Oregano, also known as marjoram, is an important culinary and medicinal herb that has been used in medicine and cooking for thousands of years - with a number of health benefits. It is a species of Origanum, belonging to the mint family (Lamiaceae).
Its name comes from the Greek words oros (mountain) and ganos (joy).
Oregano typically grows 50 cm tall and has purple leaves around 2 to 3 centimeters in length.
The chemicals that give the herb its unique and pleasant smell are thymol, pinene, limonene, carvacrol, ocimene, and caryophyllene
Not only does oregano provide food flavor, there are also a substantial number of health claims associated with its potent antioxidants and anti-bacterial properties.
Oregano is a rich source of:
- fiber
- iron
- manganese
- vitamin K - an important vitamin which promotes bone growth and the maintenance of bone density and the production of blood clotting proteins.
The herb is used to treat respiratory tract disorders, gastrointestinal (GI) disorders, menstrual cramps, and urinary tract disorders.
Oregano is also applied topically (onto the skin) to help treat a number of skin conditions, such as acne and dandruff.
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