Oil of Oregano Facts

First grown in the Middle East, oregano (Origanum vulgare) was also known as "wild marjoram." The Greeks gave oregano the name oros ganos, meaning joy of the mountain, where even today, oregano covers the hillsides of Greece sweetly scenting the summer air.

The Greeks and Romans had a custom of placing wreaths of oregano on the heads of newlyweds as a symbol of future happiness. After a bathing, the Greeks would massage the sweet spicy oil of oregano into their foreheads and hair as they enjoyed its scent.

Oil of Oregano Facts

Oregano was introduced into Europe by the Greeks and Romans in the Middle Ages. The Greeks treated sores and aching muscles with oil of oregano. Europeans used oregano similar to how they used marjoram, as an aromatic spice, as well as for medicinal purposes.

Even in ancient Egypt, oregano's power was well known. Chinese physicians have also traditionally found medicinal uses of oregano for centuries to treat itching skin conditions, as well as for fever, vomiting, diarrhea, and jaundice. American colonists used oregano leaves to make a tea for treating chronic coughs, asthma and sinusitis.

It wasn't until after World War II that oil of oregano facts became known to the West. The spice soon caught on as a staple in American kitchens. Today, dried oregano is used in all kinds of tomato dishes, especially in such Italian recipes as pizza, spaghetti sauce and lasagna. Oregano's peppery flavor is also used to enhance omelets, quiches, and frittatas, as well as vegetable soups, marinated vegetables and shrimp salads.

Oil of oregano facts include how it is mixed with Balsamic vinegar and put in a bowl for dipping crusty breads into before dinner.

Medicinal Uses of Oregano

Oregano is not a medicine but it has traditionally been used as an expectorant for cough, as an arthritis treatment, as a digestive aid, and to treat colds, sinusitis and chest congestion.

Oregano can help to loosen phlegm. Oregano contains rosmarinic acid, a compound with anti-inflammatory properties. If you have arthritis, oregano is definitely worth adding to your pizza and other foods.

Oregano has been found to be a great source of antioxidants. It has been found that antioxidants may help prevent cell damage caused by free radicals which may be involved in inflammation, degenerative arthritis and the aging process.

Precautions on use of Oregano

Medical literature contains no reports of harm from the use of oregano. All oreganos are considered safe in amounts typically recommended, but any kind of "oregano oil therapy" should only be done in consultation with your doctor.

Growing oregano: As oregano is rather difficult to raise from seeds, it is best to start with the plant itself if you wish to try growing your own.

The many health benefits of oil of oregano make it a food supplement worth investigating.

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