Oregano is a Natural Antihistamine

Allergies, asthma, harmful organisms, and even inhalation of various pollutants may cause upper respiratory problems. Symptoms of respiratory problems can include chest congestion, difficulty breathing and irritated nasal or throat passages. If you, or someone you’re close to, has experienced these symptoms, you know they can be very disruptive.

As we prepare to enter into the time of year when respiratory ailments will be common, it’s important to know that organic oregano is a powerful tool to include in your lung health arsenal. Effective, reliable and safe, organic oregano is naturally rich in carvacrol, flavonoids, and terpenes; all of which are natural decongestants and antihistamines.

Oregano as an Antihistamine

When pollen, dust, mold, chemicals, fungus, and bacteria are invading your body, it releases a chemical called histamine which causes a reaction similar to allergic reactions — nasal congestion, increased mucous production, and sneezing. Histamine reducing herbs like oregano aid in counteracting histamine and may help reduce these reactions.

Oregano also contains rosmarinic acid. An article summarizing a study that examined the ability of Rosmarinic acid to inhibit allergic irritation appeared in a 2004 edition of Clinical & Experimental Allergy. It was discovered that rosmarinic acid reduces fluid buildup and even swelling during an allergy attack, making it a natural histamine-reducing compound. ^[1]

Oregano for Cough and Overall Health

Research examined by the ENT Department at the Israel Institute of Technology Medical Center found therapeutic potential for various aromatic herbs, including oregano. Oregano has direct, positive benefits on the respiratory tract, coughing reflex and nasal passage airflow. ^[2]

Oregano also contains calcium, magnesium, zinc, iron, potassium, vitamins A and C, and niacin. Although these components don’t directly impact upper respiratory problems, all of them are required by the systems within the body, including the immune system. Adequate vitamin and mineral intake is paramount for maintaining a healthy body that can fight off problems, such as upper respiratory issues, before they start. ^[3]

If you suffer from symptoms of respiratory ailments, or need to cleanse your lungs on a regular basis, try organic oregano or a lung cleansing formula such as Allertrex®.

References:

1. Sanbongi C, Takano H, Osakabe N, Sasa N, Natsume M, Yanagisawa R, Inoue KI, Sadakane K, Ichinose T, Yoshikawa T. Rosmarinic acid in perilla extract inhibits allergic inflammation induced by mite allergen, in a mouse model. Clin Exp Allergy. 2004 Jun;34(6):971-7.
2. Rakover Y, Ben-Arye E, Goldstein LH. [The treatment of respiratory ailments with essential oils of some aromatic medicinal plants]. Harefuah. 2008 Oct;147(10):783-8, 838. Review. Hebrew.
3. Škrovánková S, Mišurcová L, Machů L. Antioxidant activity and protecting health effects of common medicinal plants. Adv Food Nutr Res. 2012;67:75-139. doi: 10.1016/B978-0-12-394598-3.00003-4. Review.