Natural Remedies - Healing with Medicinal Herbs

Oregano

Oregano (Origanum vulgare Lamiaceae)


Other Names: Wild Marjoram, Sweet Marjoram

Oregano, a perennial common in Europe, especially in arid soils, grows 30–80 cm tall. Its pointed, oval, opposite leaves grow in pairs on a woody, reddish stem. From July to September, pinkish-purple flower inflorescences bloom, rich in fragrant nectar. Beyond its medicinal uses, oregano is a popular culinary spice.


Parts for Use

Above-Ground Parts

  1. Harvested in early June when flowers first appear.
  2. Dried after harvesting for use in preparations or to extract essential oil.

Ingredients

Oregano is rich in flavonoids, and its essential oil contains thymol and carvacrol, both with antiseptic and antispasmodic properties.


Use in Treatment

Oregano’s thymol and carvacrol are effective against bacterial and fungal infections, with American studies confirming the essential oil’s efficacy against *Candida albicans*, which causes oral mucosa inflammation. It also aids in treating urinary, lung, and intestinal infections and acts as a tonic. The antispasmodic properties of thymol and carvacrol make oregano infusions useful for coughs, bronchitis, and digestive issues like stomach cramps. Externally, oregano in balms and massage oils relieves rheumatic pains, menstrual cramps, and headaches.


Cultivation

Oregano is grown from seeds sown in autumn in dry, neutral to alkaline soil in a warm, sunny location.


Preparation and Dosage

For Internal Use (Winds, Stomach Upset)

  1. Infusion: Steep 20 grams of above-ground parts in 1 liter of boiling water for 10 minutes, strain, and drink 1 cup after each meal.

For Internal Use (Bronchitis)

  1. Infusion: Steep 20 grams of above-ground parts in 1 liter of boiling water for 10 minutes, strain, and drink 3–4 cups daily.

For External Use (Rheumatic Pains, Headaches)

  1. Massage Oil: Soak 100 grams of above-ground parts in 500 ml of heated olive oil for 30 minutes, strain, and apply to sore areas 3–4 times daily; for headaches, apply to forehead and temples. Alternatively, mix 3 drops of essential oil with 10 ml of base oil.

Warnings

  1. Consult a healthcare professional before use.
  2. Avoid oregano preparations during pregnancy and breastfeeding.
  3. Do not use essential oil internally unless prescribed by a doctor, as it may irritate mucous membranes.
  4. External use of essential oil may cause skin irritation.
  5. Large quantities of oregano may cause irritability and nervous reactions.