In recent years there have been a number of box office hit movies with an apocalyptic theme. They depict the end of the world as we know it, from plagues and weather gone wild to attacks by zombies and space aliens. They make for scary entertainment, but it’s some comfort knowing we can walk out of the theater at the end and find it was just pretend and all is back to normal. Well, I’ve got some sobering news for you. We are on the verge of a real catastrophe of epic proportions that has already begun impacting millions of people worldwide.
We have arrived at what is known as the post-antibiotic era. The bugs are winning. There are now strains of bacteria that dine on antibiotics. Even the most powerful, expensive antibiotics of last resort are becoming impotent against the onslaught of these new superbugs. Now, even common infections and minor injuries can be life threatening. The new ‘Black Plague’ of our day is drug resistant MRSA that actually thrives in the sterile hospital environment. The post-antibiotic era looks eerily much like the pre-antibiotic era.
Medical researchers are working feverishly to find new antibiotic agents that can protect us against the tsunami of mutating demon microbes. So far the efforts have been disappointing at best. Where can we turn for effective long-term protection? I believe that there is an answer in a potent therapeutic agent named Marjoram. It’s been effectively used medicinally and in cooking in the Mediterranean countries for thousands of years. You’re probably more familiar with its more commonly used name, oregano. For many of you it’s only been a flavoring on your pizza, but what I’m about to share with you should change your mind forever.
Oregano is potent and powerful. As an example, its antioxidant level is over 40 times that of apples, more than 10 times that of oranges, and 4 times that of blueberries. It has vitamins A, C, E, K, B6, manganese, and a plethora of phytochemicals. Oregano is classed as a functional food similar to garlic, green tea, and coconut oil, which means that they have a positive effect on health beyond their basic nutrition, they promote wellness, and potentially reduce risk. They are thought to have therapeutic effects, and to a number of experts represent food as a medicine.
The claimed health benefits of oregano read like a long laundry list, but let me mention just a few of the more impressive ones. A number of research studies have found that ingredients in oregano oil like thymol and carvacrol have such strong antimicrobial properties that it can even kill MRSA and a host of other antibiotic resistant superbugs. This is huge all by itself, but there is so much more. Other researchers found that oregano is effective against dozens of dangerous food pathogens like E. Coli and Salmonella. It has proven even more potent against yeast infections and parasitic infestations than prescription drugs. Got that embarrassing toe nail fungus, pesky athlete’s foot, or even ringworm, obliterate them with topical applications of oregano oil. Oregano may not combat vampires or zombies, but it may be one of our best defenses against our real enemies.
