Oregano: the plant for culinary and health use

Oregano, scientifically known as Origanum vulgare L., is a perennial herbaceous lamiaceae widely spread throughout the Mediterranean region. The stem reaches up to 50 cm in height, generally less branched, reddish with faint edges.

The leaves are petiolate, with an oval blade (2-3 cm long and 1.5-2 cm wide), whole, slightly dentate. The small flowers are clustered in narrow terminal spikes, resembling a corimbo inflorescence, purplish in color, occasionally white, and fragrant. Obovate bracts (modified leaves) with reddish margins are present. Dense hairs cover the stems, veins, leaf margins, and inflorescences.

Oregano thrives in dry soils, slopes, and hills; it is found from the sea to the mountainous areas of the entire peninsula, blooming throughout the summer.

It easily propagates by seed in spring (March-April), by cutting or root in autumn. Plants can be spaced when they have 3 or 4 leaves.

Requiring a warm and dry climate, the soil should be kept moist but not excessively so.

Harvested at the beginning of flowering, leaves and flowering tops are collected as needed.

To dry it, bunches of flowers and leaves are gathered in mid-summer by cutting the stems at the base and hanging them upside down in a dry, well-ventilated, dimly lit space for about 4 days. Oregano preserves well when dried in airtight containers.

Unlike other plants like garlic, parsley, thyme, etc., oregano, through drying, enhances its distinctive aroma.

Its drug is represented by the inflorescence, containing essential oil composed of phenols (carvacrol and thymol), alpha-terpinene, limonene, borneol, geraniol, and caryophyllene. It also contains flavonoids, vitamin A, and C.

While oregano is primarily known for its culinary uses, it boasts numerous health properties.

Internally, Jean Valnet considered it effective as a bactericide, sedative, antispasmodic, appetizer, stomachic, carminative, and expectorant in bronchial affections, respiratory tract antiseptic, useful for lack of appetite, and emmenagogue. Externally, it acts as a parasiticide (useful in case of lice infestation), analgesic in muscle and joint rheumatism, and beneficial in cellulite when associated with other medicinal species.

Here’s an example of its use:

Rheumatic liniment with Oregano

– Oregano essence: 5 grams

– Rosemary tincture: 95 grams

Blend the two ingredients and rub on the sore parts.

According to another renowned herbalist, Henry Leclerc, oregano is notably effective for whooping cough in children between 2 and 12 years of age, as well as in adults with tracheitis caused by cigarette smoke.

There are also numerous interesting traditional uses: crushed flowering tops with tomato leaves were applied to healing wounds; oregano leaf decoction was used for foot baths to relieve fatigue; and leaf pulp placed on sore gums eased the pain.

Oregano tops were also used to dye wool in a reddish-brown color. Monks at Casamari used the plant to prepare digestive liqueurs.

Oregano essential oil is obtained by steam distillation of the fresh or dried flowering plant. The essential oil is a yellow liquid with a warm, camphoraceous, herbaceous-spicy odor.

A 2009 study by authors from the Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences at the University of Salerno and the Department of Natural Substances Chemistry at the University of Naples “Federico II” highlighted the antimicrobial activity of the essential oil of Origanum vulgare L. subsp. hirtum, cultivated in Campania. The antibacterial activity was observed against 10 selected microorganisms. It was found that the antimicrobial activity is more pronounced against Gram-positive pathogens, while against Gram-negative ones, it was effective only against E. coli in the essential oil containing a higher percentage of phenols.

There are no known contraindications for the use of oregano essential oil, although cutaneous application should be cautious due to its high phenol content. However, its use is to be avoided during pregnancy and in children under 2 years old.

Fun Fact: Oregano is also an excellent method to keep ants at bay; just sprinkle it in frequented areas and remember to replace it often. In addition to ants, it is unwelcome to numerous other pests, so it could be cultivated alongside plants that are more susceptible.

It is also known as “anchovy herb” or “anchovy plant” because it is widely used to flavor anchovies.

In ancient Greece, brides were accustomed to adorning themselves with oregano crowns, symbolizing prosperity and happiness.

According to an ancient legend, the therapeutic properties of this spice were discovered by a stork that used it after ingesting toxic food.

Oregano had a significant role in ancient Roman cuisine. Its use continued in the following centuries, mostly limited to southern regions; the northward spread is recent and coincides with the popularity of pizza.

In the belief that oregano smoke had anesthetic powers, past “dentists” made patients inhale it through a funnel or specific cigar forms to alleviate the pain of tooth extraction.

Saint Hildegard claimed that touching or eating the plant would cause leprosy, but at the same time, it healed those who had already contracted it.

It seems that the most active essence of oregano comes from Spain (Thymbra capitata (L.) Cav.), while Greece is the leading producer.

ANJA LATINI

Registered Herbalist RNEP No. GLT0018S