Here's an artical that I thought was good - maybe you haven't seen it before!

It is not just for pizza any more

Origanum vulgare is the Latin name that identifies the oregano plant, other names for which are: Mountain Mint, Wild Marjoram, and Wintersweet. In a recent telephone interview with Better Nutrition, noted herbalist and botanist Christopher Hobbs, L.Ac., stated that oregano is enjoying a resurgence of popularity.

Hobbs, a fourth-generation herbalist and author, cited the herb's antioxidant, antiviral, and antibacterial properties. Hobbs says that he, personally, prefers to use the whole herb, brewed into a tea. However, oregano is also available as an, essential oil and in capsule form.

Oregano's key compounds

The antioxidant, antibacterial, and antiviral properties of oregano may be attributable to its content of rosmaric acid, carvacrol, and thymol.

In his book, The Green Pharmacy, James A. Duke, Ph.D., reminds us that of the more than 100 plants in the mint family, oregano shows the greatest antioxidant potential. Subscribing to the theory that many diseases are caused by the biological damage done by free radicals, one can see how an antioxidant has the ability to impact a wide variety of diseases.

Historically, oregano has been used in the treatment of indigestion, rheumatoid arthritis, urinary tract infections, headache, and painful menstruation. Note: Oregano should be avoided during pregnancy.

Oregano vs. Candida

Oregano is remarkably effective against fungi. In a 1996 article, Michael Murray, N.D., reported the results of a study in which the anti-Candida activity of oregano oil was found to be 100 times more potent than caprylic acid, a naturally occurring short-chain fatty acid often used to treat Candida overgrowth.

Some herbalists and naturopathic practitioners regard oregano to be as powerful as "famous" herbs, such as goldenseal and echinacea, in terms of antibacterial and antiviral potential.

Robert Atkins, M.D., recounts an interesting experience he had relating to oregano. While visiting Holland, in the midst of a grueling schedule, he developed a severe upper respiratory infection. Luckily for him, he was a guest of two complementary physicians, who gave him a few drops of oregano oil in a teaspoon of olive oil.

He said he knew almost immediately, that it was going to work. Within a few hours, all of his symptoms were improved, and he was able to resume his taxing schedule. Later, he replicated his own experience, using the oil of oregano on some of his patients. They, too, experienced the same resolution of their cold/flu symptoms.

Latest findings

A study recently completed, at the University of Tennessee, explored the ability of marinades containing various oils to neutralize nine food-borne microbes, including Staphylococcus aureus and E. coli. Twelve different household spices were used in the study. The spices were tested on fish because of its high tendency to spoil and to be contaminated by pathogens. Oregano was the most effective in eliminating all pathogens, followed by oils of coriander and basil. Lab results remained consistent throughout the study. Further research is planned at this university to determine which component of the oil has the desirable effect.

Yes, there are threads with lots of posts about it on the forum about it. Use the Search button to locate them

Oh, I should have said, I know about OoO from all the posts here, I've read about 90% of them, but I thought it was cute about the Dr. Atkins story!