Origanum Vulgare (also known as Origanum vulgare, Common and Wild Marjoram, Greek Oregano and Winter Oregano)

Plant family: Lamiaceae (Labiatae)

Close relatives: Liquorice, Hyssop, Basil, Lavender or Mint

Origin: indigenous to the mountainous regions of the countries bordering the western half of the Mediterranean, Greece and Cyprus.

Used parts of the plant: flowering tops, dried leaves and flowering stems

Extraction: Steam distilled

Constituents: Carvacrol, thymol, limonene, pinene, ocimene, caryophyllene.

Oregano is a warm and aromatic yet slightly bitter herb in the mint family. Good quality oregano has a pungency that numbs the tongue. The best quality oregano is grown in a warm, dry climate. Sunlight encourages the concentration of the essential oils that give oregano its flavour.

Two other herbs are used in the same ways as common oregano but have different culinary and medicinal properties. Mexican oregano is a plant in the verbena family that has an even stronger flavour, while marjoram is a closely related plant that lacks oregano's essential oil and has a different, gentler "mouth feel."

The word "Oregano" comes from the Greek, and means "mountain of joy." Oil of oregano is one of nature's best natural antiseptics. It was used to sterilize pre-operative instruments until 1950.

Organic Essential Oils are the life-giving healing resin derived from plant life that delivers oxygen and nutrients and protects the plant. The ancient Egyptians were the first to discover that organic high frequency essential oils possessed valuable substances that produce many benefits for the body, mind and spirit.

Essences were later used ceremonially and cosmetically by the royal families and the wealthiest nobility. As usage became more common, these highly prized plant extracts were employed by physicians as the basis of most medicines and to remedy epidemic diseases. Production expanded and merchants began to export rich unguents, scented oils, creams and aromatic wines all over the Mediterranean world and Arabian Peninsula.

Oil of Oregano is an extract from the Oregano plant, also known as Origanum Vulgare. Like Lavender, this plant is a member of the mint family, Labiatae. Many people are familiar with this plant and they don't even know it. Everyone probably has consumed it at some point in their life. The reason for this is that Oregano is known for being a popular spice used particularly in Greek and Italian foods. It is frequently found as a spice in salads, pizzas and other kinds of pastas. Its origin is said to be the Mediterranean, however today it is used widely across the world whether as a spice or for the health benefits that oil of oregano provides.

Use: Oregano is high in antioxidant activity which might account for some of the many health benefits of oregano oil. Oregano oils thymol and carvacrol are believed to be the main sources of its benefits. The most widely known and widespread benefit of oregano oil is its ability to cure mild stomach problems. It is also well known for its expectorant or cough-clearing qualities. However, oregano has many other benefits, among these: exterminating fungus, digestive problems, migraine headaches, athlete's foot, sore throat, breathing problems, dandruff (and other skin problems). It is even efficacious when applied to a recent bee, hornet or wasp sting, acting both as a topical anaesthetic and as an anti-puretic.

Carvacrol from Oil of Oregano is a natural phenol that contains powerful anti-microbial activity. Flavonoids provide natural antiseptic properties, and Terpenes (long chain hydrocarbons) are natural anti-inflammatory agents.

Jean Valnet, in his book The Practice of Aromatherapy, describes how oregano essential oil superseded anti-inflammatory drugs in reversing pain and inflammation and is nearly as powerful as morphine as a painkiller.

Wild oil of oregano has been reported to possess significant antioxidant power and stimulates the flow of bile, which greatly aids digestion

Oregano can also be raised in a home-garden and then used for spice or health-care needs. For example, in order to cure an upset stomach, just put some oregano in boiling water and let it steep for a few minutes. Filter it and drink it and you will feel the positive effects quite rapidly.

The highest quality essential oils are steam-distilled, therapeutic grade (mostly organic) oils.

Effects: Stimulating, Therapeutic

Aroma: Bottom note

Scent: Sharp, Woody, Herbal

Combines well with: Clary Sage, Frankincense, Geranium, and most "flowery" oils including citrus, florals, cedarwood, clove, pine, vertiver, and patchouli.

Properties: Analgesic, Anti-inflammatory, Antiseptic, Diuretic, Insecticide, Sedative

Contra-indications: Oil of oregano should not be used during the early stages of pregnancy. Use oregano with caution if you have low blood pressure. May induce early onset of labour when used in late pregnancy (not recommended).