concentrations of this drug and we were happy to see that caused complete inhibition of cell growth,” said Supriyah Bavadekar, professor in the College of Pharmacy and Health Science center at Long Island University.

"Bavadekar’s team is still running tests on carvacrol, but preliminary reports have revealed that the compound is an extremely potent anti-cancer agent – eliminating nearly all the prostate cancer cells it was tested against," says Fox News.

Read more from Good Living's Medicinal Herb Series.

Medicinal Herbs ... of the 19th Century: Valerian Root

Valerian Root

Medicinal Uses: sleep disorder, anxiety, headaches, depression, IBS.

Valerian Root is one of the herbs I was least familiar with in the 1860 Kitchen Garden of Champoeg State Park. However, when I looked at its common names, I was quite surprised.

Common names for Valeriana officinalis are Valerian, all-heal and garden heliotrope.

One of my very favorite garden flowers I have long used in window boxes is heliotrope for color, texture and its sweet fragrance.  I had no idea of its other uses. In fact, as early as the sixteenth century, flower extracts of garden heliotrope were used as perfume.

Medicinally, oil extracts from the dried root of the Valerian has been used for centuries, dating back to Ancient Greece and Rome. In fact, Hippocrates, often wrote of its healing properties. It was commonly administered for sleep disorders and anxiety.

Today, Valerian is still used to treat sleep disorders, anxiety, and other conditions as well. It is used for headaches, depression, irregular heartbeat, trembling and irritable bowel syndrome (IBS). It acts almost like a muscle relaxant or sedative and is considered safe to use for short periods of time, four to six weeks, especially as a sleep aide.

Most commonly, you can find Valerian in supplement form, liquid extracts, and tea.

For more information on Valerian, visit the National Center for Complimentary and Alternative Medicine. 

Read more from Good Living's Medicinal Herb Series.

Medicinal Herb Gardens ... of the 19th Century: Sage

Sage

Medicinal Uses: inflammation of mouth and throat, indigestion, menopausal symptoms, boost memory, and improve mood.


Yesterday, I promised to begin a series of the medicinal uses for herbs found in a historically accurate 1860's herb garden and see what research shows today that might either verify it as an essential herb for today's herb garden, or shows that it should be eliminated.

Sage is one of the most common herbs found in culinary herb gardens. I love its swede like texture, the greenish gray leaves. And while I must admit, turkey always comes to mind when I think about this herb, it actually has a varied and diverse history. In fact, sage wasn't even used for food flavoring until the 17th century.

This herb is a member of the mint family and is best used as a fresh herb when its aromatic flavors are heightened. Its flavor has been described as a combination of rosemary, pine and mint. When dried, its flavor is more camphoric.

Historically, sage was used as fertility treatments in Egypt and in ancient Greece, a solution was made using sage and water to clean sores and ulcers and to stop bleeding. It was also thought to extend life.

Today, sage is often used for mouth and throat inflammation, indigestion and sweating. It is also thought to alleviate menopausal symptoms in some women. There also is a small study that validates the use of sage to improve mood and boost memory, especially in healthy young people. It also has shown positive results in another clinical study where it showed enhanced thinking and learning abilities in older adults with mild to moderate Alzheimer's.

This plant is used in the following forms: dried leaves, liquid extracts, and essential oils.

Women who are pregnant or breast feeding should not take this for medicinal purposes.

For more information on sage and others herbs, the government website at the National Institutes for Health is a great resource.

Click here for more information on sage.

Preservation: Sage can be stored fresh in the refrigerator in ziplock bags for two weeks, frozen for two months, or dried whole and crushed just before using.

Medicinal Herb Series