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1. Spice up your meals with this energy-boosting herb that provides abundant health benefits
2. Great for cooking, medicinal use, and a potent natural disinfectant to use in your home
3. Flavorful & Versatile Recipes
Welcome to the first edition of the Energetic Health Institutes ‘medicine in your spice cabinet series’. In today’s modern world, the thought of going out and foraging for our desired plant medicine is far-fetched. The good news is you don’t have to – chances are, you have some of the most potent natural medicines in your kitchen spice rack right now!
In this series, we will explore the history of some of our favorite herbs and learn how you can begin growing them in your kitchen or garden today! It’s easy, and who wouldn’t like to add a boost of antioxidants to meals or use them to spice up their cup of tea?
Today, we will introduce you to Oregano, one of the most common ingredients in foods around the world. Surprisingly, it’s also one of the most potent herbs, containing antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, antibacterial, and antifungal properties.
Latin Name: Origanum vulgare
Family: Lamiaceae (mint family)
Common Names: Oregano, Wild Marjoram
The origin of oregano can be traced back to ancient times. Oregano means “Joy of the Mountain” in ancient Greek. Greeks, Romans, and cultures throughout the Mediterranean Basin cherished oregano as a symbol of joy and happiness. Origanum is one of over 200 genera in the Lamiaceae (mint family) used in culinary, fragrance, hygiene, cleaning, and medicinal applications. (1)
Origanum is also known to have played a role in ancient Judaic and pre-Judaic religions and mythology as a purification herb. With regards to its medicinal properties, Hippocrates considered the father of medicine, and other known physicians such as Dioscorides and Galen used oregano as an antiseptic and for the treatment of stomach, respiratory, liver, and inflammatory ailments, to name a few. (2)
The most common variety used is Oregano Vulgare, also known as wild marjoram. All of these species are available in different forms, and which one to use depends on the recipe or intended use.
Oregano boasts an impressive list of health benefits due to its abundance of nutrients, including vitamin A, vitamin K, manganese, iron, potassium, omega-3 fatty acids, and fiber. The Energetics of oregano is considered to be a warm, aromatic, drying herb that elevates, rejuvenates, and improves the flow of blood to all tissues. These stimulating actions assist respiratory function by enabling the delivery of more life-giving oxygen to cells. (3)
This small but mighty herb is considered a functional food with phytonutrients, particularly thymol and carvacrol, that serve as potent antioxidants with antimicrobial medicinal properties. (4)
Traditionally, oregano has been used both internally and externally to treat skin conditions, localized infections, insect stings, and respiratory conditions such as asthma, bronchitis, and coughs. Its uses have also been well documented for conditions associated with the gastrointestinal system, such as diarrhea, indigestion, and stomach aches.
In ancient times, oregano was also used as a food preservative. In fact, researchers today are finding its phytonutrients are exceptional natural food preservatives and may have the ability to replace the synthetic preservatives currently being used. Synthetic preservatives are known to contribute to many inflammatory and chronic digestive disorders. (5)
Supporting its use, recent studies show oregano may help boost the immune system, alleviate digestive issues, and reduce inflammation. It is no wonder, since ancient times, this herd has been associated with joy and happiness – hint… a healthy gut = a healthy mind! (6)
While improving digestion and fighting infection, oregano’s research-based health benefits include: (7) (8) (9) (10) (11) (12) (13)
Oregano or oregano oil is safe for most people when used in regular food doses. However, there are some contraindications to note. If you are taking any medication, consult with your primary health care practitioner before taking herbs or essential oils. (14)
-Decrease absorption: Oregano Oil may decrease the absorption of copper, iron, and zinc from your diet. If you are experiencing a relative deficiency in any of these nutrients, it is recommended that you take oregano at least 2 hours before or after supplementation.
-Pregnancy and breastfeeding: Oregano oil is possibly unsafe when taken by mouth in medicinal amounts during pregnancy. There is not enough reliable information about the safety of taking oregano (oil) if you are breastfeeding. Stay on the safe side and avoid use.
-Bleeding disorders: Oregano might increase the risk of bleeding in people with bleeding disorders or who are on blood thinning medication.
-Allergies: Oregano can cause reactions in people allergic to Lamiaceae family plants, including basil, hyssop, lavender, marjoram, mint, and sage.
-Diabetes: Oregano might lower blood sugar levels.
-Surgery: Oregano might increase the risk of bleeding. People who use oregano should stop 2 weeks before surgery.
Oregano is a versatile and flavorful herb that has secured a prominent place not only in kitchens but also in natural medicine. Its health benefits, combined with its distinctive taste, make it a valuable addition to many recipes. Whether in a simple tomato sauce or as a remedy for colds, oregano has stood the test of time and continues to be highly regarded today. Give it a try and experience the joy that this wonderful herb can bring to your health.
For Cooking:
For Medical Use:
Note: When shopping for medicinal grade essential oils be sure to do your homework!
Click to learn more: “How to Choose High Quality Essential Oils”.
Oregano Tea
Serves: 1
Preparation Time: 10 minutes
Oregano, Feta, and Tomato Salad
Serves: 4
Preparation Time: 10 minutes
How to grow oregano in a pot:
Instructions Provided by SeedsNow.com
Step 1- Starting Your Seeds:
Step 2- Transplanting Your Seeds:
Things to Keep in Mind:
Oregano – a herb that should hold an important space in your kitchen and medicine cabinet. Food is medicine, and using herbs like oregano in recipes is an excellent way to consume a powerhouse of antioxidants while aiding your digestive system. Growing herbs like oregano is fun and easy! How about starting your fresh herb garden today!
To Your Good Health!
M. Moriah Mor, a Certified Holistic Nutritionist, is the owner of GreenSilk.com. The company is committed to helping individuals live a healthier lifestyle through education, nutrition, the research of life science, and the development of Professional High-Grade Premium health products.
Recognized for her outstanding dedication and contributions to the health and wellness industry for more than 18 years, Moriah is a graduate of the Energetic Health Institute and the University of Southern California. Her interest is focused on researching the latest scientific breakthroughs in the holistic health field. She is currently working toward her Doctorate in Natural Medicine.
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