Oregano Herb Profile

Also known as- Origanum vulgare, Common and Wild Marjoram, Greek Oregano and Winter Oregano.

Introduction

Oregano is a warm and aromatic yet slightly bitter herb in the mint family. Good quality oregano has a pungency that numbs the tongue. The best quality oregano is grown in a warm, dry climate. Sunlight encourages the concentration of the essential oils that give oregano its flavor.
Two other herbs are used in the same ways as common oregano but have different culinary and medicinal properties. Mexican oregano is a plant in the verbena family that has an even stronger flavor, while marjoram is a closely related plant that lacks oreganoÍs essential oil and has a different, gentler "mouth feel."

Constituents

Carvacrol, thymol, limonene, pinene, ocimene, caryophyllene.

Parts Used

Dried leaves and flowering stems.

Typical Preparations

Capsules, tinctures, teas, or essential oil. Most commonly used as a flavor and spice in culinary dishes.

Summary

The leaves and flowering stems are strongly antiseptic, antispasmodic, carminative, cholagogue, diaphoretic, emmenagogue, expectorant, stimulant, stomachic and mildly tonic. Oregano is taken by mouth for the treatment of colds, influenza, mild fevers, indigestion, stomach upsets and painful menstruation. It is strongly sedative and should not be taken in large doses, though mild teas have a soothing effect and aid restful sleep.
Used topically, oregano is one of the best herbal antiseptics because of its high thymol content.

Precautions

Not known to be safe during pregnancy.

 

For educational purposes only
This information has not been evaluated by the Food and Drug Administration.
This information is not intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any disease.

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