Oregano

Etymology

The generic name derives from the Greek "oros" = "mountain" and "ganos" = "splendor" "mountain splendor," in reference to its origins as a wild plant that grows in the mountains; the specific name comes from "vúlgus" = common, widespread, frequent, indicating that it is a common plant. The common name "anchovy herb" or "anchovy plant" derives from the use of the plant in the preparation of anchovy paste.

Property

A strongly aromatic herb with antiseptic and disinfectant properties, it is revulsive, antispasmodic, digestive, and sudorific; it stimulates the uterus and acts as a mild expectorant.

Main constituents: essential oil containing terpinene, carvacrol, thymol, myrcene, caryophyllene, cineol; tannins, resin.

In medicine for internal use, in cases of colds, flu, mild fever, difficult digestion, aerophagia, stomach ache, and painful menstruation.

For external use, oregano essential oil can be used to treat bronchitis, asthma, arthritis, and muscle pain, and as a gargle for inflammation of the mouth and gums.

It is one of the most widely used herbs in Mediterranean cuisine due to its intense and stimulating aroma; it is an important herb in Italian, Greek, and Mexican cuisine. Pizza, fish, potatoes, cheese, meat, tomatoes, vegetables preserved in oil and vinegar, and liqueurs are just some of the dishes that can be flavored with oregano.

Interesting facts

Believing that oregano smoke had anesthetic properties, dentists in the past had their patients inhale it through a funnel or special cigar-like devices to alleviate the pain of tooth extraction.
To help the navel heal in newborns, a mixture of oregano and salt powder was applied.

Like marjoram, oregano is linked to the female world: women cultivated it because they considered it a talisman. It was given as a gift to girls who had suffered heartbreak, to help them recover, but it was also recommended for men suffering from depression.

Sources:

• https://www.floraitaliae.actaplantarum.org/viewtopic.php?t=9211