Oregano is a perennial plant belonging to the family Lamiaceae. On the territory of the Russian Federation grows everywhere. Also widely distributed in the USA, the Mediterranean, Europe. The grass has a tetrahedral stem about 60 cm high, oblong whole-edge leaves and small flowers collected in inflorescences. It is actively used in traditional medicine, cooking, cosmetology. Oregano, the medicinal properties and contraindications to the use of which are discussed in the article, is one of the most popular medicinal plants today.
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Oregano: medicinal properties for women
Oregano is considered a female herb, since the substances contained in it can in some way affect the functioning of the female urogenital system.
Among the pharmacological effects that allow the use of oregano preparations in the treatment of gynecological diseases include:
- the ability of the grass to normalize the menstrual cycle;
- increased contractility of smooth uterine muscles;
- the calming effect of decoctions of the plant;
- antiseptic effect of oregano;
- lactogonous effect.
In addition to the above, the components of the plant in question are able to improve bowel function, normalize the digestion process and the excretion of waste products. Indirectly, it also affects the work of female urogenital structures.
What diseases does it help?
The main indication for the use of the plant in gynecology is oligodysmenorrhea, a pathological and regular delay in the onset of menstruation.Oregano grass has a stimulating effect on the smooth muscles of the uterus, which enhances its contraction and accelerates the onset of the necessary physiological processes.
The second mechanism contributing to the normalization of the cycle is the hormone-like effect of oregano preparations. The composition of the herb includes components that resemble the female sex hormones in chemical structure, which compensates for the lack of these substances and stabilizes the menstrual cycle.
Oregano is also able to stop neurotic conditions, which often occur in women during the period of premenstrual cyclic syndrome. Decoctions based on it have a calming effect on the nervous system, reduce the level of psychoemotional stress and the severity of vegetative-vascular manifestations of PMS.
Among the indications for the use of oregano by women include not only menstrual irregularities, but also inflammatory diseases of the external genitalia. Decoctions and infusions of the plant are used in the form of douching to combat infectious processes, prevent postoperative complications, relieve inflammation and swelling.
The benefits and harms of pregnancy and lactation
The use of drugs based on oregano during pregnancy is strictly contraindicated. The fact is that grass has a pronounced stimulating effect on the muscles of the uterus. This leads to an increase in her contractility and creates a threat of miscarriage. Women who risked consuming oregano during gestation often end up in obstetric hospitals with uterine hypertonicity and lose their baby.
When breastfeeding, oregano can be used to stimulate the formation of milk. The plant actively affects lactogenic mechanisms due to irritation of the corresponding brain structures. Unfortunately, this method of enhancing lactogenesis is not safe for the child. Substances contained in the grass are excreted in breast milk and may affect the baby’s body.
Note: the use of oregano to increase milk production is possible. However, before this, you should consult with your doctor and carefully evaluate the potential benefits and risks for the child.
Oregano in gynecology
In gynecology, oregano can be used locally or as a means for oral administration. Local use of herbal decoctions is indicated for inflammatory diseases of the vagina, external genital organs, urethra (in particular, its external outlet). Often rinses are used to prevent genitourinary infections after invasive medical procedures or unprotected sexual intercourse.
Reception of decoctions and infusions of grass inside is made if it is necessary to achieve a systemic effect.
Indications include:
- delayed menstruation;
- increased nervousness and PMS;
- insufficient milk formation during breastfeeding;
- insufficient contractility of the uterus;
- hormonal disorders.
Decoctions of the plant are not completely safe. Their illiterate and unreasonable reception can lead to the development of negative effects.
Proper Use and Dosage
The preparation of herbal decoctions for oral administration can be carried out in two ways: in a water bath or by ordinary boiling.
- Water bath: 6 grams of chopped and dried oregano is poured into 200 ml of water heated to 30 ° C. Next, the mixture is placed in a water bath, incubated for 15 minutes, removed and insisted for half an hour. After that, the solution is filtered and cooled to an acceptable temperature. Take the product should ½ cup, shortly before meals, twice a day. The course of treatment is 2-3 months.
- Classic broth: 6-3 grams of dry raw material is poured into 250-300 ml of water, and then put on a slow fire. The mixture must be brought to a boil and boiled for 10 minutes. Next, the broth is cooled and the solid fraction is filtered.The resulting liquid is taken 100-150 ml 2 times a day, 20 minutes before meals. The course is 2 months.
Oregano for topical use is prepared in the form of water infusion. To cook it, you should take 3 grams of chopped herbs, pour 200 ml of boiling water and insist for two hours. Next, the mixture is filtered and used to wash the pathological focus. The duration of the course is until the symptoms of the disease disappear. If improvement does not occur after 7 days of applying the infusion, it is recommended to choose another treatment.
Note: it is more convenient to dose raw materials not in grams, but in tablespoons. According to reputable resources, 1 tablespoon contains 3.4 grams of oregano.
Use in cosmetology
The beneficial properties of oregano allow its use not only in medicine, but also in cosmetology. Most often, the herb is used in baths, as well as in the preparation of infusions for washing. To prepare the bath, a concentrated decoction of plant material is used. 250 ml of crushed grass should be poured with a liter of water, boil for 10 minutes, cool and strain. After that, the resulting product is poured into a bathtub filled with hot water.
The duration of such baths is 30 minutes. Use in conjunction with a decoction of oregano soap, shampoos and other cosmetics is not recommended. Multiplicity of the procedure - every other day. Baths with oregano can get rid of acne and inflammatory skin diseases, make the latter supple and smooth.
For washing, oregano is used as an infusion. 20 grams of raw materials should be poured with three glasses of boiling water (600 ml) and insisted for three hours. After that, the drug is filtered and used for washing. The tool allows to reduce oily skin, increase its turgor, reduce the number of inflammatory rashes.
Seasoning oregano in cooking
Oregano is also used in the field of cooking. There, this plant is used to make oregano seasoning (the second name for oregano). Grass ground to a powdery state has a bitter and astringent taste, gives dishes special taste, is often used in conjunction with potatoes and as part of canned food. Mistresses often use it, flavoring salad or pizza.
It is worth noting that it is useless to use the spice for medicinal purposes. Oregano, not flooded and heated to temperatures above 40 ° C, loses its medicinal properties. In addition, in dry form, it practically does not have a therapeutic effect, which was discussed above.
Contraindications for women
The main contraindication for taking funds based on oregano in women is pregnancy. As mentioned above, grass affects the tone of the uterus, which can cause miscarriage and fetal death. In addition, the plant can not be consumed with menorrhagia (too heavy menstruation), increased uterine tone, high risk of uterine bleeding (coagulopathy of various origins).
Oregano is an excellent tool that can adjust the functioning of the female genitourinary system. However, one should not forget that herbs are the same medicines as their synthetic counterparts. So, they also have some side effects and contraindications. The possibility of therapy with oregano decoctions for gynecological pathology should be evaluated by a doctor. Self-treatment can lead to negative health consequences.