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La Consolation College of Rinconada

Iriga Campus, Iriga City

“Origanum Vulgare Organic Tea”

Geoff N. Molina
Krizza T. Paredes
Muskan K. Grewal
Christian Francis S. Lagatic
James Gabriel L. Bolalin
Student Investigators

Mr. Johnrick Noleal

Science Teacher

TABLE OF CONTENTS
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Title page………………………………………………………………………………….1

Table of Contents………………………………………………………………………...2

Abstract……………………………………………………………………………………3

Research Plan……………………………………………………………………………..4

Materials………………………………………………………………………….4

General Procedures……………………………………………………………...4

Introduction……………………………………………………………………………….5

Definition of terms……………………………………………………………….6

Statement of the Problem…………………………………………………………………7

Significance of the study…………………………………………………………8

Scope and Limitations……………………………………………………………9

Review of related literature……………………………………………………..10

Background of the Study…………………………………………………………………11

Results and discussion……………………………………………………………………14

Conclusion………………………………………………………………………………….15

Recommendation…………………………………………………………………………..15

Bibliography………………………………………………………………………………….
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Abstract

Oregano is an herb that has been cultivated for centuries in the Mediterranean area, although it
now can be found on most continents. Actually, there is not simply one "oregano," but rather
several species that may contribute to the oregano used for culinary purposes. Origanum
vulgare (also referred to as Spanish thyme and wild marjoram), a member of the plant family
Lamiaceae, is generally the spice variety sold as oregano in Europe and the United States.
Medicinal uses for oregano date back to the ancient Greek and Roman empires where
applications of the leaves were used to treat such maladies as skin sores and relieve aching
muscles and as an antiseptic. Oregano also has been used in traditional medicines for such
ailments as asthma, cramping, diarrhea, and indigestion. In Greece, an oregano infusion is still
used as a folk remedy against colds and upset stomach and to maintain general health. Based
on the current scientific literature, oregano extracts and individual constituents consistently
have demonstrated antimicrobial actions in vitro toward food-borne pathogens, although the
capacity to counter human infections is not well studied. Oregano contains several potent
antioxidants that may contribute to the findings in preliminary studies that oregano exhibits
benefits toward the cardiovascular and nervous systems, relieves symptoms of inflammation,
and modulates blood sugar and lipids.

Well-controlled human studies substantiating these health effects are lacking. This study aims
to make an alternative tea using Oregano leaves. The researchers used Oregano leaves as the
main ingredient to produce a healthier tea that is beneficial to the body too. Lung diseases are
qualified as major public health problems in all the regions of the world. And for all of the
diseases, the greatest burden of lung diseases is on disadvantaged and socially marginalized
populations. Oregano Leaves are proven to cure bacteria that causes bad cough, cold, and gum
diseases, as well as respiratory infections. Oregano leaves are aromatic, warm, and slightly
bitter. Also, this herb is very affordable and can be made into a tea in just easy steps.

You can prepare oregano tea from either fresh or dried leaves, which are available at most
grocery or health-food stores. Cutting or bruising the leaves before brewing may release more
of the herb's compounds into the water. Steep 3 teaspoons of fresh leaves or 1 teaspoon of dried
leaves in 1 cup of boiling water for 5 to 10 minutes. Oregano tea can be somewhat bitter, but
adding sugar or sweetener can counteract this. The herb is generally considered safe and
without any negative side effects, although no minimum effective dose has been identified. It
might cause a rash or other reaction if you're allergic to the herb, and its safety during
pregnancy or breast-feeding hasn't been established.

Some of its antiseptic qualities are that:

Oregano may also have significant antiseptic properties, and may help prevent or slow the
growth of potentially harmful microorganisms. The study published in the "Journal of Food
Science" found that compounds in oregano leaves have anti-malarial properties and slow the
growth of microorganisms that cause malaria. Another paper published in the January-March
2010 issue of the "Brazilian Journal of Microbiology" found that an oregano extract stopped
growth in the laboratory of several types of Candida fungi that cause vaginal yeast infections.
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Although these are encouraging, the fungi studied were obtained from laboratory animals and
more work is still needed to determine if oregano compounds are equally effective against these
and other pathogens from human subjects.

RESEARCH PLAN

Materials Needed:

 Oregano Leaves (Oreganum Vulgare)

 Mortar and Pestle
 Powdered Sugar
 Cheese Cloth
 Tea bag
 Knife
 Small basin

General Procedure:

Pounding the Oregano Leaves. Clean strips of oregano leaves then cut it into little
pieces and use the mortar pestle to pound the leaves.

Drying the Pounded Leaves. After the leaves are pounded put the leaves into the cheese
cloth then into a small basin, leave it in the sun for a week.

Adding Sugar Level. After the pounded leaves are dried add the powdered sugar its
quantity should be only ¼ of the quantity of the leaves.

Grams Tablespoons Grams Tablespoons

4g 1 tbsp 20g 5 tbsp
8g 2 tbsp 24g 6 tbsp
12g 3 tbsp 28g 7 tbsp
16g 4 tbspp 32g 8 tbsp

Repacking the Finished Tea. In a homemade teabag add fifty grams of the dried to
make sure to measure the quantity in a perfect state and measurement.

Testing. With the finished product, add hot water on the teacup then put the teabag, if
the taste is bitter add lemon juice on it and it would give you a better and soothing relief.
During the tasting of our product, we labeled two mugs, for cup A we put our homemade tea
and in cup B we add the commercial branded tea. We will have our sample tasting to different
people and see if which will be the more soothing and effective tea.
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Pounding the Drying the

Adding sugar level
Oregano oregano

Testing Repacking the Tea

INTRODUCTION
The Philippines is endowed with its rich and varied flora, which are known to have
medicinal properties since ancient times. The native herb doctor or “albularyo” of olden times
were skilled in the use of local plants to cure varied illnesses. They utilized the different parts of
the plant to form decoctions and concoctions and passed this knowledge on folk medicine from
one generation to another. To date, “albularyos” and their use of medicinal plants are still widely
practiced in rural areas of the country.
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In a survey conducted by UPLB in 766 barangays or villages in 12 regions of the country,

1687 plants were found being used “albularyos”; of such, 120 medicinal plants have been
scientifically validated for safety and efficacy and 10 are being endorsed by the DOH as
effective therapeutic alternatives to pharmaceutical preparations, the “Sampung Halamang
Gamot”. But it is highly possible that there are more plant species that can be classified
medicinal given the Philippine’s rich and diverse flora. The engenderment of discipline of
ethnopharmacology arises from such thought, and the need for the development of such field.
Ethnopharmacology is the interdisciplinary scientific exploration correlating ethnic groups,
their health and how it relates to their physical habits and methodology in creating and using
medicines.

Despite the need; however there is yet to be a systematic research strategy towards the
identification, characterization and evaluation of such medicinal plants and step towards
resolving this is still primitive. As an initial step; therefore, there is a need to develop a database
on medicinal plant utilization and documentation.

DEFINITION OF TERMS

Medicinal Plants- natural herbs from plants for the treatment or prevention of diseases,
disorders and the promotion of good health. These plants can be finished, labeled, medicinal
products that contain as active ingredient/s aerial or underground part/s of plant or other
materials or combination thereof, whether in the crude state or as plant preparations. Plant
material includes juices, gums, fatty oils, essential oils, and other substances of this nature.
Medicines containing plant material(s) combined with chemically defined active substances,
including chemically defined, isolated constituents of plants, are not considered to be herbal
medicines.

Folk Herbalist- person especially in rural areas who used medicinal plants and other alternative
materials and procedures to heal. They are general practitioners and dispensers of primary
health care. As with the other healers, there is usually a history of a healer in the family-line and
their healing considered a “calling”, a power or ability bestowed by a supernatural being, often,
attributed to the Holy Spirit. Often lacking in formal education, his skills are based on and
honed from hand-me-down practices and lore, with a long period of understudy or
apprenticeship with a local healer.

This study will refer to a folk herbalist as any kind of alternative medicinal practitioner referred
by health care worker who is a resident of Puilan, Bulacan and knowledgeable about medicinal
plants and prescribes and/or makes use of plants or plant parts in his treatment regimen. They
will be regarded as respondents in the course of the study. The terms is translated as ‘albularyo’
in Filipino.
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Sampung Halamang Gamot(SHG)- The ten medicinal plants endorsed by the Department of
Health through its “Traditional Health Program”. All ten(10) herbs have been thoroughly tested
and have been clinically proven to have medicinal value in the relief and treatment of various
ailments. It includes the following plants:

Akapulko (Cassia alata)

Ampalaya (Momordica charantia)
Bawang (Allium sativum)
Bayabas (Psidium guajava)
Lagundi (Vitex negundo)
Niyog-niyogan (Quisqualis indica L)
Sambong (Blumea balsamifera L.)
Tsaang Gubat or Wild Tea (Ehretia microphylla Lam.)
Pansit-pansitan Ulasimang Bato (Peperomia pellucida)
Yerba Buena (Mentha spicata)

Common Disease Indications- refers to the all the indications which the SHG is endorsedfor, this includes
the following: fever, cough, bronchitis, ringworm, diabetes, gout, kidney stone,diarrhea, sore
throat, diuretic, irregular menstruation, toothache, abdominal pain, arthritis, skindisease, wounds
and burns.

Ethnopharmacology- it is the scientific study that correlates ethnic groups, their health
practices, and how it relates to their physical habits and methodology in creating and using
medicines. It incorporates the social science of ethnology and the medical science of
pharmacology. It is related to botany in that many pharmaceuticals are delivered through
plants. Combining the approaches of medical anthropology, phytotherapy, and pharmaceutical
science, this discipline explores medicinal plants in indigenous cultures, which includes the
bioactive compounds, and the sustainable development and production of nature-derived
therapeutics. Hence, ethnopharmacology studies the pharmacological aspect of a culture’s
medical treatment as well as its social appeal. This includes taste, symbology, and religious
context . Through this, a culture’s exposure to pharmacological substances that can be
determined.

STATEMENT OF THE PROBLEM

The study stated that using of oregano as an alternative relaxing remedy may answer
the following questions that were asked:

1. What is the benefit of the Origanium Vulgare to the human body as an alternative
relaxing tea and an alternative relaxing tea?
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2. How much of this tea must be consumed for the human body to be relived form any
pain and other health conditions?
3. Is there any relationships between the commercially available tea and the organic tea
ingredients and results?

HYPOTHESIS OF THE STUDY

1. The benefit of the origanium vulgare to the human body is it acts as an anti-
inflammatory, anti-bacterial, anti-oxidant, anti-fungal, anti-viral to the body and relives
some mild coughs.
2. The amount of tea must be equal to the amount of the commercial tea that is consumed
by the consumers.
3. There is no significant relationship between products in terms of ingredients.

GENERAL OBJECTIVES

 This study aims to relief the problem of the human body form any bacteria’s especially
as a product which helps us to prevent infections.
 To document the different medicinal plants prescribed by folk herbalist and its
relationships to the Sampung Halamang Gamot endorsed by the Department of Health.

SPECIFIC OBJECTIVES

 To determine if the product can be effective as the commercial products when it is used
by consumers.
 To be able to determine the amount of origanuim vulgare that is to taken by the human
body for to feel the effectiveness of the product.
 To determine the most common medicinal plants being prescribed for common disease
indications.
 To determine the parts, formulations and preparations of medicinal plants being
prescribed for common disease indications.
 To identify the plants used by folk herbalists for common disease indications.
 To determine which medicinal plants being used by the folk herbalists belong to the
“Sampung Halamang Gamot”.
 To determine the conformity of the folk herbalist for the use of the “Sampung Halamang
Gamot” to its endorsed indications.

SIGNIFICANCE OF THE STUDY

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The study is significant because the product/ oregano is rich in antioxidants, which are
compounds that help fight damage from harmful free radicals in the body. The buildup of free
radicals has been linked to chronic diseases like cancer and heart disease. This organic tea can
help prevent damage to cells caused by free radicals. Scientific studies have found that oregano
and its components may be effective against certain strains of bacteria. So this tea may help with
it. Oregano is an herb that boasts some pretty potent benefits when it comes to your health. So it
may be very helpful.

Despite advancements in technologies and coming of the modern era, poverty is still one of the
most debilitating problems among the third world countries. A lot of people still do not have
access to basic necessities, such as food, shelter and education; and in such state of economic
deprivation, it has been difficult for the low income group to prioritize one of the necessities in
life, health care. This compelled the Department of Health of the Philippines to reappraise
traditional medicinal therapy, and endorse the use of ten herbal medicines clinically proven by
to have therapeutic value in the relief and treatment of various ailments in place of expensive
pharmaceutical preparations, known as the “Sampung Halamang Gamot program”. Moreover,
medicinal plants address not only the need for access to medicine as a component of health
services but also to the need for increased income for farmers and as a significant contribution
to the national economy.

Such advantageous effects, however, are a long way from reality. Currently, the distribution
and diversity of medicinal plants is not well documented that productive research and
development in the field cannot be instigated. Therefore, the results of this research is vital for
the current characterization and evaluation of our biodiversity, as well as for the future
researches that will need the database collected as baseline prevalence for their study on local
medicinal plants. The results can also be used by DOH to identify and gauge the health
practices of Pulilan, Bulacan. And lastly, documentation of the collection of local medicinal
plants is the first step in information exchange that is important in the conversation and usage
of such flora.

The nature of the topic is also important, because shedding light on herbal medicinal therapy
will increase awareness and attention of the medicinal plants; ultimately leading to a more
reliable information on the traditional use of medicinal plants, more focused and cheaper
product based drug discovery, and serve as a bridge between traditional and modern medicine.

Lastly, this research will give the group an opportunity to perform a community-base
qualitative and quantitative study. It will provide knowledge, experience and know-how to
explore the field of ethnopharmacology in the Philippines.

SCOPE AND LIMITATION

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This study is limited to the study of Origanum Vulgare as an alternative herbal

and organic tea. The effectiveness of the product is only used for the usage of tea as a
soothing tea for anti-oxidant for the body and for relieving some mild coughs but this
study is only effective for some usage. The proper measurement of the tea is indicated
and was determined to prevent any other complications and to consume the proper
amount of tea during each day of the testing and trials.

REVIEW OF RELATED LITRATURE

Oregano, Origanum Vulgare, also known as Wild Marjoram, Mountain Mint, Origanum,
Wintersweet and Winter Marjoram is an erectly spreading plant that has strong aromatic
characteristics, with leaves and stems that are fleshy. The leaves of oregano are heart-shaped,
with toothed edges, and which, grow for up to 9 meters in length. In other countries, the plant
primarily used as a culinary ingredient. However, in countries like the Philippines, Oregano is a
known herbal medicine for its strong anti-oxidant properties. Oregano contains a rosmaric acid
compound, thymol, and carvacrol that are responsible for its anti-inflammatory, anti-bacterial,
anti-oxidant, anti-fungal and anti-viral properties.

Oregano also contains flavonoids, triternoids, sterols, vitamin C, and vitamin A. Its
anti-bacterial properties have been proven by recent studies to treat infections of the
reproductive tracts, and which make it deal to be given to women who have just given birth.
The volatile oils in oregano and its properties are believed to be responsible for slowing the
process of spoilage of food and thus minimizing the risk of ingesting harmful bacteria, parasites
and fungi. The anti-oxidant properties of oregano helps fight free radicals in the body that
causes cellular damage and accelerate ageing. Free radicals are believed to be involved with
many degenerative diseases like osteoarthritis, atherosclerosis and heart diseases, to name a
few.

The most useful parts of this plant are its leaves. The extracts and juices of such are
used for asthma, dyspepsia, chronic coughs, bronchitis, and rheumatism. Ear aches have also
been proven to be cured by the infusion prepared from its leaves. The leaves relieve painful
swellings, boils, and sprains, when their poultries are applied directly to the affected area.

Oregano is related to the herb marjoram, sometimes being referred to as wild

marjoram. Oregano has purple flowers and spade-shaped, olive-green leaves. It is a perennial,
although it is grown as an annual in colder climates, as it often does not survive the winter.
Oregano is planted in early spring, the plants being spaced 30cm (12 in) apart in fairly dry soil,
with full sun. Oregano will grow in a pH range between 6.0 (mildly acidic) and 9.0 (strongly
alkaline), with a preferred range between 6.0 and 8.0. It prefer a hot, relatively dry climate, but
does not well in other environments.
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Modern medicine, with its arsenal of manufactured drugs and advanced technological
devices, presents a big disparity from the folk traditional healing with the use of medicinal
plants through comparison of their practices and principles. Suffused in the concept of
modernity is the idea of efficiency in treatment, reproducibility and predictability of results; as
such, modern practitioners have criticized traditional medicine as inferior. However, high cost
of modern medicine, especially those manufactured abroad, and their unavailability in remote
areas led to the continued dependence of rural folks and medicinal plants and their primary
therapeutic means and has resulted in the need to re-evaluate the potential of these medicinal
plants as an alternative treatment resource.

BACKGROUND OF THE STUDY

In our Country, there are various diseases that is obtain because of the weather and
some other various factors that affect the human body especially to the younger children. To
solve some of these diseases like infections, chronic diseases, heart and some lungs diseases we
are trying to produce a new study about the effects of the plant oregano in our body because in
other researches it is believed that the oregano leaves is very useful and helpful in the
protection of the immune system of the human body.

There are many effects that is believed to be effective because the oregano is a herbal
plant that is composed of strong anti- oxidants which could help into anti- viral properties.
Oregano is considered a staple herb in many cuisines around the world. It has a strong flavor
and brings warmth to dishes, along with a hint of subtle sweetness. It can be found fresh, dried
or as an oil, and all are said to have significant health benefits. Though typically used in small
amounts, oregano packs in some important nutrients. Just one teaspoon of dried oregano can
fulfill about 8% of your daily vitamin K needs. From helping fight bacteria to reducing
inflammation, studies have unearthed some of its impressive potential benefits.

6 evidence-based health benefits of oregano:

1. Rich in Antioxidants
Oregano is rich in antioxidants, which are compounds that help fight damage from
harmful free radicals in the body. The buildup of free radicals has been linked to chronic
diseases like cancer and heart disease. Several test-tube studies have found that oregano
and oregano oil are high in antioxidants.
Oregano essential oil is especially high in carvacrol and thymol, two antioxidants that
can help prevent damage to cells caused by free radicals. In combination with other
high-antioxidant foods like fruits and vegetables, oregano could provide a hearty dose
of antioxidants that may help improve your health.
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Summary: Oregano is high in antioxidants, which can help prevent damage by

neutralizing disease-causing free radicals.

2. May Help Fight Bacteria

Oregano contains certain compounds that have potent antibacterial properties. One test-
tube study showed that oregano essential oil helped block the growth of Escherichia coli
and Pseudomonas aeruginosa, two strains of bacteria that can cause infection. Another test-
tube study found that oregano was effective against 23 species of bacteria. Furthermore,
a test-tube study compared the antimicrobial activity of oregano, sage and thyme
essential oils. Oregano was one of the most efficient essential oils against bacteria,
second to thyme. Current research is limited to test-tube studies that have used
concentrated amounts of this herb. Thus, further research is needed to determine how
these results could affect humans.

Summary: Test-tube studies have found that oregano and its components may be
effective against certain strains of bacteria.

3. Could Have Anti-Cancer Properties

Oregano is high in antioxidants. These compounds can not only neutralize free radical
damage, but they may also aid in cancer prevention. Some test-tube studies have shown
that oregano and its components may help kill cancer cells. One test-tube study treated
human colon cancer cells with oregano extract and found that it stopped the growth of
cancer cells and helped kill them off. Another test-tube study showed that carvacrol, one
of the components in oregano, also helped suppress the growth and spread of colon
cancer cells. However, keep in mind that these were test-tube studies using high
amounts of the herb and its compounds. Human studies using typical doses are needed
to determine its effects.

Summary: Oregano is high in antioxidants and contains compounds that have been
shown to reduce cancer cell growth in some test-tube studies.

4. May Help Reduce Viral Infection

In addition to fighting off bacteria, some test-tube studies have found that oregano and
its components may also protect against some viruses. In particular, carvacrol and
thymol are two compounds in oregano that have been associated with antiviral
properties. In one test-tube study, carvacrol inactivated norovirus, a viral infection that
causes diarrhea, nausea and stomach pain, within one hour of treatment. Another test-
tube study found that thymol and carvacrol inactivated 90% of the herpes simplex virus
within just one hour. While these results are promising, additional research on how
oregano may impact viral infections in humans is needed.
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Summary: Carvacrol and thymol are two compounds found in oregano that have been
shown to decrease the activity of viruses in some test-tube studies.

5. Could Decrease Inflammation

Inflammation is a normal immune response that occurs as a result of illness or injury.
However, chronic inflammation is believed to contribute to the development of diseases
like heart disease, diabetes and autoimmune conditions. Oregano is rich in antioxidants,
which can help neutralize free radicals and reduce inflammation. It also contains
compounds like carvacrol that have been shown to have anti-inflammatory properties.
In one animal study, carvacrol reduced swelling in the paws of mice by up to 57%.
Another animal study showed that a mixture of thyme and oregano essential oils
reduced the number of inflammatory markers in mice with colitis, or an inflamed colon.
Remember that these studies looked at the effects of oregano and its components in
highly concentrated amounts. Studies are needed to determine how a normal dose could
affect inflammation in humans.

Summary: Oregano is high in antioxidants, which may reduce inflammation. Animal

studies show that oregano oil and its components could help reduce inflammation.

6. Easy to Add to Your Diet

Though you may think of oregano as a topping reserved solely for pizzas and pasta
dishes, this versatile herb can be used in many ways. Try mixing whole oregano leaves
into other greens for a nutrient-packed salad or sprinkling the leaves into chili, soups or
stews. You can also use it to make fresh pesto or salad dressing, season meat dishes or
kick up the flavor of homemade sauces. Oregano is available fresh, dried or as an oil,
making it super easy to add to your diet.

Summary: Oregano is available either fresh, dried or as an oil, and it can be added to
stews, dressings, sauces, meats and more.

Oregano is an herb that boasts some pretty potent benefits when it comes to your health. It is
high in antioxidants and may help fight off bacteria and viruses, potentially reduce the growth
of cancer cells and help alleviate inflammation. However, current research is limited to test-tube
and animal studies. Further research is needed to determine its potential effects in humans.
Luckily, oregano is versatile, easy to add to your diet and can be incorporated into a wide
variety of recipes in either fresh, dried or oil form.
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RESULTS AND DISCUSSION

This table shows the results of days gives as we test the person with cough who uses the
oregano tea as their relieving product:

Days 1 2 3 4 5 6

AM Took a cup Took a cup Took a cup Took a cup Took a cup Took a cup

of the tea of the tea of the tea of the tea of the tea of the tea

NOON Took half Took half Took half Took half Took half Took half

cup of the cup of the cup of the cup of the cup of the cup of the

tea tea tea tea tea tea

PM Took a cup Took a cup Took a cup Took a cup Took a cup Took a cup

of the tea of the tea of the tea of the tea of the tea of the tea

Final result With mild With mild The cough Slowing Slowing Experience

coughs coughs is slowing down down a few no.

down a of coughs a

little day

Another graph shows the number of coughs that occurred when the oregano tea is taken,
during this trials the person who took the oregano experience some soothing relief to their body
systems because the number of coughs during the days of the trials decreases.
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18

16

14

12

10
AM
NOON
8
PM
6

0
Day 1 Day 2 Day 3 Day 4 day 5 Day 6

CONCLUSION

The Origanuim Vulgare or Oregano is a herbal plant which can be made into different
herbal medicines that could help in some body health concerns. In our project we concluded
that oregano can be made as an alternative tea which helps the body to have a soothing relief
from coughs and can be used as an anti- oxidants.

RECOMMENDATION
I would like to recommend our product for natural purposes for organic healing of coughs to
those people who couldn’t afford expensive drugs to relieve their coughs and lastly I would like
to recommend our product to relief some pains to body because it can be used as an anti-
oxidant to the body.