Contents:
Common Names | Parts Usually Used | Plant(s) & Culture | Where Found | Medicinal Properties | Biochemical Information
Legends, Myths and Stories | Uses | Formulas or Dosages | How Sold | Nutrient Content | Resource Links
Scientific Names
- Origanum vulgare
- Lamiaceae family
Common Names
- Carvacrol
- Dostenkraut
- European Oregano
- Huile d’Origan
- Marjolaine Bâtarde
- Marjolaine Sauvage
- Marjolaine Vivace
- Mediterranean Oregano
- Mountain Mint
- Oregano
- Organy
- Origan
- Origan Européen
- Origani Vulgaris Herba
- Origano
- Origanum
- Phytoprogestin
- Thé Sauvage
- Thym des Bergers
- Wild Marjoram
- Winter Marjoram
- Wintersweet
Parts Usually Used
The leaves
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Description of Plant(s) and Culture
Oregano is an herb with purple flowers 3-4 mm in size. It’s a perennial plant that grows to about 20-80 cm in hight.
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Where Found
Oregano is originally from Western and Southwestern Eurasia as well as the Mediterranean. However, it grown worldwide as a culinary herb and is easily grown indoors, with adequate light.
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Medicinal Properties
Oregano contains carvacrol which has been the subject of various research studies into its antifungal, antibacterial, antimicrobial anti-cancer and antiviral properties.
According to HeartMD Institute: Research has shown that carvacrol really does have the ability to kill certain harmful bacteria. In one trial, oregano oil inhibited the growth of the Escherichia coli and Pseudomonas aeruginosa strains of pathogenic bacteria. The researchers said they looked forward to further testing of oregano essential oils “as alternative antibacterial remedies enhancing healing process in bacterial infections and as an effective means for the prevention of antibiotic-resistant strain development.”
Biochemical Information
Oregano leaves contain antioxidant, protective compounds including triterpenes, phenols, oleanolic acid and rosmarinic acid. However, the most potent components of oregano oil are thymol and carvacrol.
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Legends, Myths and Stories
The word oregano is derived from Classical Greek ὀρίγανον (orī́ganon), from which the Spanish orégano, and Latin orīganum are derived. This is a compound Greek term that consists of ὄρος (óros) meaning “mountain”, and γάνος (gános) meaning “brightness”, thus, “brightness of the mountain”.
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Uses
Traditionally, oregano has been used to treat gastrointestinal (GI) disorders, asthma, croup, respiratory tract disorders, coughs, bronchitis, bloating, heartburn, menstrual cramps, rheumatoid arthritis, heart conditions, headaches, respiratory tract disorders and urinary tract disorders. It is also used externally to treat acne, herpes simplex type 1 virus, athlete’s foot, oily skin, dandruff, warts, inflammatory bowel disease, ringworm, canker sores, rosacea, insect and spider bites, gum disease, psoriasis, toothaches, muscle pain, and varicose veins.
Oregano oil is ingested to treat allergies, intestinal parasites, arthritis, sinus pain, cold and flu, earaches, swine flu and fatigue.
Oregano oil is also used topically as an insect repellent.
Oregano is also very commonly used as a culinary spice in many different cuisines.
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Formulas or Dosages
As a treatment for nasal congestion or cold or cough, boil water and add the leaves of fresh oregano. Add other aromatic herbs, if desired, then drape a towel over the head to help hold the steam in, and breathe deeply for several minutes.
For sore muscles, headache or pain, combine oregano essential oil with a carrier oil such as olive oil or coconut oil, then apply to painful area or to temples or neck.
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How Sold
Fresh herb, dried herb, capsule, tea, essential oil.
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Nutrient Content
Oregano is rich in Vitamins A, B6, C, E, and K, as well as calcium, magnesium, iron, and potassium.
Resource Links
Herbs That are More Effective in Treating Lyme Than Antibiotics
WedMD: Why Is Oregano Good for Me?
