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!