The herb’s name comes from the Greek word “oros” which means mountain and “ganos” which means joy. It usually grows about 50 cm tall and has purple leaves about 2-3 cm long.

The chemicals that give the herb its unique and pleasant aroma are thymol, pinene, limonene, carvacrol, ocimene, and caryophyllene.

Contains powerful antioxidants and antibacterial properties.

Facts about oregano:

Here are some important facts about oregano. More details in the main article.

Oregano is a Mediterranean herb used for cooking and medicinal purposes, from treating infections to repelling insects.

The active ingredients in oregano may help in the treatment of osteoporosis, cancer, and diabetes.

Use it to flavor sauces, make spicy rolls, and in marinades for meats.

People who are allergic to mint should be careful when consuming oregano.

Oregano Health Benefits:

Oregano has been used in herbal medicine since the ancient Greeks.

Hippocrates used it as an antiseptic.

Potential medicinal uses for oregano include the treatment of respiratory diseases, gastrointestinal (GI) disorders, menstrual pain, and urinary tract disorders.

Applied locally, it can help treat a number of skin conditions, including acne and dandruff.

1) Antibacterial properties

Oregano oil contains an essential substance, called carvacrol, which has antimicrobial properties.

The herb has shown antimicrobial activity in several studies. A group of researchers found that essential oils from Origanum vulgare were effective against 41 strains of the foodborne pathogen Listeria monocytogenes.

Another team from India and the United Kingdom (UK) reported that Himalayan oregano essential oil has strong antibacterial properties that may protect against the hospital bacterium MRSA.

2) Anti-inflammatory properties

Scientists from Germany and Switzerland identified an active ingredient in oregano, known as beta-caryophyllene (E-BCP), which may help treat disorders such as osteoporosis and arteriosclerosis. E-BCP is a nutritional cannabinoid.

3) Protection against cancer

Research published in the journal PLoS ONE in 2013 suggests that oregano exhibits anticancer activity. The scientists concluded that Origanum majorana could help prevent and treat breast cancer by slowing or preventing its progression.

In 2014, food scientists discovered that popular culinary herbs contain compounds from oregano, rosemary, and marjoram that can treat type 2 diabetes similar to some currently prescribed medications.

Other possible health benefits

According to The Natural Medicines Comprehensive Database, oregano can be used for the following diseases and conditions:

• herpes labialis

• muscle contracture

• acne

• pink

• bronchitis

• Have a toothache

• damn feeling

• A headache

• heart disease

• allergies

• intestinal parasites

• an earache

• throat pain

• tired

• keep insects away

• menstrual bread

Oregano essential oil, made from Origanum vulgare or Thymus capitatus, can help with the following problems:

Fungus in feet or nails: A few drops in the water and let your feet enjoy it, or apply it as a diluted oil locally on the affected area.

Sinus and colds: Use a few drops in a steam bath and inhale.

Note: Each essential oil must be diluted before use, either with a carrier oil, such as olive oil, or in water, or for a steam bath.

More research is needed to confirm the effectiveness of oregano as a treatment.

Tips for cooking with oregano:

Oregano is a Mediterranean herb that pairs well with pizza and pasta sauces.

Other ideas include:

sprinkle meat or chicken with oregano for added flavor

to use in pickles

chop and mix into bread dough to make sandwiches

to add to a fresh salad

Here are some tips:

Add it late in the cooking process for maximum flavor.

The smaller you cut or grind, the more flavor will be released.

Start with a small amount, too much of the food can make it bitter.

One teaspoon of dried oregano corresponds to one tablespoon of fresh oregano.

It is available dried or fresh in supermarkets, or you can grow it yourself in a pot on a windowsill, balcony or in the garden. It is a perennial plant, which means it will continue to grow throughout the year.

Also, discover some of the health benefits of oil of oregano.

Side effects and precautions

Eating oregano can cause stomach problems in some people.

Also, people who are allergic to plants in the lip-flower family, such as oregano, basil, lavender, mint, and sage, should be careful because they can also develop an allergic reaction to oregano.