Oregano is an herbaceous plant that belongs to the Lamiaceae family. There are about 36 varieties of oregano originating from Central Asia and the Mediterranean. Oregano grows in well-draining soil in areas that have direct sunlight and adequate moisture. This herb is also known as wild marjoram because it is closely related to sweet marjoram (another popular spice). Dried oregano leaves have a sharp, slightly bitter taste. Oregano is used in a variety of cuisines around the world. It is an indispensable ingredient in Greek and Italian cooking. Oregano is not only used as a kitchen spice, but also has beneficial effects on human health. It is also used in gardens as it enhances the growth of the surrounding plants.
Ancient Greeks believed that cows that grazed in fields full of oregano had tastier meat.
Oregano grows as shrub that can reach 29 inches in height.
Oregano is usually grown as a small evergreen subshrub in mild climates.
Leaves are small, rounded and grayish-green in color. They are gathered in pairs that are oppositely arranged on the branches.
Oregano is native to the hills of the Mediterranean countries and western Asia and has naturalized in parts of Mexico and the United States.
Oregano blooms during the summer and autumn. Flowers are purple and located on the top of erected stalks.
Oregano is closely related to thyme, mint, sage, basil and lavender.
Oregano can be propagated via seed or through division of the existing plant.
Oregano is usually cultivated in warm and dry environment.
Name “oregano” originates from Greek language and it means “delight of the mountains”.
The oil extracted from Oregano is applied for skin condition such as athlete’s foot, acne, canker sores, dandruff, ringworm, wounds, warts, psoriasis, rosaceae and also for toothaches, gum disease, spider or insect bites, varicose veins and muscle or joint pain.
Dried leaves of oregano are used to improve the flavor of salty dishes, usually made of vegetables and meat. Fresh flowers of oregano are also edible.
Oregano has two most essential components such as thymol and rosmarinic acid which is an antioxidant compounds that are closely related to lowering oxidative stress in the body.
Amount of aromatic oils and chemical composition of the plant depend on the habitat, climate and type of soil.
The addition of Oregano to the diet enhances immunity and prevents the body from harmful and silent killers.
Oregano is best known as “pizza herb”. Other than that, oregano is used as basic ingredient for the preparation of famous Italian specialties such as pastas, spaghetti and tomato dishes.
Oregano has antibacterial properties due to the presence of carvacrol and thymol.
Oregano became popular in the USA after the Second World War when American soldiers returned home from the battle fields in Italy. Besides bad war memories, they brought spice for pizza to their country.
Loaded with fiber, Oregano has good impact on digestive health.
Mexican oregano is special kind of oregano that is mainly used in western societies. This type of oregano is one of ingredients of the chili powder.
Oregano has omega-3 fatty acids which is healthy cholesterol beneficial for improving heart health.
Oregano contains vitamin A, C and K and minerals such as iron and manganese.
Oregano is rich in nutrients having high content of calcium, manganese, vitamin K, iron, fiber and various organic compounds which assist in detoxification of the body.
Oregano was initially used as medical plant before it became popular as spice. Aromatic oils and chemicals from oregano can relieve stomach ache and prevent bloating. They also alleviate respiratory difficulties. Oregano can be used against sea sickness. It also shows antimicrobial and antifungal properties, which means that it can be used against bacterial and fungal diseases. “Therapeutic” oregano can be consumed in the form of tea or ointment.
Oregano has adequate amounts of nutrients which help to prevent osteoporosis in life.
Ancient Greeks believed that cow’s meat becomes more tasteful when cows consume oregano as a regular part of their diet.
A gram of Oregano provides 42 times stronger antioxidant in comparison to apples.
Chemical compounds from oregano repel insects. Because of that, oregano may act as natural insecticide when it is planted in the garden.
Oregano contains zero level of cholesterol.
Oregano is perennial plant, which means that it lives more than two years in the wild.
Oregano contains anti-allergic properties which help to treat this health condition optimally.
