Last updated on October 23rd, 2023 at 09:00 pm
Oregano is an aromatic spice that is extremely popular not only in Mediterranean cuisine. Since the Middle Ages, the herb has been used as a versatile remedy.
- Main features and characteristics:
- Latin name: Origanum vulgare
- Common European Names: Dorst, Dost, Wohlgemut
- Appearance
- Plant family: Labiates
- Flowers: White, pale pink or purple, rarely wine red. They are on spherical panicles.
- Flowering time: From July to September.
- Leaves: Ovate and pointed, covered with a delicate down in some species. Opposite in shape.
- Scent: Leaves and flowers have a pleasant spicy aromatic scent. They attract many bees, butterflies and other insects.
- Fruits: From the flowers develop about 1 millimeter large, dark brown nut fruits that are spread by the wind.
- Height of growth: Depending on the species, oregano grows 20 to 50 centimeters high.
- Age: Perennial, perennial plant.
Origin and distribution: Oregano is native to the entire Mediterranean region. In the meantime, the conditionally hardy plant has also settled in warmer areas of Central Europe. Wild growing oregano can be found in sparse, dry forests, along roadsides and in meadows.
Site conditions: Oregano prefers warm and sunny places and calcareous soils. Here it grows more densely with age and forms large, fragrant cushions over the years.
Use
Oregano is a typical spice of the Mediterranean cuisine and gives dishes such as tomato sauce, pizza or moussaka their intense aroma. The leaves of the plant are heat stable and can be cooked for a long time. The flowers of oregano are also edible. Used fresh, they not only give salads a pretty look, but also enrich the dishes with their delicate and spicy aroma.
An infusion of crushed oregano leaves relieves respiratory diseases. It is also effective in abdominal cramps, flatulence, constipation and urinary tract disorders.
The tart essential oil of oregano is obtained by steam distillation and is considered one of the most effective natural substances for killing germs. It can be used internally as well as in the form of ointments, tinctures as well as in a steam inhaler.
Tips & Tricks
Add about 5 drops of oregano oil to the water bowl of the steam lamp. The aromatic scent promotes recovery after great physical or mental exertion. It also facilitates breathing in case of upper respiratory tract infections.