Oregano Leaf, (Origanum spp., including O. onites, O. vulgare), Cut and Sifted Bulk
Family
Lamiaceae (Mint Family)
Etymology
The genus name Origanum and common name oregano derive from the Greek words oros and ganos, meaning "joy of the mountain," in reference to the plant's beauty and mountainous origins.
Range of Appearance
Oregano is a perennial (in warmer climates) native to northern Africa, Europe, and Asia but is cultivated worldwide. It bears small, opposite, oval, grayish green leaves on a square stem and can grow to about 2 1/2 feet tall. It produces pinkish to purple hermaphroditic flowers in erect spikes. It can grow in almost any kind of soil and thrives in dry conditions with lots of sun.
Parts Used
Aboveground plant
Physiological Effects
Anti-inflammatory, antioxidant, antiseptic, antispasmodic, aromatic, carminative, cholagogue, diaphoretic, digestive, emmenagogue, expectorant, stimulant, stomachic, tonic
Medicinal Uses
Oregano is rich in essential oils that have a wide range of antiseptic properties. It improves respiratory capacity and increases circulation to the digestive tract. It is used in the treatment of asthma, bronchitis, colic, cough, delayed menses, dysmenorrhea, dyspepsia, fever, flatulence, flu, headache due to nerves, high cholesterol, indigestion, measles, motion sickness, mumps, nausea, neuralgia, pleurisy, rheumatism, and tonsillitis. Topically, oregano can be prepared as a liniment, poultice, or compress to treat bruises, headache, joint pain, sprains, and swelling. It can be used as a bath herb or prepared as a steam inhalation to treat colds and flu and clear congestion from the lungs and sinuses. To relieve toothache, the leaves can be chewed or the diluted essential oil applied.
Culinary Uses
Oregano, fresh or dried, is a common culinary herb. It can lose much of its aromatic qualities if heated, so using it in its raw form, or adding it at the end of meal preparation, is ideal. Oregano is sometimes used to flavor beer, bitters, and vermouth. It makes a spicy tea.
Other Uses
Romans made wreaths of oregano to crown young couples, as the herb symbolizes love, honor, and happiness. The essential oil is used in perfumery and soap making; smelling it helps lift depression. In the garden the plant repels ants. In folkloric tradition, oregano is used in love spells and when carried is said to intensify love, increase prosperity, and give protection against sickness.
Constituents
Beta-carotene, vitamin C, vitamin K, calcium, iron, magnesium, manganese, essential fatty acids, essential oils (carvacrol, thymol, limonene, terpenes, borneol, terpinene, terpineol), flavonoids, tannins, bitters
Contraindications
Avoid large dosages during pregnancy; using it as a culinary seasoning, however, is safe.
Plant details were provided by iPlant by Brigitte Mars.
Hyperlink it to https://brigittemars.com/iplant-app/