Oregano

Oregano, wild marjoram, Mexican wild sage

Family

Lamiaceae (Mint)

Chinese Medicine Name

Tu Yin Chen

Ayurvedic Name

Sathra

Parts Used

Leaves, flowering stems

Actions 

Analgesic, anthelmintic, anti-bacterial, antimicrobial, antioxidant, antiseptic, aromatic, astringent, carminative, diaphoretic, emmenagogue, expectorant, stimulant, stomachic, tonic, 

Energetics

Warming & drying

Edible Uses

Oregano is one of the most common kitchen herbs, used in culinary dishes to bring flavor and most often used in Mediterranean cuisine.

Native To

Southern Europe, the Mediterranean, and southwest Asia

Geographic Distribution

Wild oregano still grows mostly in the Mediterranean, as well as parts of the Middle East, however varieties of cultivated oregano are grown worldwide. 

Botanical Description & Identification 

Oregano is a sprawling bright-green plant with opposite oval leaves with a hair-like texture. Each leaf is about 1/2 inches to 1 1 /2 inches long. Its stems spread out growing close to the ground yet can grow to be up to 32 inches in height. When its flowers bloom their stem spikes above the leaves and displays tiny purple petals. The plant becomes showy in late June through late August. 

Key Constituents

Carvacrol, thymol, pinene, ocimene, caryophyllene, linalool, and limonene.

Sustainability Issues

Because wild oregano doesn't grow worldwide, though its wild variety is highly sought after, it may become threatened. It has been known to be improperly harvested or harvested too early (before its flowers bloom), diminishing its potency, as well as its population. It is best to seek properly harvested cultivated types or buy the wild version from those who follow sustainable practices. 

Harvesting Guidelines

Oregano leaves should be harvested when at least 50 percent of the flowers have bloomed. There is a sweet window - beginning around the time the plant begins to flower - where the essential oils of oregano are at their peak, making them more aromatic as well as medicinal. The stems should be cut about 10 cm from the ground and used fresh or hung to dry in a warm and dry place out of the sun. It is best not to harvest oregano during cold or wet spells as the essential oil content decrease in these weather conditions. The longer you harvest oregano leaves after its flowers have bloomed the more bitter the herb becomes (evidence of its greater essential oil and medicinal properties).