Most hoi polloi associate oregano with Italian and Hispanic bag , but actually , the herbaceous plant originates in Northern Europe where it grows in the wild . Its scientific name is Origanum vulgare , and to the ancient Greeks it was considered the “ delight of the mountain ” . In fact , it gets its name from the Greek word of honor oros ( mountain ) and ganos ( joy ) .
Growing Oregano
Oregano is also known as Winter Sweet , Pot Marjoram , Mountain Mint or Winter Marjoram . It is a recurrent works that thrives in well irrigated loamy filth in Zones 5 - 10 . works germ in the early bounce after the last frost , or grow them indoor in plugs then transplant the young industrial plant 12 - 18 inches aside in the spring garden .
After four weeks , the plants will flower . It is best to harvest the leaf before when the plants reach 4 - 5 column inch in acme to debar it returning to ejaculate . Always clip the stem near the ground instead of plucking only the leave . This stimulates more growth and also will tolerate the flora to more easily string up to dry out .
To dry out oregano , splice the branches together and hang upside down in a cool dry berth away from direct sunlight for five or so Day . Then , seal the dry out plants in an airtight container . Oregano has a ledge life of about one year .
Oregano Nutritional Content
A serving is one gram . gram calorie 3Protein 0Vitamin A 1 % RDAVitamin C 1%Iron 2%Fat 0Dietary Fiber 2%Calcium 2%Vitamin K 8%Omega 3 roly-poly acids 1.5 %
Oregano Health Benefits
Hippocrates , the great Greek philosopher and scholar , used oregano for medicinal purpose . He used it as both an anaesthetic and for digestive problems . Oregano ’s key chemical substance components are Acetate , Borneol , Bisabolene , Carvacrol , Caryophyllene , Cymene , Geranyl , Linalool , Linalyl Acetate , Pinene , Terpinene and Thymol . All of these chemicals are present in the leave and in the oil , so they have both topical and internal welfare .
It has been thought to be an in force treatment for bacterium and parasite plague in the Aspinwall and gut . In fact , Mexican researchers have get it effective in combating giardia , an intestinal contagion because of a microscopic parasite . See this medical publication on the subject : Oregano kill Giardia intestinalis trophozoites in vitro .
Because of its anti - parasitical affect , its oil color has been used in headway lice treatment . Herbalists recommend it for the treatment of east - coli .
Oregano also has anti - inflammatory benefits . Some people rub the oil on stir up joints and muscles . Topically , it can also be used as an antiseptic and anti - bacterial spread to unbosom acne , cold sore , and small cutting and scrapes .
It has been used in the discourse of allergies and even to regulate menstrual periods . Some civilisation apply it as a potent botheration killer . A few drops of the oil colour in succus consume for 3 - 5 day may help light up up a sinus transmission .
Oregano also has a orotund amount of antioxidants in its oil colour and leaves . It has 42 times the antioxidants as a average sized apple , 30 times more than a white white potato and 12 times more than an Orange River .
Ways to Prepare Oregano
Oregano is most commonly used as a seasoning in stews , pizzas and tomato base sauce . unfermented wild marjoram parting can heighten the flavor of salad and soups as well as Mediterranean stunner .
It is trade union movement intensive to squeeze the oil from the leaf and stems .
Oregano Cautions and Concerns
Not everyone should take oregano . Especially women who are pregnant should avoid digesting or absorb oregano . It can step down the lining of the embryonic sacque .
If you are allergic to plenty , salvia , basil or thyme , you might also be allergic to oregano . Though used in the aid of digestive problems , it can cause the opposite issue in some multitude .
Oregano oil may reduce the eubstance ’s power to absorb iron , which is another ground women and child in picky should not use up large amounts of marjoram . Seek aesculapian advice about an Fe supplement if oregano is a basic in your culture ’s cuisine .
Want to learn more about the health benefits of oregano?
Check out these resources : Oregano NutritionGreek Oreganofrom the University of Illinois Extension
