Do you grow Oregano? Do you use it? Love it? Is it food or medicine for you? Hopefully, after you read this post, you’ll realize you need Oregano in your life!
Oregano is a woody perennial plant which grows up to 35 inches tall. The upper part is branched, The plant has rhizome like runners & is downy, bristly or velvety. Oregano has an aromatic scent similar to Marjoram (Origanum majorana).
Oregano is easy to grow either in a large pot or in a garden. It does well in USDA Hardiness Zones 5-10. It likes full sun, although it will survive in partial sun, & oregano thrives in well-drained soil.
Harvest by cutting sprigs before they flower, cut 2 inches above the ground & dry carefully. I strip the leaves from the stem & lay them out on a paper towel on a tray. Place the tray out of direct sunlight until the leaves are dry. Once dry, store in a canning jar, out of direct light. Never store herbs in plastic.
Oregano can go by other names: Mountain Mint, Oregano, Wild Marjoram, Winter Marjoram, & Wintersweet. Always be sure to check the latin name before purchasing – other fancy varieties look pretty but often lack the flavor or medicinal properties! If purchasing, taste a leaf before buying, if you like it, note the latin name!
Oregano is used for both culinary & medicinal purposes. It is more common to use the essential oil for medicinal properties although the herb can be used.
- Oregano is particularly useful in any tomato-based dish.
- It is perfect for seasoning pasta dishes & most foods that contain olive oil.
- Pair oregano with basil, garlic, onion and/or thyme.
- You can even add oregano to canned soups/food for a little extra flavor during lunch or on one of those lazy dinner nights.
Fresh sprigs of oregano can be cut from the plant to prep for any meal. Rinse the sprig, pat it dry, then strip the leaves from the stem. Chop the leaves finely before adding them to the dish.
Dried oregano can be added to any dish as well. Be sure to crush it between your hands first to make the pieces very fine.
Medicinally, the herb has been used for respiratory issues such as cough, inflammation of the bronchial mucous membranes & has also been used as an expectorant. In China it is used for colds, fever, vomiting, & more.
In reference to oregano, “There are no health hazards or side effects known in conjunction with proper administration of designated therapeutic dosages (of oregano).” (Physician’s Desk Reference for Herbal Medicines, 4th Edition”.
Oregano (the herb) can be used as a tea, a gargle & as an additive for a bath as follows:
For internal use: Use 2 tsp. of fresh or 1 tsp. dried oregano leaves to 8 oz hot water, just off the boil. Cover while steeping. Strain after 10 minutes. Gargle or use as mouthwash once cool. Sweeten with stevia or honey if used as a tea & drink 1 cup several times a day.
To use in bath: pour 1 quart of hot water , just off the boil, over 3.5 oz. of oregano, let steep 10 minutes then add to bath.
Oregano (Essential Oil)
Steam Distillation from herb. Sourced from Turkey, Main Constituents – Carvacrol, Thymol
Properties: Antibacterial, anti fungal, anti parasitic, antiseptic to respiratory system, antiviral, & it is an immune stimulant!
Common Application Methods:
Dilute 1:3 (one drop essential oil to at least 3 drops of carrier oil – FCO is my favorite) when used topically. Apply to reflex points and/or directly on area of concern; it can also be diffused.
Use as a Dietary Supplement: Oregano oil is generally recognized as safe f(GRAS) for human consumption by the FDA. Dilute one drop il in 1 tsp. honey or in 4 oz of beverage. NOT for children under 6 years old. Use with caution & in greater dilution for children 6 years old & over.
Caution: Can cause extreme skin irritation.
For Viral/Bacterial infection, Cold/Flu Support: Take in a capsule and/or sip in warm water from a mug that contains one drop each oregano, peppermint, On Guard and/or Lemon
Strep Throat & Tonsillitis: Gargle and/or take in capsule
Intestinal Worms/Parasites: Take in capsule.
Staph Infection & MRSA: Apply diluted to affected area and/or take in capsule – or both.
Warts, Calluses & Canker Sores: Apply diluted to affected areas. Inhale steam from a bowl that contains hot water, one dry each of Oregano, Breathe, and/or On Guard.
Athlete’s Foot, Ringworm, & Candida: Apply diluted to area of concern and/or take in capsule.
There are many other ways to use Oregano Essential Oil. As always – my classes on herbs/oil are only applicable to organic herbs of the correct variety and dōTERRA Essential Oils (because it is the only company who is transparent in the testing of their oils: they share all the results with the public!) and to assure the potency and purity of those oils.
Recipes! Let Your Food Be Your Medicine!
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Salmon Steaks with Oregano Salsa
- Prep Time: 15 min.
- Cook Time: 15 min.
- Total Time: 30 min.
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Category: Seafood
Description
This amazing dish is full of flavor!
Ingredients
1 tbsp butter
4 salmon steaks – 8 oz each
1/2 cup white wine
1/2 tsp freshly ground black pepper
2 tsp. fresh oregano chopped, plus sprigs to garnish
4 scallions trimmed
8 oz ripe tomatoes, peeled
2 tblsp Extra Virgin Olive (EVO) oil
1/2 tsp superfine sugar or pinch of stevia
1 tbsp tomato paste
Instructions
Preheat oven to 275. Butter ovenproof dish. Put in salmon steaks, add wine and black pepper. Cover with foil and bake for 15 min., until fish is just cooked. Leave to cool.
Put oregano in food processor and chop it very finely. Add scallions, tomatoes and all the remaining ingredients. Process in bursts until chopped but not a smooth puree.
Serve salmon cold with salsa and garnish with a spring of fresh oregano.
Keywords: Salmon, oregano, salsa
Do you love dipping bread? Nothing better than a crusty loaf of warm, home made bread…except a dipping oil to go with it! I’ll have to share my quick and easy bread recipe in another post!
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Italian Bread Dip!
- Prep Time: 5 min.
- Total Time: 5 min.
- Yield: 4 svgs. 1x
- Cuisine: Italian
Description
Incorporating essential oils in your family’s diet is easy and delicious! Try making this delicious and easy Italian Bread Dip for an appetizer or side dish during your next meal.
Ingredients
¼ cup olive oil
1–3 tablespoons balsamic vinegar to taste
½ teaspoon Italian seasoning
1 tablespoon Parmesan cheese (optional)
1–3 drops Oregano oil (start with a toothpick and progress toward drops for desired flavor)
Instructions
- Gently mix together all ingredients in a bowl large enough to dip into.
- Dip favorite Italian style bread into bowl and enjoy.
I hope you grow Oregano this year…in a pot or in a garden and try one of these delicious recipes!
I you are interested in using Oregano Essential Oil for medicinal purposes, you can find that in my essential oil shop here!
If you’d like to dive deeper into the science behind Oregano Essential oil and how it works in the human body…check this out!
If you’d like to attend my free Essentially Healthy online classes, you can register here! This month we are focusing on Immune Support!
If you try one of the recipes, leave a comment and let me know what you think!
Happy cooking!
Cheri