Oregano, “Joy of the Mountain”

“Joy of the Mountain” is the true meaning of the Greek word oregano. We associate oregano with Italy and its foods though it originated in Greece. Oregano is an aromatic, spicy Mediterranean herb sold as fresh sprigs or chopped dried leaves. Mexican oregano is (sometimes referred to as Mexican sage) slightly spicier. This popular herb seasons all types of savory dishes, especially tomato-based recipes.

Choosing between oregano and marjoram in farmer’s market takes a careful eye. Both herbs grow upright, reaching a height about 2 ½ feet. Both herbs have oval to spade shaped leaves; oregano leaves are coarse and fuzzy, marjoram leaves are smaller and gray-green. Oregano has pink to purple flowers, and marjoram has white blossoms.

It is worth the careful detective work to find oregano; it has many medical and nutritional benefits. Oregano contains the minerals, calcium, magnesium, zinc, iron, potassium, copper, baron, and manganese. It also contains vitamins C, A (beta carotene) and niacin.

Studies show that herbs have higher antioxidant activity than fruits, vegetables and some spices, including garlic. Oregano tops its list. Fresh oregano has over 40 times more antioxidant activity than apples, more than potatoes and more than oranges and blueberries. To put this into prospective, one tablespoon of fresh oregano contains the same antioxidant activity as one medium apple.

Another useful form of oregano is the oil. It is a concentrated natural herbal supplement. The active ingredients in oil of oregano are, carvacrol, and thymol. Check for these elements before you purchase a bottle or you may not have the purest form of oil of oregano.

Oil of oregano has the ability to destroy viruses, bacteria, fungus, parasites, and other conditions like: allergies, arthritis, bronchitis, cold, congestion, fatigue, gum disease, Rosacea, and sore throats. To use it: put 3 to 4 drops in water or your favorite juice or directly under the tongue.

Oregano is relatively easy to grow. It will grow in containers in your window or any brightly lit area, though the ground is preferable. Oregano likes plenty of sun, well-drained soil and not too much humidity. It can grow from cuttings. Water sparingly and do not use much if any fertilizer. You can harvest oregano just before it flowers. Just snip off the top 1/3 of the stem and under the right conditions, you can have fresh oregano year round.

*Antioxidant is a substance that protects cells and inhibits oxidation or reactions promoted by oxygen or peroxides.