Origanum vulgare
Family: Labiateae (Mint)
Oregano comes from the mint family and can be used interchangeably with marjoram as they are so closely related, in fact wild marjoram is actually oregano! It has highly antibacterial and antiviral properties making it a favorite for winter use. Use in your culinary dishes all through the winter season to ward off viruses and bacteria and to strengthen the immune system. Now is a good time to harvest your oregano and dry it for use in your cooking and other herbal projects mentioned below.
Family: Labiateae (Mint)
Oregano comes from the mint family and can be used interchangeably with marjoram as they are so closely related, in fact wild marjoram is actually oregano! It has highly antibacterial and antiviral properties making it a favorite for winter use. Use in your culinary dishes all through the winter season to ward off viruses and bacteria and to strengthen the immune system. Now is a good time to harvest your oregano and dry it for use in your cooking and other herbal projects mentioned below.
Properties
- analgesic
- antibacterial
- antifungal
- antioxidant
- antispasmodic
- antiseptic
- antiviral
- carminative
- emmenagogue
- expectorant
- nervine
- digestive
Personal and Beauty Care
- dandruff
- lice
- cleanses and disinfects, makes a great hair rinse
- eczema, sore and other skin issues and infections
- anti-aging (internal consumption)
Medicinal Uses
- fungal infections such as athlete's foot, ringworm, etc.
- vaginal yeast infections and candida
- respiratory problems, can ease lung congestion and heal bronchial inflammations (rub salve into chest)
- sinus congestion
- cough, cold and flu
- promotes sweating which helps rid the body of toxins during sickness
- fever and heat stroke
- measles and chicken pox
- bronchitis, spasmodic coughs
- muscle, uterine and stomach cramps and spasms
- aching joints and muscles, rheumatism, swelling
- digestive aid; gas, flatulence, bloating,
- diarrhea, vomiting
- urinary problems
- bacterial infections and sores
- parasites
- tooth ache, mouth sores, dental inflammation
- headache and pain reliever
- cuts, scrapes and wounds
- nervousness, insomnia, tension and anxiety
- can dissolve milk knots in nursing mothers (apply a fresh poultice or salve)
- Nutrient rich: vitamins A, C, K, iron, calcium, manganese, antioxidants
- deters food borne bacteria and parasites
- pest control to kill fleas and other bugs on contact (I'd use the essential oil for this one)
Methods of Use
- add liberally to culinary dishes
- infusion
- herbal sprinkle
- capsules or pills
- herbal vinegar
- tincture or glycerite
- herbal oil
- salve, ointment and balm
- liniment
- herbal honey
- bath and foot soak
- gargle or mouthwash
- essential oil (this is a different species with stronger properties)
In The Garden
Oregano can be easily grown in your garden. You can start your seeds indoors 6 weeks before the last frost, purchase a start from your local nursery, divide an established plant or directly sow the seeds outdoors after the last frost date.
- Choose a sunny, warm location in rich soil.
- Space 12" apart.
- Water light to moderately.
- Oregano is beneficial to any plant it is planted to next to, improving the growth and flavor of the plant and keeping off pesky invaders.
- Harvest just before blooming and keep cutting as blossoms appear to keep the plant producing.
Recipes
Garden Herbal Sprinkle
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Anti-viral Medicinal Honey
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Resources
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