Oregano

Oregano (Origanum vulgare) is best known for its nice fragrance and its intense usage in the Italian cuisine. Most people don’t actually know the fact that oregano contains a great amount of antioxidants, a very potent essential oil and some other beneficial chemicals. Oregano can calm the nervous system, help both the respiratory and the digestive tract and it has been used to cure many problems related to the female genitalia like adnexitis, endometriosis, vaginitis and even uterine cancer.

Oregano is native to the Mediterranean region, especially Greece and Italy, but it can also be found in the Middle East, India, Mexico or South Asia. Oregano can still be found in the wild but most of the time it is being cultivated as an aromatic and ornamental plant in the garden. The aerial parts of the plant, leaves, stems and flowers, must be carefully picked up and set to dry. The dried parts are very fragrant and can be used to give some extra flavor to some dishes or to make infusions, tinctures, essential oils, poultices and other things.

When used as a medicinal plant, oregano can reduce fever, stop rebellious coughs, and treat common colds or cases of influenza. It has both antimicrobial and antiviral properties. A cup of oregano infusion can act as a true painkiller, relaxing the muscles and relieving migraines or headaches caused by nervous tension and stress. Oregano is also a great tonic for the digestive system, fighting bad cases of indigestion, flatulence, stomach cramps, gastritis, diarrhea and intestinal parasites.

This plant is a true blessing for both our soul and our body. It has great healing properties and a phenomenal fragrance. It doesn’t take much to fall in love with it and use it in both your pizza and pasta sauce, as an essential oil in a relaxing bath or as a great infusion to drive away the daily nervous tension!