The Life of an Oregano Addict

Have you ever wondered why the title of my blog is "The Life of an Oregano Addict"? Well, let me finally tell you why.

Basically, last 2007, I had a bad case of "woman" infection. Actually, it was the result of my hormones gone awry because of my pregnancy. Anyway, instead of going to the "proper" doctor, I took those one-dose meds that my cousin prescribed me. Unfortunately, they didn't work. I was a mess!

I resorted to alternative medicine and I discovered the benefits of oregano. I swear! A glass of oregano will make you want to pee a lot! You'd be peeing your bladder prune dry. Seriously!

Anyway, looking for Oregano, however, was not easy. I had Erbe scoured for oregano plants. After I convinced my mother of the benefits of oregano, she planted oregano plants in our backyard, so we now have a huge oregano garden.

To continue with my story...the oregano miracle wasn't working fast enough for me. By that time though I was addicted to drinking oregano tea three times a day. That was when I changed the blog's title. Anyway, I visited a healthcare provider. She prescribed some medications and they worked! So, I stopped my oregano teas.

I tried to stick to drinking it though because there are numerous benefits to it, but the taste is just so horrid. Every now and then, I still drink oregano tea though. By the way, here are some of the benefits of Oregano --

Oregano (Scientific name: Origanum vulgare) is also known as Wild Marjoram, Mountain Mint, Origanum, Wintersweet and Winter Marjoram. This erectly spreading plant 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 is 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 rosmarinic 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 flavinoids, triterpenoids, 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 ideal 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 cause 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 poultices are applied directly to the affected area.

Health Benefits of Oregano:
 • Good for cough and cold relief
• Helps prevent degenerative arthritis
• Has Anti-aging properties
• Helps relieve rheumatism and osteoarthritis
• Bronchitis herbal remedy
• Ease asthma attacks
• Relieves upset stomach
• Treatment of urinary tract problems
• Relief for dyspepsia or indigestion
• Healing wounds, insect bites & stings
• Cure for sore throat
• Avoid infections caused by childbirth by taking decoctions of the leaves by the recent mother.
• For general good health 

 Preparation of Oregano Leaves:
• Boil one cup of fresh leaves in 3 cups of water for 10 to 15 minutes. Drink half a cup 3 times a day for common colds.
• For a concentrate, juice the oregano leaves and take 1 tablespoon every hour to relieve chronic coughs, rheumatism, bronchitis, asthma, and dyspepsia.
• For Insect bites, wounds and stings, apply the leaves as a poultice directly on the afflicted area.
• For sore throat, boil 2 tablespoonfuls of dried oregano leaves in a pint of water, take 2 hours before or after meals.
• To prevent degenerative arthritis & for general good health drink oregano decoction daily.

Source: Philippine Herbal Medicine

There are still other benefits. You should check them out! They're really, really interesting!


Here are some links to check out:
http://www.bar.gov.ph/downloadables/2007/4%20-%20oregano.pdf
http://www.gardeningchannel.com/health-benefits-of-oregano/
http://www.nutrition-and-you.com/oregano.html

 

Paige is at that stage where she's trying to learn bladder and bowel control.

It's frustrating because she hates wearing nappies. She prefers to go "nekkid" Yep! as "nekkid" as she can get!

One minute, she'd have her nappies on, the next she'd have removed it. It's utterly frustrating. The minute she pees, she wants her nappies off. So, we decided to place diapers only at night. This works fine except for the fact that I have a naked 2-1/2 year old walking around naked all the time.

She hates wearing undies. She basically hates wearing clothes. period. We are in this constant struggle to get her to wear undies. On top of that, we have been trying to teach her to pee on her potty.

It's not that she does not have any bladder control. She just prefers to pee on the floor. Well, at least she used to until last night.

Because last night -- last night was a day to remember!

January 27, 2009.

We were watching television when Paige hurriedly climb off the bed and sat on her pink potty. Just like that. She just sat on it. I didn't give her much notice until she suddenly exlaimed, "Paige! Very good!" I turned and she said, "Mama! wee-wee o!" while pointing at the pink potty with her small amount of wonderful pee.

I was so happy!

Gosh! You'd think I won a million bucks! I picked her up and began dancing around the room. The pink potty with urine made my day. It was such a wonderful, wonderful thing to see.

After last night, Paige began to pee on her potty and she seemed to have gained considerable bladder control. We went to the mall today and she was able to wait for me to bring her to the comfort room before she peed today.

Oh happy day! Who would have thought that a small amount of urine on a pink potty will make my day?!

I am praying for something and I want to remind myself that I have a lot to thank God for because sometimes, I feel like I haven’t been blessed.

So, here goes – I am thankful –

for every breath that I take and for everyone that I cherish and love.

that I am capable of rejoicing in the absolute wonder of being alive and without threats of dying

for my capacity to recognize and cherish my gift of reason – and I am eternally grateful that Erbe possess his.

for my ability to tap into my God’s gift flow of creation

for my Paige and the wonders she brings

that there are good people because sometimes I can’t help but wonder if there are still any left

that there are parents who choose to kiss and hug their children instead of hit them

for everyone who bothers to read everything I write – whatever their reason may be.

for having a good bullshit detector and the ability to not fall into people's crap

for the friends I have had for the last 28 years of my life

that someone still gives a damn about anything -- it does not even matter what.

for things I have yet to accomplish and dreams that I have yet to fulfill – I’m thankful that I am still capable of dreaming

for the wisdom I have gained from fear and stumbling

for the unconditional love I get from my family

for the capacity to recognize REAL love and all its worth

for little things like air conditioning, paved roads, electricity, plumbing, love songs, good books, great movies and sunrises.

for knowing that God truly, truly exists – and without needing to justify my belief.

for my husband.

For the ability to be genuinely thankful for everything I have just written above.




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I just finished doing the pilates. It's fun. I have my 10-minute routine memorized. Tinay, check out these vids. It's fun. I doubt if you would think so though. Gosh, you're hopeless! :)





Anyway, I don't know why but I seem to prefer doing the crunching and stretching at 2 in the morning. I woke up Erbe again with my grunts and curses while doing these routines.

I'm not working tonight -- still, I can't sleep, so I've been watching videos of Pink and doing my part in destroying the Music Industry by downloading music illegally. Sue me.

I checked out some friends though online. I didn't know that my former HS classmates, Nico and Alma got married.
Nette and Marlon, you read that right. They got married. Well, I guess Balon knows but I doubt if Nette does. Do you? We talked about this remember?

So, anyway, while checking out photos -- I saw this old pic of mine with Sette and Bes --



This was in my old room in our old house. I think Sette and I were 19 at that time and Bes was 18. This was 10 years ago. Yep, we once were teenagers. :)
A lot has happened since then.
But sometimes, I wish we could have stayed like this forever.
We used to write each other letters; although we see each other everyday.
I used to sleep at Settie's house and we'd have a gab-fest all throughout the night.
*sigh
I miss them.




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I found this site. It has full of potential meme's! Anyway, bessie will have a field day with this site because she likes surveys. Anyways, here goes another one --

The phone rings; who do you want it to be?
Someone saying, "You got the job!"

Do you take compliments well?
No. I know it's a sign of insecurity, but I can't handle it. Although, I can manage a "thank you."

If abandoned alone in the wilderness, would you survive?
No. A lion will likely eat me or I'll eat myself. Gross.

Do you like to ride horses?
I WOULD like to ride horses.

What was your favorite game as a kid?
Chinese garter. (Did I spell it right?)

If a sexy person was pursuing you, but you knew he/she was married, would you go for it?
At first. :) But I'd back out eventually.

Have you lied to get out of a date?
So many times.

Could you date someone with different religious beliefs than you?
Yes, except is he is a Scientologist.

Do you like to pursue or be pursued?
To pursue. It's the chase that's thrilling.

Use three words to describe yourself?
a. Grumpy
b. Volatile
c. Grumpy.

Do any songs make you cry?
This is embarrassing. Yes, the song, "Tell Laura I love Her." It's tragic!

Tell Laura I love her -

If your house was on fire, what would be the first thing you grabbed?
My computer. :)


How often do you read books?
Not as often as I want to.

I have all these books to finish for real!

Do you think more about the past, present or future?
Future. OF COURSE! But "the past" can be persistent too.

Where is your dream house located?
Anywhere besides the ocean or a lake. *sigh


Have you ever taken pictures in a photo booth?
Who hasn't?

Do you like mustard?
Yep! Especially with KFC burgers.

Do you prefer to sleep or eat?
Sleep because I need sleep! lots of it!

Do you look like your mom or dad?
Daddy! Obviously! LOOK!

How long does it take you in the shower?
Usually, 5 minutes tops!

Can you do the splits?
I wanted to when I was a kid and our father was forcing us to take Karate lessons from him. (He is a black belt). My sister can easily do the splits but I was having such a hard time doing so. In fact, I never did.

If you could fast forward your life, would you?
Nope. That means I'd be fast forwarding my death as well!

What did you do for New Year's?
Sell 100 chickens!


Could you relate to a character in Mean Girls?


Do you have an "ex box" with pics and letters from past lovers?
Guilty! I like reading the letters. It's melancholy and sweet. It's a reminder of my YOUTH when I did stupid things and I was love-obsessed.

Do you know how to play poker?
No. But I know how to write about playing poker. I know the concepts but I don't know how to actually play the game for real.

What do you wear to sleep?
Nothing fancy.

How many meals do you eat a day?
2 - lunch and dinner.

Do you like funny or serious people better?
Who likes serious people? Seriously?!

Do you use cuss words in other languages?
Merde! Shit! -- those are not Filipino words

Do you steal or pay for your music downloads?
Steal. Definitely! I'm sorry Music Industry. The last thing I downloaded was Britney's Circus.

What do you and your parents fight about the most?
We don't actually fight. I can't even remember when was the last time I had an argument with them. I know what THEY fight about --
a. Diabetes.
b. Exercise.
c. Treasure Hunting
d. Faith healing.
e. "Who knows God better -- you or me?"
f. Chickens.

Are you a gullible person?
Nope. I'm distrustful. I always think people have ulterior motives.

If you could have any job what would it be?
Definitely, not Obama's! :) I'd like to take over after him though -- that is, if he does well.

Are you easy to get along with?
No. I am moody and grumpy.

What is your favorite time of day?
2:00 in the morning. When everyone is asleep and it is so silent that I can practically hear the beating of my heart.




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Who was your first love?
I don't know. :) Seriously! I guess P.

Who was your first kiss and when?
P. :) March 18? 19? of 1999

Who was your first prom date?
We had no prom. The school administrator had something up his butt. He just didn't want us to have fun.

Who was your first room mate?
My sister!



What was your first job?
Real one? Medical transcriptionist.

What was your first car?
I wish! *snort

When did you go to your first funeral?
Itay's funeral. I was 5 years old. He was a popular guy, so hundreds came.

When did you first play sports?
Chinese garter. 2nd grade. Does that count?

How old were you when you first moved away from your hometown?
Still here! Still here! Still here! Still here... Still here...

Who was your first grade teacher?
Damn! I can't remember.

Where did you go on your first ride on an airplane?
Brunei. 1996. Summer vacation with Mama.

Who is your first best friend?



Where did you go for your first date and who was it with?
Movies. Benedict. I don't want to remember! So, there!

When you first snuck out of your house, who was it with?
Hazel, Kris, Ate Let - to go clubbing.

Who was your first best friend and are you still friends with them?
I already answered this. Yes, I am still friends with her.


Who was the first person to send you flowers?
Not send. Give. R.S.A. 1st Year HS.

Where was your first place away from your parents house?
Concepcion. Moved out with Erbe.

Who is the first person you call when you have a bad day?

The love of my life, of course!

Who's wedding were you first in as a bridesmaid/groomsmen?

Che and Jess' wedding. I was bawling my eyes out!

What do you wash first in the shower?
Hair.




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"Kinse Martires"

Red Ribbon, Biggs, McDonalds
"Kinse Martires Park"













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