Oregano
origanum mexicana
origanum vulgare
Labiate



AKA
Mexican Oregano
Mexican Sage
Wild Marjoram

Pregnant women should not ingest
large amounts of oregano.

The name oregano means joy of the mountain.

Oregano comes from the labiate family like basil.

Its natural habitat is the mountainous region
around the Mediterranean Sea.

The ancient Greeks and Romans introduced oregano
to Europe and the Spaniards in turn
brought it to the new world.

It is grown for export in Mexico
as origanum mexicana Mexican oregano.

The oregano plant can grow horizontally
up to 2 ½ feet tall with pungent leaves.

The flowers grow in clusters
at the end of shoots and bloom in June.
Harvest just as the plant is about to bloom
for medicinal use.

Wild oregano flowers are purple in color
while Greek oregano has white flowers.

The Mexican oregano is more pungent
than the Mediterranean variety and is a shrub like plant
that can grow to a height of 7 feet.

Oregano became popular in America
when the pizza craze caught on.

This herb has a pungent smell and taste.

It is a perennial plant
in warm climates and in the north it is an annual.

The leaves contain essential oil called origanum oil.

The leaves can either be used fresh or dried.
Crushing the leaves before using them,
will release the aroma.
Oregano is used in many dishes besides pizza.
It is used in meat,
liver and kidney dishes, salads, stuffings.

Oregano is used to soups,
vegetable dishes and scrambled eggs, pasta sauces.

The prime use of this herb is culinary.
It is a staple of Greek and Italian cuisines.
One may cook it in sauces,
with tomatoes, or in a number of ways.

Ancient Greeks used oregano herbs
as an antidote and it was used by Ancient Egyptian
herbalists for medicinal purposes as well.

Oregano can be taken
to strengthen and stimulate the stomach.

To help heal bruises and contusions, mix dried
oregano leaves with some honey and apply as a salve.

Drink hot oregano tea
if you are coughing or have indigestion and gas.


ACTIONS
CONDITIONS
HABITAT
MAGICAL PROPERTIES
Oil of Oregano

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