An Herb You Should Meet:
Oregano
ARTICLE IN A NUTSHELL
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
"Oregano is a powerful plant medicine with significant antibacterial, anti-inflammatory, anti-parasitic and anti-fungal properties."
INTRO
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.
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NAMES
Latin Name: Origanum vulgare
Family: Lamiaceae (mint family)
Common Names: Oregano, Wild Marjoram
- Greek oregano
- Queen of herbs
- Mother of herbs
- Winter sweet
HISTORY
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.
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HEALTH BENEFITS AND USES OF OREGANO
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)
- Antioxidant
- Boosts Immune Function
- Antibacterial & Antiviral
- Anti-inflammatory
- Improves Digestion
- Improves Gut Health
- Supports Cardiovascular System
- Assists Management of Diabetes
- Relieves Stress Related Conditions & Depression
CONTRADICTIONS
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.
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HOW TO USE
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:
- Use fresh or dried oregano with flavorful pieces of bread to turn any ordinary soup meal into something delightful.
- Mix oregano with honey for a flavored addition to sauces, bread, curries, and more.
- Oregano is the perfect herb for tomato sauces.
- You can also combine olive oil to create Italian vinaigrettes and marinades for chicken or meat recipes.
- Fresh oregano leaves are a great addition to salads.
For Medical Use:
- You can use drops of therapeutic grade oregano oil or brew some dried leaves in a cup of tea to treat cough, cold and sore throat.
- Use vinegar infused with oregano to treat fungal infections.
- Due to its antibacterial and antifungal properties, oregano can be used as an ingredient in your natural household cleaning formula– providing an abundance of disinfecting properties.
- As a brewed tea, it can ease menstrual pain, prevent constipation and diarrhea, soothe muscle aches, and treat skin sores.
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”.
HOW TO USE
Oregano Tea
Serves: 1
Preparation Time: 10 minutes
- Ingredients
- Fresh oregano, fresh: 1 sprig
- Boiling Water: 1-2 cups
- Honey: 1 tsp (optional)
- Method
- Rinse oregano leaves to remove any dirt and debris.
- Place oregano in boiling water for 3 minutes to steep.
- When the flavor has reached your desired level, remove it.
- Fill a mug halfway and add honey until dissolved. Serve and enjoy.
Oregano, Feta, and Tomato Salad
Serves: 4
Preparation Time: 10 minutes
- Ingredients
- Fresh oregano leaves: 3 cups
- Tomato: 2-3
- Block Feta Cheese: 7 ounces
- Black Pepper Powder: 1 tsp
- Olive oil: 2-3 tbsp
- Fresh Lemon Juice: ½ cup
- Salt to taste
- Method
- Cut tomatoes into thick wedges.
- Cut the feta cheese into thin slices.
- Rinse oregano to remove any dirt and debris.
- Collect all ingredients in a mixing bowl and drizzle some olive oil, lemon, black pepper powder, and salt.
- Serve at room temperature.
START YOUR HERB GARDEN TODAY
How to grow oregano in a pot:
Instructions Provided by SeedsNow.com
Step 1- Starting Your Seeds:
- Start your seeds indoors using lightweight soil or seed starting pods.
- Place your planted seeds or tray of soil pods in a warm room out of direct sunlight.
- You can be creative! Even a small mason jar makes a great option to start your seeds in!
Step 2- Transplanting Your Seeds:
- Transplant your young seedlings into a larger container once they are about 2-3 inches in height and have their first set of “true leaves.”
Things to Keep in Mind:
- Herbs need 4-6 hours of sunlight every day.
- Aim for a room that will stay between 60-70 degrees.
- Choose permanent containers that have adequate drainage holes.
- Try not to overwater the soil. The soil should feel damp, not wet or mushy.
- Rotate your plants once a week so each side of the plant gets adequate light. This will keep them from getting “leggy” or leaning to one side.
- Prune both small and large leaves. If you prune too many of the large leaves, it might stunt the plant’s growth.
- Remove any dead leaves so the plant can focus on delivering nutrients to healthy stems and leaves.
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FINAL THOUGHTS
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!
ABOUT THE AUTHOR
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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ARTICLE CITATIONS
- https://www.medicalnewstoday.com/articles/266259#_noHeaderPrefixedContent
- https://www.herbsociety.org/file_download/inline/b30630e2-d0a9-4632-a7da-14af53a07a67
- https://www.northatlanticbooks.com/shop/the-practice-of-traditional-western-herbalism/
- https://www.urmc.rochester.edu/encyclopedia/content.aspx?contenttypeid=76&contentid=02027-2
- https://www.sciencedirect.com/topics/agricultural-and-biological-sciences/origanum-vulgare
- https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC6508890/#:~:text=In%20traditional%20medicine%2C%20oregano%20has,%2C%20and%20diabetes2%E2%80%934.
- https://www.researchgate.net/publication/232240488_Oregano_Overview_of_the_Literature_on_Health_Benefits
- https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/8933203/
- https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/8227682/#:~:text=The%20ability%20of%20antioxidants%20to,integrity%20of%20cells%20and%20tissues.&text=Supplementation%20with%20the%20antioxidant%20vitamins,environmental%20sources%20of%20free%20radicals.
- https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC4400296/
- https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/24779581/
- https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/25671817/
- https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC6930659/
- https://www.rxlist.com/supplements/oregano.htm#:~:text=Allergies%3A%20Oregano%20can%20cause%20reactions,increase%20the%20risk%20of%20bleeding.
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