Orégano Orejón: A Little-Known Plant With Promising Visual Properties

As digital eye strain now affects a majority of adults, a plant used for generations in traditional medicine is attracting the attention of visual health researchers. Orégano Orejón, or Plectranthus amboinicus by its scientific name, differs radically from the common oregano we know in cooking.

Native to southern and eastern Africa, this plant with thick, succulent leaves has gradually spread to Latin America, the Caribbean, and Asia. Also called Cuban oregano, Indian borage, or Mexican mint, it possesses a rich, slightly sweet aroma that reveals its particular chemical composition.

What makes Plectranthus amboinicus unique for eye health lies in its exceptional nutritional profile. Unlike the Origanum vulgare used in gastronomy, this variety naturally concentrates carotenoids in significant quantities, notably lutein and zeaxanthin, two compounds recognized for their ability to filter blue light and protect the macula, the central area of the retina responsible for precise vision.

Its richness in polyphenols, rosmarinic acid, and essential oils like carvacrol and thymol completes this bioactive profile. These antioxidant molecules act in synergy to neutralize free radicals that progressively damage sensitive ocular tissues, which are particularly exposed in an environment saturated with screens.

This convergence between ancestral traditional use and documented biochemical composition explains the growing interest in this accessible medicinal plant.

Four Scientifically Documented Mechanisms of Action

This exceptional biochemical composition translates into precise mechanisms of action on visual function. Current research identifies four pathways through which Orégano Orejón could support eye health against daily aggressions.

The first mechanism concerns the neutralization of retinal oxidative stress. The antioxidants in Plectranthus amboinicus, notably polyphenols and rosmarinic acid, intercept free radicals generated by prolonged exposure to screens and artificial blue light. This targeted protection limits the accumulation of cellular damage in photoreceptors and the retinal pigment epithelium.

Second decisive action: natural optical filtration. The lutein and zeaxanthin present in the plant specifically concentrate in the macula after ingestion. These carotenoids selectively absorb harmful wavelengths between 400 and 500 nanometers, thereby reducing the amount of blue light reaching vulnerable photoreceptor cells.

The third mechanism involves the modulation of low-grade chronic inflammation, an insidious process associated with premature eye aging. The active compounds in Cuban oregano help maintain a healthy inflammatory balance in ocular tissues, potentially slowing down certain age-related degenerations.

Finally, this plant promotes optimal microcirculation to the eye and optic nerve. Efficient blood flow guarantees the constant supply of oxygen and essential nutrients to maintain visual functions, which are particularly strained during intensive digital work.

These four converging pathways suggest a global action rather than an isolated effect, characteristic of traditional medicinal plants whose effectiveness relies on molecular synergy.

Five Simple and Accessible Daily Use Protocols

This understanding of the mechanisms of action naturally leads to the question of concrete application. Traditional uses, validated by generations of empirical practice, offer accessible protocols for integrating Orégano Orejón into daily life.

The morning infusion remains the preferred method: 4 to 6 fresh leaves, slightly crushed, infused for 8 to 10 minutes in water at 85-90°C (not boiling to preserve active compounds). This daily preparation allows for optimal bioavailability of carotenoids and antioxidants. Many users report a notable reduction in eye fatigue after three weeks of regular consumption.

Eye compresses constitute a complementary topical approach: a decoction of 5 to 6 leaves in 500 ml of water, reduced for 5 minutes over low heat then cooled to lukewarm temperature, applied to closed eyelids for 5 to 7 minutes. This protocol, repeated 3 to 4 times a week, provides an immediate soothing effect after prolonged screen exposure.

Direct culinary integration offers a gustatory alternative: finely chopped leaves incorporated at the end of cooking in soups, broths, or mixed salads. Their pronounced minty flavor requires a gradual introduction, at a rate of one to two leaves per portion.

For prolonged use, infused oil allows for effective preservation: fresh leaves macerated for two weeks in extra-virgin olive oil, exposed to indirect light, then filtered and refrigerated. This preparation keeps for one month and can be used as a seasoning or for gentle skin application on the temples.

Maximum effectiveness is observed through dietary synergy: association with spinach (additional lutein), wild salmon (structural omega-3s), eggs (zeaxanthin), and sweet potatoes (vitamin A precursor). This holistic approach amplifies the isolated benefits of each nutrient.

Expected Results and Traditional Perspective

These application protocols inevitably raise the question of the time frame for effectiveness. Observations converge toward an interval of 2 to 4 weeks of consistent use before the appearance of perceptible changes: clearer vision, reduction in eye strain at the end of the day, better tolerance to artificial light.

This temporal variability depends on three determining factors: daily screen exposure (users exceeding 8 hours notice more gradual improvements), the quality of the overall diet (a diet poor in antioxidants delays the effect), and age (younger ocular tissues generally respond more quickly).

Traditional communities in Latin America and Southeast Asia, which have used Plectranthus amboinicus for several generations, testify to lasting visual support when usage is part of a long-term routine. These ancestral practices, passed down orally, report a preservation of visual acuity in regular users compared to non-consumers of the same age.

However, the exact positioning of this approach should be clarified: Orégano Orejón constitutes a natural nutritional supplement, not a substitute for regular ophthalmological exams or prescribed treatments for diagnosed pathologies. Its role fits into a preventive and daily comfort approach, particularly relevant given the omnipresence of digital visual demands.

This multi-generational empirical validation, combined with preliminary data on its bioactive compounds, suggests real potential for integrating this humble plant into a global strategy for preserving eye health.