OREGANO (Origanum vulgare)
The name of the herb is derived from Greek: oros (mountain) and ganos (joy). For full nutritional information, check this page. More than 60 different compounds have been identified in oregano oil, with the major ones being carvacrol and thymol (and these contribute to the flavor).
Grow
Oregano (marjoram) is a perennial plant that loves sun (in my colder climate), and puts a display of purple flowers every summer here, in zone 5 U.S. Can be propagated with seeds and cuttings.
Oregano (marjoram) is a perennial plant that loves sun (in my colder climate), and puts a display of purple flowers every summer here, in zone 5 U.S. Can be propagated with seeds and cuttings.
Harvest and storage
Oregano leaves can be collected any time during the growing season, dried out and stored. Harvest the herb with scissors. Comprehensive advice on drying herbs is available, but briefly, wash the herb, shake off the excess water, tie the branches into bundles and hang them up to dry indoors, away from sunlight. When dry, crumble the leaves between your hands and store in airtight containers.
Oregano leaves can be collected any time during the growing season, dried out and stored. Harvest the herb with scissors. Comprehensive advice on drying herbs is available, but briefly, wash the herb, shake off the excess water, tie the branches into bundles and hang them up to dry indoors, away from sunlight. When dry, crumble the leaves between your hands and store in airtight containers.
Medicinal uses
Folk medicine has utilized oregano internally (as tea) or externally (as ointment) for treatment of disorders of the gastrointestinal tract, respiratory tract, nervous system, menstrual cramps, urinary tract disorders, skin conditions (acne, eczema, and dandruff). More recently, oregano essential oil has been reported to have anti-bacterial properties even against methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA). For the abovementioned applications, oregano tea is made by steeping one teaspoon of dried leaves with one cup of boiling water for 5 minutes (this is the daily dose). Oregano oil could be used also for cold and flu; however, I am not sure whether the tea is not a better choice. For bronchitis and related problems, one could prepare a “bouquet” tea with dried oregano, thyme, St. John's wort, mint, etc.
Cosmetic uses
For treatment of acne, mix equal parts oregano oil and coconut oil (or other carrier oil), and apply on the affected skin. Another recommendation is use topically the mix of 1 drop oregano oil with 5 drops olive oil, or 2-3 drops of oregano oil in a cup of water. Stop using if the skin becomes irritated and red. For dandruff, I found the advice of using a few drops of oregano essential oil to the regular shampoo one uses (protect your eyes when using the oil).
Folk medicine has utilized oregano internally (as tea) or externally (as ointment) for treatment of disorders of the gastrointestinal tract, respiratory tract, nervous system, menstrual cramps, urinary tract disorders, skin conditions (acne, eczema, and dandruff). More recently, oregano essential oil has been reported to have anti-bacterial properties even against methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA). For the abovementioned applications, oregano tea is made by steeping one teaspoon of dried leaves with one cup of boiling water for 5 minutes (this is the daily dose). Oregano oil could be used also for cold and flu; however, I am not sure whether the tea is not a better choice. For bronchitis and related problems, one could prepare a “bouquet” tea with dried oregano, thyme, St. John's wort, mint, etc.
Cosmetic uses
For treatment of acne, mix equal parts oregano oil and coconut oil (or other carrier oil), and apply on the affected skin. Another recommendation is use topically the mix of 1 drop oregano oil with 5 drops olive oil, or 2-3 drops of oregano oil in a cup of water. Stop using if the skin becomes irritated and red. For dandruff, I found the advice of using a few drops of oregano essential oil to the regular shampoo one uses (protect your eyes when using the oil).
Cooking with oregano
Dried oregano leaves are used to flavor pizza, meat, and salads. Herb-infused, including oregano-infused, oil can be a source of Clostridium botulinum, widespread bacteria that produce the botulism toxin; therefore, following the right procedure could be life-saving. For more ideas on how to incorporate oregano in your menu, check this webpage.
Resources
http://www.organicauthority.com/5-clear-skin-tricks-with-acne-fighting-essential-oils
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Oregano
http://www.medicalnewstoday.com/articles/266259.php
http://hubpages.com/art/Oil-of-oregano-acne-Helps-in-making-your-face-clear
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=CRMi5Csf3rQ
http://www.thekitchn.com/5-ways-to-use-fresh-oregano-from-your-garden-ingredient-spotlight-191094
http://midwestmodernmomma.com/20-uses-oregano-essential-oil
http://happymoneysaver.com/drying-herbs-first-time/#_a5y_p=2097391
http://nutritiondata.self.com/facts/spices-and-herbs/197/2
http://www.almanac.com/plant/oregano
http://www.organicauthority.com/5-clear-skin-tricks-with-acne-fighting-essential-oils
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Oregano
http://www.medicalnewstoday.com/articles/266259.php
http://hubpages.com/art/Oil-of-oregano-acne-Helps-in-making-your-face-clear
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=CRMi5Csf3rQ
http://www.thekitchn.com/5-ways-to-use-fresh-oregano-from-your-garden-ingredient-spotlight-191094
http://midwestmodernmomma.com/20-uses-oregano-essential-oil
http://happymoneysaver.com/drying-herbs-first-time/#_a5y_p=2097391
http://nutritiondata.self.com/facts/spices-and-herbs/197/2
http://www.almanac.com/plant/oregano
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