I just saw the latest weather news, “Shocking cold wave drops temp to 40 below zero.” The U.S. is not alone in experiencing harsh weather for the past months. Even in Asia the weather is cold (for Asians) and dull (always cloudy)! Consequently, a lot of people are suffering from colds, cough and flu. Those who are experiencing cold wind, ice and snow might be hoping for a “global warming” soon.  If you haven’t catch colds, cough and flu and you want to prevent it from infesting your system, you may want to consider boosting your immune system the natural way by trying out drinking boiled fresh leaves of the Oregano herb or taking Oregano health supplements. The dried Oregano tea and Oregano health supplements may work but you may first want to check the sources of these because only true oregano (Origanum vulgare) or “wild marjoram” (that grows best across Europe and Central Asia) are considered effective. 

What’s hot: For culinary use, dried Oregano leaves provides a strong flavoring in dishes. I feature Oregano as good to treat colds, coughs and flu because in the Philippines I know a lot of people who use this herb to treat the above conditions. And it worked for them! Although I haven’t tried drinking fresh Oregano leaves tea because I heard it taste icky, I think this is a wonderful herb to have in the garden because it is also aromatic. (Okay I will try soon and let you know how it tastes!) Other things I researched about Oregano – have properties such as warming, it is antiseptic, helps with indigestion, good for steam inhalation, compresses for arthritis and muscular pain.

In the research study sponsored by North American Herb and Spice, Oregano oil “may be effective treatment against dangerous non-resistant bacteria.” It is believed that “carvacrol” a chemical component found in Oregano is responsible for effective reduction of infection similar to the traditional antibiotics. (Source)

If you’re inspired and want to plant this herb, you’re in luck, this is an easy herb to grow. But you may want to choose the location of this herb for experts say that bees love this herb.

What’s-not-so-hot: But can the natural way cure colds, cough and flu? Experts will say “no” because they believe prescription drugs are still much effective. But usually, colds, coughs and flu lasts for at most 10 days, we have a natural “healing system” in our bodies to help us get over these conditions.

But common sense will tell us to postpone going outdoors when the National Weather Forecast said that there will be strong wind with very low temperatures. I guess eating a hot yummy Chicken Soup will also help to keep you warm and make you feel good. You’ll be so ready when Spring comes!

Never heard about saw palmetto until there was a rave about it that helps men with enlarged prostate. Sadly, enlarged prostate gland is now common not just in older men but men as young as in their 40’s. Nobody knew how this came about but it helps to know that there are alternative ways aside from the common drugs to shrink enlarged prostate glands.

About the plant: Saw palmetto is a garden ornament as a ‘”fan palm.” Its a tropical looking palm that is hardy, drought-resistant and the only species in its genus Serenoa. It is native in the southeastern part of the U.S., especially in Florida. Its scientific name honors the American Botanist Sereno Watson who initially made a detailed description of plants in North America.

What I discovered: The palm-looking saw palmetto bear fruits and from these fruits extracted remedies used for various conditions. Saw palmetto extracts have properties such as diuretic, antiseptic, expectorant, sedative, tonic and warming. The fruits were discovered high in fatty acids and  cholesterol-lowering (phytosterols). Saw palmetto is considered a body-builder – boosting the important mucous membranes in good condition to keep the reproductive, respiratory and digestive systems healthy. This plant is not just for men but for women as well.

I bet you are curious how saw palmetto became a natural “sex pill,” here it is folks, it is said that it acts in the body’s hormonal system, aside from prostate-related problems (specifically benign prostatic hyperplasia) but as well as loss of libido and impotence. Maybe, its the “warming” properties of saw palmetto that makes it happen but nobody knows for sure. But there were stories that Native Americans in the southeast use the fruit of saw palmetto to treat impotence, testicular problems, poor lactation, female infertility, painful menstruation, tender breasts and low libido.

What’s hot: Saw palmetto extracts boasts in affecting the endocrine system, especially its action on prostate gland and for libido. Maintains healthy tissues and mucous membranes of the body, treat cystitis, uterine inflammation, poor lactation, colds, asthma.

What’s not-so-hot: If you don’t want to take saw palmetto supplements and want to go natural by eating saw palmetto fruits, go ahead, its edible but they said its unpleasant tasting. And that is if you can grow this herbal plant in your garden. If you live in temperate countries you can always have a greenhouse. Who knows? You might get lucky growing this interesting plant.

Photo source: Kalyx, Art.com