Health Benefits of Oregano

This spicy plant is used primarily in Italian, Mexican, Turkish and Spanish cooking; it is one of the many plants related to the mint plant and originated in the area near the Mediterranean Sea in the Middle East. Oregano grows best in well drained soil, and is often planted from seed, rooted by cuttings or division of the crown. Certain species need some shade to avoid sunburn. Stems can grow up to two feet in height and have pinkish purple blossoms that the bees love to visit. It is a good idea to divide the clump every two to three years to retain the best flavor in the herb.

Oregano seeds or dried leaves are often more powerful in taste then the fresh. Good quality oregano is almost numbing to the taste and is used to flavor meat such as mutton and beef. The most common use in the United States is on pizza and in Italian pasta dishes with a tomato basis in the sauces that are used.

Like other plants from the mint family, oregano is useful as a medicinal herb, with a high antioxidant level that is made up of flavonoids, phenol acids that act against harmful microbial that may be in food. Many of the countries in Indonesia use oregano to help heal coughs, colds, fevers and feminine problems. Oregano is also used to fight MRSA and shows greater effectiveness then many of the currently man made drugs.

It is a good idea to check with your physician to see if increased consumption of oregano will bother you; some people have allergic reactions to herbs. Oregano does have a sedative effect, so it may be best not to use too much of it at one time. Oregano can be used in several ways, in foods; extracts, capsules or combined with oil such as olive oil. Oregano is a good topical agent for antiseptic needs due to the high thymol content of the leaves.

One of the best places to grow oregano is in a large wooden planter or tub; it has excellent drainage and will allow you to control the amount it spreads so your entire yard does not become one oregano patch. Grab your tomatoes and cheese to add to the next homemade pizza with oregano and enjoy!