Oil of Oregano Say Good bye to the Flu

Oil of Oregano is different than common oregano that is used as a spice for cooking. Common oregano is typically Origanum Marjoram, while Oil of Oregano is derived from Origanum Vulgare

Oil of Oregano is a potent purifier that provides many benefits for human health. Oil of Oregano is a natural substance that is extracted from wild oregano plants, and two key compounds found in it arecarvacrol and thymol. Studies have shown that both of these compounds have significant effects on harmful microorganisms that cause many illnesses in humans.   Hepatitis and Herpes are two viral infections which have responded well to treatment with Oregano oil

Some of the specific benefits of Oil of Oregano:

Strengthens the immune system

Increases joint and muscle flexibility.

Improves respiratory health

Destroying organisms that contribute to skin infections and digestive problems

Uses of Oil of Oregano

Skin Infections

Oil of Oregano can be applied directly to the skin to treat itches, skin infections, and irritated gums, However it should always be diluted before applying topically onto the skin.   Oil of Oregano has been affectively used to treat MRSA.  I dilute my Oil of Oregano in a little melted coconut oil. 
*“Oregano oil also works as an antibiotic, meaning it doesn't just protect against viruses but also against bacteria. It has been shown in lab tests to be as effective as one of the strongest antibiotics (Vancomycin) in killing staph, E.coli and other bacteria. It does this without creating mutant strains of drug resistant bacteria and it has none of the debilitating side effects of pharmaceutical antibiotics”

 My first experience using oil of Oregano was 2 years ago I had a Nasty scratch from pruning roses in fact by the end of the night my finger had begun to swell and it hurt so much I couldn’t move it so I applied the oil of oregano and by the next morning the swelling was gone and you could hardly see my scratch. 

Digestive Problems

The high concentrations of thymol and carvacrol in Oil of Oregano have been shown to calm upset stomachs and aid digestion. Therefore, a quick home remedy for mild indigestion is to drink a glass of water or juice that is mixed with 2 or 3 drops of the oil.   

This stuff really taste Like Pizza smells so I only add it to water I cant even imagine adding it to juice but that’s just my opinion

Sinus Congestion

Oil of Oregano is a wonderful solution add 3 drops of the oil into a glass of water or tea and drink daily for 3 to 5 days. 

Colds and Sore Throats

Oil of Oregano is wonderful as an early defense when you feel a cold or sore throat coming on. Once again just add a few drops to tea or water once a day. You should notice results within a few hours.

Parasites

Oregano oil is a powerful antiparasitic. In studies done in Mexico it was shown to be effective against giardia, a water borne parasite that our Ontario readers may be familiar with. Also Pinworms and other nasty creatures that often inhabit our intestines are subject to termination by oregano oil

Inflammation

An article published in Phytotherapy Research describes how Oregano oil superseded anti-inflammatory drugs in reversing pain and inflammation and is nearly as powerful as morphine as a pain killer. It has the ability to penetrate the skin and reach as far as the sinovial fluid in joints

What are the Side Effects of Oil of Oregano?

Oregano oil can reduce the body's ability to absorb iron. So regular inernal use should be combined with  with regular consumption of iron supplements. 

Pregnant women should also avoid oil of oregano since it can stimulate blood flow in the uterus, which can weaken the lining that surrounds the fetus in the womb.

People that have allergies to thyme, basil, mint, or sage may also be sensitive to Oil of Oregano as well, since they are in the same family of plants. If any skin irritation, rashes, or vomiting occurs when using it, it is recommended that you discontinue use and consult your doctor.

*http://www.herbalremediesinfo.com/oregano-oil.html

Grocery shopping

Diet week one Diet week 10

The biggest change I see in our overall diet is we consume almost no sugar now compared to the first week.

We are also consuming about 7 more servings of fruit per week and about 14 more servings of veggies.

The last month has brought a number of very stressful events into our lives and I can say that because of this I have slacked off a bit in my menu planning but even then our quick meals have been served with an extra serving of fruits and veggies.

Because of this class I have also went back to baking weekly eliminating one more list of chemicals from our diet.

I also have cut my coffee consumption down to two cups and have added between 3-5 cups of tea to my day.   I have also started eating nuts everyday.  I pick up a new nut every week to put in my snack drawer I love all the healthy fats and great vitamins and minerals nuts add to my diet and they are the perfect go to snack.

I haven’t noticed an improvement in moods or sleep with our new changes but that could be because of the added stress.

Nutrition class reflection

My blog entry, reflecting on how my life and diet have changed during my nutrition course. How those changes have impacted me, and my family, and how it will impact my community as I continue my path.

Let me start with Dr. H’s lectures have been one of the highlights of my week for the last 12 weeks.  I waited anxiously for them to come out and then I would excitedly run off to share the information I had learned.  My family engages in many conversations about what we are eating and why now, my four year even old talks about Dr. H.

My passion for food goes back to my childhood, my Mom had very strong ideas on what was healthy and she was wonderful cook and baker who even as a single parent took the time to make all of our meals from scratch. Mom was also very aware of foods effect on mental health.  So she truly was my foundation.

However my awareness really began 4 years ago after the birth of our youngest child.  I had already begun to search for knowledge on food the best ways to grow it, how to feed the soil the best ways to feed my family.  Every door I opened led to more things I needed to know.  Food was such a powerful thing it all began to make perfect sense to me. I understood the power of herbs and flowers, how could I of missed food?

I had never used chemicals in our lawn or garden but suddenly I was aware that every item I picked up in the grocery store was covered in them.

Taking this class has continued to open new doors of discovery for me I was appalled at the amount of sugar that we had allowed to sneak in.  I had talked a hundred times on the evil of sugar but in this class I was finally able to actually see how many teaspoons of sugar we ate.   It wasn’t pretty I can only imagine what it would of looked like if I still drank pop. 

This class has helped me fill gaps in my families’ diets and has given me a broader knowledge base to draw on when making our meals.    We have added more veggies and fruits.  We have tried new foods I even splurged and bought some Organic coconut oil and now I will never be able to buy anything else again.

More than anything this class affirmed to me that I was doing exactly what I need to be doing.  I can’t wait to learn some more, I know that I have only begun to scratch the surface on the power food can have.  I am excited about adding education to the garden program I long to start.  This class proves to me that I must bring a garden to our community allowing everyone the access fresh organic foods but more than that being able to give them the key to their own well being.  I am excited to share with people how much power they truly have over how they feel both mentally and physically.