The Benefits of Garlic, Ginger, & Oil of Oregano

While I specialize in conventional or “allopathic” medicine, there have proven to be several approaches to health and medicine that predate my daily clinical practices by centuries. Appropriately, there is a growing trend toward viewing food as medicine, and this approach to prevention has been validated time and again. Garlic, ginger, and oil of oregano show amazing benefits and have little exposure in the Black community. Improving your nutrition is the key to preventing many infections (including STDs) as well as providing a long and healthy life. Many herbal remedies including garlic, ginger, and oregano are very reliable and have science and centuries of history behind their use.

Garlic

Aside from chasing away the nearest vampire, garlic has several medicinal properties. It’s been known to boost your immune system, which everyone needs, lower your blood pressure and cholesterol, and reduce dementia risk. When garlic is closely examined, it is found to have high levels of potassium, zinc, and magnesium and surprisingly low levels of sodium. It contains beneficial polyphenols, flavonoids, and other compounds that promote overall health.

Garlic has been found to have significant antioxidant activity, which helps us when our body is stressed. It’s been shown to help people undergoing chemotherapy for cancer and significantly boost the immune system. Overall, garlic seems to have an anti-inflammation impact which is beneficial in the prevention of infections and cancer. Several studies have also found that there has been some degree of cholesterol-lowering effects but when examined closely, the overall impact was modest as it related to improving the incidence of heart attack or stroke. With that in mind, don’t substitute garlic for your cholesterol-lowering medication (statins) because it’s cholesterol-lowering effect is frequently not near enough.

Ginger

Ginger has also been found to have numerous benefits. Because of its anti-inflammatory properties, it has been shown to have many benefits. It’s been used for centuries as a treatment for gastrointestinal problems, including great benefits for nausea and constipation.  Researchers have also found that ginger is good at halting the growth of several bacteria, including E coli and Shigella. It has also been shown to have value in keeping viruses like respiratory syncytial virus, or RSV, in check. 

People have found that ginger may play a role in weight loss, as well as help with the inflammation associated with arthritis pain. It’s been found to help people stabilize their diabetes as well as lower their hemoglobin A1C and fasting blood sugars. Ginger has also been shown to curb the growth of some cancers, including gastric, ovarian, liver, breast, and prostate cancer.

Oil of Oregano

Oil of oregano has been shown to have significant benefits for a number of health problems. Dermatologists rave about its antioxidant, antimicrobial, and anti-inflammatory properties that can help with wound healing and overall skin health. It’s been shown to have both anti-aging and anti-acne properties.

Among its many health benefits include antibacterial, antifungal, antiparasitic, antioxidant, antitumor, and anti-Alzheimer’s properties. In short, it can help fight off many types of infections as well as slow the growth of some cancers.  In terms of infections, oil of oregano, which contains terpenes, has been shown to inhibit the infectivity of HIV cells as well as COVID infections.  

Avoid Oil of Oregano if Pregnant!!

Please note that women of child-bearing age, or are pregnant, should avoid oil of oregano because of some evidence that it may increase the risk of miscarriage. Always stay on the safe side when pregnant!

In short, if you feel an infection coming on oil of oregano may be a good option to help fight it off. Taking ginger on a regular basis may also boost your immune system, and garlic has shown great value when your body is stressed by disease or aging.  Always check with your doctor before starting any of these foods as medicine because they may contain chemicals or substances that could adversely affect your health.