Oregano

Brief History & Mythology

Origanum vulgare is a member of the mint family and native to Europe, the

Mediterranean and Asia. In ancient Egypt they used oregano as a preservative

for food, and as an antidote to poison. The name oregano is derived from the

Greek Oros Ganos, Which means “joy of the mountains”. Hippocrates, the father

of medicine, used oregano as an antiseptic as well as a cure for stomach and

respiratory ailments.

Culinary

Oregano is an important culinary herb. It is widely used in Turkish, Greek, Spanish and Italian cuisine. It is the leaves that are used in cooking, and the dried herb is often more flavorful than the fresh. Oregano became popular in the US when returning WWII soldiers brought back with them a taste for the “pizza herb”.

Oregano Butter: Homemade oregano butter is a tasty variation of one of the

most common household staples. In a mixer, blend 1-2 bunches of chopped

oregano, 1-2 cloves of garlic, 2 sticks of sweet butter, and salt to taste. Severed on

bread fresh from the oven, oregano butter compliments soups, salad and pasta

dishes. It’s healthy, too; the butter acts as a carrier for the spice’s therapeutic

essential oil. (recipe from The Complete Guide to Natural Healing)

Store fresh oregano leaves in a plastic bag in the refrigerator. You can also freeze the fresh herb: finely chop the leaves, mix with water in ice cube trays, and freeze. Store the cubes in the freezer in plastic bags and thaw to use. To dry oregano, tie the stems together and hang in a warm well-ventilated spot. Store the dried leaves in airtight containers in a cool, dark place to prevent the savory volatile oil from dissipating.

Medicinal

Main constituents or components: Oregano’s most important component is its volatile oil, which contains

carvacrol,thymol both recognized for their ability to help slow the growth of

bacteria,loosen phlegm, soothe the digestive tract and destroy most fungi and

worms dueto their antiseptic and antiviral effects. These properties help ease

respiratory congestion, colds, bronchitis and flu symptoms. The additional

componentsbomeol, linalool, limonene, pinene, ocimene, caryophllene and

camphor, tannins,bitter principals and flavonoids are said to stimulate the appetite and

aid

digestion.

The leaves and flowering stems are strongly antiseptic, antispasmodic and choleretic, or bile stimulating so oregano is often prescribed for indigestion, flatulence, stomach pain and bloating. It is also carminative, cholagogue, diaphoretic, emmenagogue, expectorant helping to clear congestion linked to coughs, bronchitis and asthma. It has additional properties of being a stimulant, stomachic and mildly tonic.

Oregano is high in antioxidant activity, due to a high content of phenolic acids and flavonoids. Additionally, oregano has demonstrated

antimicrobial activity against food-borne pathogens. Oregano has recently been found to have extremely effective properties against penicillin resistant Staph (Staphylococcus aureus) showing a higher effectiveness than 18 currently used drugs.

Oregano has 31 known anti-inflammatories, 28 antioxidants and 4 known potent COX-2 inhibitors, including rosemarinic acid. COX-1 is an enzyme which is normally present in a variety of tissues in the body, including sites of inflammation and the stomach. Some of the prostaglandins made by COX-1 protect the inner lining of the stomach. When the COX-1 enzyme is blocked, inflammation is reduced, but the protection of the lining of the stomach also is lost. This can cause stomach upset as well as ulceration and bleeding from the stomach and intestines. This can be what happens when you take too many aspirin products for pain.

Prostaglandins are made by two different enzymes, (COX-1) and (COX-2). The COX-2 enzyme is located specifically in areas of the body that commonly are involved in inflammation but not in the stomach. Blocking this enzyme impedes the production of prostaglandins by the COX-2 enzyme which is often the cause of the pain, swelling of inflammation, and other painful conditions. COX-2 inhibitors are used for treating: colorectal polyps, menstrual cramps, sports injuries, osteoarthritis, and rheumatoid arthritis.

In the Philippines, oregano is considered as a primarily medicinal plant, useful for relieving children's coughs.

Caution:

Oregano oil may irritate the skin and the mucous membranes, so dilute it before use. In addition, carvacrol, one of the oil’s components, is slightly toxic, so the oil should be used in small doses. Since it can stimulate uterine bleeding, oregano oil shouldn’t be used during pregnancy. If you are allergic to thyme, basil, mint or sage, oregano oil is not meant for you. Also oregano oil is known to reduce the iron absorption ability of the body. So care must be taken regarding iron supplementation. Also, insist on pure oregano oil, as it is often confused with marjoram essential oil. This herbal remedy is not intended to be a substitute for medical advice from a physician. This information is not intended to diagnose, treat, prevent or cure any health or disease condition. Before taking any herbal supplements you should consult your physician to determine that they will not contraindicate any medication that you may be currently taking. Do not stop taking your prescriptions without first contacting your doctor for medical advice.

Topical Uses

Poultices

Oregano poultices alleviate sore and tired muscles and insect bites. Place

fresh leaves in a muslin bag and dampen with warm water. Place the

poultice over body aches and stiff joints.

Oregano Tea for Colds

For cold symptoms, pour 1 cup of boiling water over 2 tsp of the fresh herb or 1 tsp of dried oregano. Steep for 10 min., strain. Drink the tea during the day as needed. It is strongly sedative and should not be taken in large doses, though mild teas have a soothing effect and aid restful sleep.

Gargle

For gum inflammations and sore throats, make the tea above. Let cool; then add 1 drop of teatree oil. Gargle with ¼ to ½ cup of the mixture up to 4 times daily.

Skin Wash

For wounds, scrapes and rashes, prepare the tea above. Let cool. Then dip a clean cloth into the tea. Rinse the affected areas 4 times daily.

Bath (Whole Body Wash)

For symptoms caused by colds and flu, pour 2 quarts of boiling water over ½ cup of dried herb and steep for 20 min. strain. Add the liquid to a warm bath and soak for 20 – 30 min. Then rest in bed.

Oil & Aromatherapy:

The essential oil is extracted from the flowering plant. The resulting pale-yellow oil has a potent camphor, spicy aroma that strengthens the body and mind. Oregano oil is considered one of the most antiseptic essential oils; it can treat parasites, digestive problems and infections, as well as respiratory ailments, such as bronchitis, colds, and flu. When applied topically, oregano oil relieves eczema, psoriasis and other chronic skin conditions and may help to reduce the formation of cellulite. Steam inhalations with the oil loosen phlegm, promote expectoration and quiet coughs. Massages with oregano oil soothe menstrual pain and muscle cramps, due to boosting circulation. On an emotional level, oregano oil relieves fatigue, improves concentration and helps ease depression.

Essential Oils and Carrier Oils Oregano is a highly active oil that can be a strong skin irritant - use with care. Add lemon to sweeten the spicy, medicinal aroma.

For Renewed Energy and Increased Focus

The powerful, spicy aroma of oregano oil relieves weakness and improves concentration. The following mixture in your aromatherapy lamp provides fresh energy and stimulates both the both and the mind.

3 drops oregano oil

2 drops balsam oil1 drop basil oil

For Menstrual pain

Since oregano oil increases circulation, it eases menstrual pain. Add 1 drop of oregano and 2 drops of clary-sage oils to warm bath water. Soak for 20 minutes to relax muscles and soothe cramps.

Make a household disinfectant spray

Blend 2 drops each of oregano, thyme and lavender oils, 5 drops of lemon oil, 1 cup of warm water and ½ cup of vodka. Add the mixture to a spray bottle. Spray the areas of the house where germs tend to accumulate, such as the kitchen and the bathroom. Don’t spray near furniture, however, as it can discolor fabric and wood.

Magical

Element: FireOregano is used in magic for Protection, Love, Happiness, Health, and

Money,joy, relief from depression, shielding your garden against evil. It is an

herb ofhappiness, tranquility, good luck.

Make a tea or burn as an incense for letting go of someone you love - be it a

spouse, a significant other, or anyone else that it hurts to leave.  

Plant Oregano around your house for protection, and scatter it inside the house to protect it (add violets to protect the family from colds).  In Hoodoo magic, it is also widely believed to be a protective herb with the power to ward off troublesome and meddling individuals, especially those who may wish to interfere with one's personal financial dealings. Oregano is said to have significant power to keep the law away. They say that if the law does interfere with their work, they mix Oregano with Cascara sagrada, Spanish for "sacred bark”, burn them on charcoal, and pray for deliverance before their court date so that matters will turn out in a way that is most helpful to their own case.

Carry oregano in a sachet or charm to bring good luck and good health.  It is also said to protect and promote psychic dreams when worn on the head during sleep.