Oregano – beneficial and popular multi-purpose herb [updated]

Oregano, Origanum vulgare, is also known as Greek oregano (as opposed to Cretan oregano, which is another name for pot marjoram), wild marjoram, winter marjoram, wintersweet and mountain mint. It is not closely related to mint. The oreganos and marjorams are quite closely related, which explains the almost interchangeable names. You can also use any of them as a substitute for any of the others in cooking (and for thyme) – though not necessarily as a remedy.

Sow indoors Feb-April ½cm (¼”) deep, transplant May 20cm (8″) apart. Remove flowers to prolong picking. Cut leaves as required and whole plants as flowering begins for use fresh, dried or for distillation.

Oregano is much more than just a culinary herb, and has been used for healing for centuries. One of its uses is to promote menstruation, and for this reason it is not safe for use in the quantities required for herbal medicine by pregnant women, though it’s fine used in cooking, as the amounts used are very small.

A standard infusion is made from 2-3 tsp of chopped fresh herb to 250ml (1 US cup 8 fl oz) of boiling water. Leave to stand for between 15 minutes and 4 hours before straining for use. A dose of 1-2 cups a day can be used for coughs and other respiratory complaints and disorders of the digestive system. It’s also used to relieve painful periods and promote menstruation, and can be used externally as a wash for skin infections.

To make an oil maceration which can be used as a chest rub for asthma, bronchitis, colds and flu, and also as a liniment for muscle pain, fill a jar with as much fresh herb as will fit and cover with olive oil. Seal tightly and leave in the sun for 2-3 weeks, shaking the jar once a day, then strain and store the oil, preferably in a sealed, dark colored bottle, in a cool dark place. The same oil can be used as a toothache tincture (put a little on cotton wool and apply to the affected area).

Like all remedial herbs, oregano intended for medicinal use should be grown organically to avoid adulteration of its essential properties by foreign chemicals. To find out more about growing organic oregano visit the Gardenzone.

Oregano essential oil is toxic and should not be used.

Related Posts

1. Thyme
2. Pot Marjoram
3. Parsley

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