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Oregano
Origanum species
This savory herb originates in Greece (also Europe), which is where it
received its name oros ganos meaning “joy of the mountains”. It is a little
bush, usually growing no more than 2 ½ feet high when flowering, and spreads
by rhizomatous stems. The oval-shaped leaf grows to no more than 1 ½ inches
long. Purple-pink flowers appear in mid-summer, in temperate zones. It likes
to grow in full sun, but the Golden Oregano (and other variegated varieties)
likes a little shade around noon. The soil should be well-drained yet high
in organic matter/nutrients, and alkaline - their flavor IMPROVING with high
nutrients, unlike most other herbs.
To harvest, pick leaves throughout the season for everyday seasoning or
medicine, and then preserve them for wintertime use by drying, macerating in
oil or vinegar. The flowering tops should be dried.
USES
Culinary
Leaf - Add to strong-flavored meat dishes, like chili, and any foods that
include Garlic, red wine or other strong herbs. Great in pizza, egg, cheese
and tomato dishes. Oregano is often included in ‘bouquet garni’. An impor-
tant flavoring in Italian, Greek and Mexican cooking.
Household
Flower - Grow to attract bees and butterflies.
Leaf and Flower - Used in potpourris.
Cosmetic
Leaf - Make strong tea to add to the bath for relaxing. Use the strong tea
as a hair conditioner.
Medicinal
This pungently aromatic antiseptic and warming herb relaxes spasms,
increases perspiration, benefits digestion, stimulates the uterus and is
a mild expectorant.
Flowering Top - Make a tea for coughs, colds, flu, indigestion, gas,
stomach and gallbladder issues, nervous headaches and irritability, general
exhaustion and menstrual pains. Drink to calm as a mild sedative and as a
sea-sickness preventive. Apply tea externally in a poultice for bronchitis,
asthma, arthritis, swellings, rheumatism and stiff neck.
Leaf - for temporary relief of toothache, chew a leaf or two, or put a drop
of the essential oil on the tooth.
Essential Oil - Used in Aromatherapy for conditions similar to the above,
and to kill lice.
Economic - Oil used in commercial food flavoring, skin care products and
men’s perfumes.
CAUTION: Can stimulate the uterus. Essential oil can cause skin
irritation.
(some information obtained from "The Complete Book of Herbs“,
by Leslie Bremness,
and “Encyclopedia of Herbs” by Deni Brown)
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