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Oregano Uses: Do You Know Them All?
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In this episode, Julie discusses common and not so common oregano uses. Join her to discover culinary and medicinal uses along with some growing tips.
Historical Oregano Uses
Origanum vulgare, or Greek Oregano as we know it (although it’s sometimes called Wild Marjoram), has a long history. Since it is native to the Mediterranean area, the first recorded use is by the Greeks. They believed that the goddess Aphrodite created this herb as a symbol of joy growing in her garden. In fact, the word “oregano” comes from the Greek words oros, for “mountain,” and ganos, for “joy” meaning “joy of the mountains”. And so, they thought it was a good omen if it grew on someone’s grave and among both Greeks and Romans, they crowned newlyweds with it as a symbol of joy and peace. In addition to using it symbolically, people also used it medicinally such as an antidote to narcotic poisons, stopping convulsions, and treating dropsy (what we call edema).
Discover some additional historic uses and beliefs about oregano on the podcast.
Culinary uses
Today, one of the most popular oregano uses is as a staple herb of Italian cuisine. Greek food and other Mediterranean cuisines frequently use it also. You can also find it in Latin American and Turkish dishes. People use it most in roasted, fried or grilled vegetable and meat dishes, including fish. Its popularity in the U.S. began when soldiers returning from World War II brought back with them a taste for the “pizza herb”, which people probably ate in southern Italy for centuries.
Gardening and Growing Tips
If you want to enjoy culinary or medicinal uses, take care that you are getting true oregano and not marjoram. True oregano is Greek oregano, wild oregano is often marjoram and plants grown from seed are also often adulterated with marjoram, so make sure you get a reliable source. Grow in full sun in hardiness zones up to about zone 5 (although that’s pushing it) Grow it in pots so you can overwinter it indoors. Needs well drained soil. To make sure that it keeps producing leaves for you, don’t allow it to flower. Leave about 4-6 pairs of leaves and pinch off the tips above that. That will make the plant bushy, too.
Modern Medicinal Oregano Uses
Oregano has antibacterial, antifungal, antiviral, expectorant, and stimulant properties. The most common uses include bacterial infections of the GI tract and respiratory system. However, it is also a stimulating diaphoretic useful for colds and flu, antiseptic gargle/mouthwash for inflammations of mouth and throat, treats infected cuts and wounds and can help with pain such as tension headaches and rheumatism. Only use for acute issues. Long-term use can alter liver metabolism.
Nutritionally, oregano is a significant source of Vitamin B6, C, E, and K, folate, manganese, magnesium, calcium and iron. And it is full of antioxidants, more than any other herb in the mint family.
On the podcast, Julie talks about several modern scientific and medical studies that explore other possible uses. Listen in!
Warnings
Tisserand and Young warn that Oregano Essential Oil is contraindicated during pregnancy and breastfeeding. In addition, oregano oil irritates mucus membranes and you should use caution when using it on the skin. There are additional warnings about uses on the podcast.
The post Oregano Uses: Do You Know Them All? appeared first on Ultimate Homeschool Podcast Network.
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