Oregano Stops Inflammation of Lupus, Rheumatoid Arthritis

Over the last couple of years turmeric has become a darling of nutrition researchers. One particularly important study showed the spice reduces inflammation in mice. Curry all around was the conclusion, since there is no toxic dose associated with turmeric. Asian cuisine basked in the healthy glow of the research.

Not to be outdone, the herb oregano is giving a similar boost to Italian foods and pizza sauce. A 2008 study completed by Swiss researchers (?!) shows that oregano is an ultimate inflammation fighter. The active ingredient, betacaryophyllin, helped seven out of every 10 mice to recover from inflamed paws.

The study was published here in the U.S. in Proceedings of National Academy of Sciences, marking a significant mainstream mile for the herb—and for betacaryophyllin, abbreviated as E-BCP, which is also plentiful in black pepper (“yes, I would like fresh-ground pepper on my salad”), rosemary and cinnamon (also found in research literature to be a regulator of bad cholesterol). Plus, basil, so those Italians clearly know how to stem inflammation too.

Reducing chronic inflammation is no small thing, as it is increasingly associated with leading to heart attacks and sits at the root of autoimmune disorders including diabetes, lupus, rheumatoid arthritis and multiple sclerosis among others. One promising discovery is oregano and E-BCP could well work to prevent the immune system for overacting and attacking itself, which is at the core of autoimmune disorders.

And there’s more. The Swiss scientists reported that lab findings suggest that oregano could well hold off the bone degeneration associated with osteoporosis. While not part of this study, the researchers speculated that E-BCP could address inflammation of the bowel associated with Crohn’s disease.

The new research doesn’t surprise those of us who have discovered oil of oregano, especially as a cold and flu remedy. Natural-health conscious parents say five drops in a bit of water, then gargle with it, stops a sore throat in its tracks. The oil has a strong, bitter taste, so you might want to mask it for kids.

Health practitioners who work with essential oils will point to the triple-threat potency of oil of oregano, identifying it as antibacterial, antiviral and antifungal. European herbal research consistently shows oregano as one of the most potent for immune-boosting properties.

The oil of oregano products are important to keep in mind because what might be labeled “oregano” in a dried herb products can actually be Spanish marjoram, which is clearly not oregano. You want to look for sourcing information to identify the herb as wild oregano, which is typically grown in the Mediterranean region. Essential oil, of course, distilled the plant down to a concentrated and therapeutic form. Be savvy about where and how you get your oregano and health rewards await.

And probably even better tasting pizza sauce.

By Bob Condor, AHJ Editor -- Published: May 21, 2009
Bob Condor blogs for Alternative Health Journal every Monday, Tuesday, Thursday, Friday and Saturday.
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