Many of us sprinkle oregano on our pizza and stews without realizing its impressive healing powers. But oregano is much more than a flavorful herb. It contains three to 20 times more antioxidant activity than other herbs or fruit, and oreganos mineral rich content supersedes that of milk, cheese or green vegetables in calcium, magnesium and potassium. Yet its most remarkable use is to safely wipe out upper respiratory infections including bronchitis, sinusitis, sore throats and other bacterial and viral ailments.

Why not just use an antibiotic? No one will argue that they have saved a multitude of lives over the years. But unfortunately, antibiotics have become overused and abused for colds, the flu and mild bacterial infections which could have been remedied otherwise. They are even prescribed for viral conditions, mostly because patients feel their doctor should prescribe a medicine and specifically ask for antibiotics. This has resulted in a large population of antibiotic-resistant people with chronic upper respiratory ailments whose symptoms continue to resurface. Rather than strengthen the immune system and heal the underlying problem, antibiotics further weaken the body.

Oregano is a nontoxic antibacterial and antiviral herb that does not kill human cells like antibiotics do. It also strengthens the immune system. Dr. Cass Ingrams book The Cure Is in the Cupboard unveils oreganos multiple practical uses, including its ability to safely kill every germ against which it has been tested and nine pathogens, including salmonella, E. coli, listeria, strep, pseudomonas and molds.

Best of all, there is no indication that using oregano oil or herb long-term causes any resistance since it attacks bacteria and viruses via a different mechanism and does not cause those bothersome and long-lasting negative side effects.

But dont head for the cupboards yet. The form of oregano that contains the most health benefits and published research is the wild, mountain grown Oregano P73, which can be found in health food stores and on the Internet. Impressive scientific research exists on Oregacyn P73 and Oregamax, which contain the crushed wild oregano blend or Oil of Oregano. They have been shown to wipe out the human Coronavirus, which is responsible for 50 percent of colds, and to have powerful antifungal effects on Candida Albicans.

I personally grew resistant to the most powerful antibiotics due to years of returning bronchitis and sinus infections. Each year through high school and college, I was sure to go on at least three courses of antibiotics and suffered through miserable side effects. Fortunately, my current nutritional regimen, which includes Oregacyn at first sign of immune weakness or infection, has allowed me to avoid antibiotics for more than four years. Parents can use Oil of Oregano for their kids sore throats. Mix six drops in water and gargle, or apply directly for immediate pain relief and on-contact anti-microbial and anti-viral effects.

In addition, Oil of Oregano can be inhaled several times daily and placed under the tongue for immediate relief of sneeze attacks, sinus congestion and runny nose. For pneumonia, the oregano oil helps thin mucous, opens clogged lungs, reduces wheezing and has an anti-cough effect. The oil can be applied topically to the chest and taken internally for optimal healing.

For more information on Oregano products visit www.RockwellNutrition.com