Fresh and dried herbs, while most commonly used for flavoring your favorite dishes and culinary applications, also offer healing properties and have medicinal benefits. Some of the most popular and commonly used herbs, including basil, oregano and peppermint, contain compounds that are powerful anti-bacterial/anti-microbial agents. Using them often may offer protection against infections.
Basil: Fights Microorganisms
The anti-bacterial properties of basil are associated with the volatile oils obtained from basil leaves. The purpose of a research study published in the “Journal of Food Protection” in July 2001 was to examine the effectiveness of certain herb and spice essential oils for control of the growth and survival of microorganisms. Essential oils from approximately a dozen herbs and spices were tested against microorganism strains such as Listeria monocytogenes, Staphylococcus aureus and Escherichia coli. Basil essential oil was found to be “highly inhibitory” at restricting growth of these bacteria strains. Studies, such as this, have demonstrated the ability of basil oil to inhibit certain pathogenic bacteria species, which are becoming more resistant to antibiotic drugs.
Oregano: Anti-Fungal Activity
A research study published in the “Canadian Journal of Microbiology” in November 2008 investigated the (in vitro) antifungal activity of plant essential oils against both fluconazole (antibiotic)-resistant and fluconazole-susceptible strains of Candida (yeast) infections. The results showed that cinnamon, Mexican oregano, oregano, thyme and ginger essential oils have different levels of antifungal activity. Oregano essential oil was the most effective of those tested. In a research study conducted in Mexico in the mid-1990s, investigators compared the essential oil of oregano to tinidazol, a prescription drug used to treat an infection that causes diarrhea in humans (Giardia lamblia). They found oregano to be more effective against this organism than the prescription drug.
Peppermint: Anti-Microbial Agent
The essential oils of peppermint offer powerful anti-bacterial and anti-microbial activities. In a study published in “Planta Medica” in May 2003, three Mentha (peppermint) essential oil species exhibited strong antibacterial activity, particularly against several strains of Escherichia coli (in vitro). All Mentha oils had significant fungicidal benefits and were considered to be more effective than the commercial fungicide known as bifonazole. Two of the three peppermint essential oil species (Mentha piperita and Mentha longifolia) were the most active, particularly in very small dosages. All three essential oils are found in fresh peppermint.
About this Author
Michele Turcotte is a registered, licensed dietitian, and a certified personal trainer with the National Academy of Sports Medicine. She has more than 12 years of experience in clinical and corporate settings, and has extensive experience in one-on-one diet counseling and meal planning. She has written freelance food and nutrition articles for Trouve Publishing Inc. since 2004.
