Oregano is a cherished ancient herb with many healing properties

A Healing Herb Guide

Marjoram is the fourteenth herb to feature in my Healing Herb Guide. 

Oregano is an ancient medicinal and culinary herb that contains some of the highest antioxidant properties in the plant kingdom. It's an easy herb to grow outside in pots during the Summer or indoors during the Winter.

Oregano is an aromatic perennial herb of the Mint family known for its flavoursome leaves and flowering tips in the Summer months. Native to the hills of Mediterranean countries and western Asia, Oregano is known as Joy of the Mountains and has spread to naturalise in parts of Mexico and America.

Oregano is a small evergreen subshrub grown in mild climates. It has branched woody stems with opposite oval leaves that are connected to the stem by a tiny stalk (petiolate). With creeping roots, its young stems are typically square and hairy, becoming woody with age. The flowers are small and grow in clusters in white, pink or pale purple, attracting many different pollinators during the Summer months.

Commonly used across the world, Oregano is a staple ingredient in many cultures which is why it is sometimes referred to as The Prince of Herbs. It is generally associated with Italian and Mediterranean cuisine, where the aromatic leaves are used to flavour an abundance of tomato based sauces and dishes.

I hope you enjoy discovering the life-giving and healing benefits of Oregano - a wonderful addition to any diet with many different uses for your general good health, nourishment and wellbeing.

Folklore

Oregano has graced planet Earth for a very long time. It was first known to be used by the Assyrians in 3,000 BC. The name comes from the Greek word oros meaning mountain, and ganos meaning joyful brilliance which translates as Joy of the Mountains.

Native to the mountainsides of Greece, Italy and other Mediterranean countries, Oregano is a treasured herb which has been used generously to flavour many a savoury dish through the generations.

Oregano was once used in spells to bring happiness, protection, joy and the deepening of love. It was believed that sleeping with Oregano in a sachet under the pillow would bring about psychic dreams. In Pagan times, Orgegano was placed on graves to help the deceased find happiness in the next life. If it was found growing wild on a grave, it was considered a message from beyond that the deceased were happy and well.

Oregano was considered a source of great healing to the ancient Greeks. It was used by Hippocrates who applied Oregano Essential Oil to treat skin infections including psoriasis and cuts, and to cure stomach aches.

Nutrition

Oregano contains a extensive range of antioxidants including tryptophan, lysine and valine. A valuable source of vitimins C, A, E and B-complex, Oregano also contains potassium, calcium, iron and magnesium.

Oregano can help to strengthen the digestive tract and expel trapped gas from the intestines, easing the effects of bloating and abdominal discomfort. It is also known to help balance the metabolism and strengthen core organs of the body.

Eating fresh Oregano leaves can help to maintain optimal levels of manganese in the body which is necessary for immune function, bone formation and blood clotting. It is high in iron, a mineral that is essential for healthy blood, energy production, hormone synthesis and neurological development.

Oregano also contains powerful compounds called flavonoids and phenolic acids that have numerous health benefits.

Remedies

Oregano has powerful anti-viral abilities which have been shown in a laboratory to produce a 99 percent kill rate against Streptococcus Pneumoniate which can cause many kinds of lung and throat infections.

Oregano Essential Oil is used for its antioxidant, antifungal and anti-inflammatory properties. A few drops in a natural organic carrier oil provides gentle healing and can play a beneficial role in weight management and infection treatments.

Oregano Essential Oil benefits extend beyond controlling infections. Common examples of conditions it can help to manage include athlete’s foot or toenail fungus, common colds, gingivitis, earaches or toothaches, and digestive problems.

Oregano Essential Oil is one of the most potent antimicrobial oils and does an incredible job at disinfecting your home and office air. Place a few drops in a aromatherapy diffuser to help protect yourself from contagious cold and viral infections.

Oregano Essential Oil is an excellent toothache remedy and can be added to your bath water as it is highly beneficial to the skin and can help to treat rheumatic pains as well as skin infections. 

Oregano Herbal Tea is made in the same way as Marjoram Herbal Tea and can be made into a tincture to relieve symptoms of mild, spasmodic gastrointestinal complaints including bloating and flatulence.

Oregano Herbal Tea supports healthy digestion and the effective assimilation of nutrients. Due to its antispasmodic properties, it is also helpful for intestinal cramping. 

Recipes

Fresh Oregano & Parmesan Salad

A simple and delicious salad that contains all the goodness of fresh Oregano leaves, onion, garlic, virgin oil, lemon juice, Parmesan cheese, sea salt and ground black pepper.

3 cups x fresh Oregano leaves - roughly chopped

1 x medium Red Onion - finely chopped

I x large Garlic Clove - finely chopped

¼ x cup Organic Cold Pressed Virgin Olive Oil

½ x cup Lemon juice - freshly squeezed

Sea Salt and Black Pepper to taste

Grated Parmesan Cheese

- Thoroughly wash the Oregano leaves while still on the stem before gently patting dry.

- Remove the leaves and roughly chop being careful not to make them too fine.

- Add the leaves to a bowl and stir in the finely chopped onion and garlic.

- Stir in the olive oil and fresh lemon juice.

- Garnish with a generous helping of grated Parmesan Cheese.

- Finish with a generous sprinkling of sea salt and ground black pepper.