Oregano (Origanum vulgare)

 Oregano is an herb that has it's praises sang high and low. This herb is called a miracle worker by many who have used it. There are people who spent months trying to treat something with medicines and then added oregano to their diet and *BOOM* they are healed!

This herb is called wild marjoram or Mexican sage by many people. This is because it has a taste similar to sage only a bit more peppery with an undertone similar to thyme. 

Chinese doctors used oregano to treat fevers, vomiting, diarrhea, and skin problems for centuries. Used when congested can help loosen and remove mucus. it is thought to help remove intestinal parasites because of its digestive aid qualities.

Egyptians believed it to be sacred to Osiris, god of the dead. It was woven into ritual crowns an wreaths.

Greeks took the herb as an antidote to poisons.

It is a powerful antioxidant and is know to have anticancer activities. A study showed to stop the growth and help fight; Staph, E. coli, and Salmonella bacteria. Also destroy anthrax sores. Oregano essential oil may also destroy bacteria that causes pneumonia. I can be used to treat candida and ensuing infection on nails or skin. It can be used to treat urinary tract infections, heartburn, croup, bronchitis, asthma and general coughs.

For treating a sore throat you can gargle with a oregano infusion and drink a cup of oregano infusion 4 times daily. For me after one day my sore throat was gone but even one is different.

In a mind enhance and spiritual level it can be used to stimulate the throat chakra by massaging the into the throat clockwise

However if you are diabetic you show be cautious of oregano as it can double the potency of insulin. Other cautions should be taken if you are taking blood thinners. Too high doses of oregano can be toxic. Oregano can have diuretic effects. Avoid if you are allergic to lavender, basil, thyme, hyssop, marjoram, mint and sage. If you are pregnant be careful as it has be linked to miscarriages.

Now that the warnings are out of the way on to how you can use it. Using the oil in a bath can help relieve stiff joint and rashes. You can make an infusion by steeping for ten minutes in boiling water (1-2 tsp dried oregano in 8-16oz of water) for ingestion. Alternatively you can use the essential oil in a diffuser or aromatherapy lamp. If you find ingestible oregano oil you can use it by placing 2-4 drops under your tongue or in a glass of water.

In food there are many recipes that use oregano. Its flavor can accent foods like sweet pepper, zucchini, eggplants and tomatoes. It is used well in soups, stews, sauces and tomato dishes.

Oregano has key nutrients including: calcium, potassium, phosphorus, iron magnesium, zinc, copper, selenium, fiber, folate, vitamins (A, C, B6 and E). It has phytochemicals, carvone, caryophyllene, limonene, 8-cineole, alpha-pinene, linalol, phytosterol, and thymol.

This hardy, perennial plant prefers dry, well drained soil in a warm sunny place. Seeds should be sowed in early spring time, only just covered in soil. Cuttings should be taken in midsummer. Harvest the whole plant, excluding the roots, in late summer and hang to dry in small bunches.

Key Points: Kills pathogens, antiparasitic, fights candida, doubles insulin potency, helps treat respiratory infections, aids digestion, helps treat UTI's, and many skin conditions.