In every country there are traditional seasonings for dishes that not only add a delicate subtle aroma to food, but also have healing properties. In our article we will talk about such a spice as oregano. What is it and what is it eaten with? Let's read!

What is oregano?

The seasoning has been known since the times of Ancient Rome - oregano was added to meat dishes by emperors and close people. Decoctions and tinctures were used to treat soldiers’ wounds and poisoning.

Oregano plant - what is it? Translated from Greek it means “the joy of the mountains.” Popularly called motherwort, forest mint and dushmyanka. It is a perennial shrub with multiple small flowers, reaching a height of up to 75 cm. Related species are mint and marjoram. It grows wild in the hills of the Mediterranean and Middle East. The seasoning is grown in America and Europe. Almost throughout the entire territory of Russia, the plant is also easy to find on slopes and spacious meadows. But in our latitudes, oregano has not gained much popularity, which is due to culinary and folk traditions. Most often, this seasoning is added to marinades and meat dishes. But Italian cuisine is not complete without this spice. It is added to pasta, sauces, pizza, and fish dishes.

Growing oregano

If you have a flowerbed or plot of land for a vegetable garden, you can grow oregano yourself. The seasoning will delight you on the table with its unusual aroma and spicy taste. The plant can be grown using seeds, seedlings, or dividing bushes.

Seeds are planted in prepared soil in the spring. Oregano germinates in 2-3 weeks. During this period, it is necessary to regularly water, thin out, remove weeds, and feed with mineral fertilizers. And after 2 months the plant will gain strength and will not need any special care.

It is much easier to grow oregano from seedlings. It can be planted in a flower pot or on a flower bed after a preliminary 60-day germination in special boxes with soil.

To divide the bush, it is necessary in early spring to divide the rhizome in half so that each has young shoots. Then plant in prepared soil.

Collection and storage

The first year oregano does not bloom, so its harvesting is impossible. The plant is harvested in the second year during the flowering period (June-July). Oregano is cut above 15 cm from the ground. Dry in open sunlight or in a special dryer, making sure that the temperature does not exceed 40 degrees. The product can be stored in an airtight jar for 3 years. Longer storage leads to loss of taste and healing properties. Dried oregano is more convenient to chop and use in small portions as needed.

Uses of oregano

Oregano is widely used in cooking. Both fresh ground leaves and flowers and dried preparations are added. The seasoning has a spicy, rich taste. To add spiciness to a dish using such a spice, you need to add very little of the plant, otherwise there is a high probability of completely overwhelming the taste of the main product. Oregano is a seasoning that helps digest fatty foods and normalize digestion. Although it does not have the ability to burn fat, thanks to the smooth functioning of the gastrointestinal tract it helps to reduce a person’s weight. Drinks - homemade beer and kvass, aromatic teas with oregano - will cope with insomnia, nervous tension, fatigue and headaches. Oregano honey has strong antibacterial properties. You should not add it to hot tea - all beneficial properties are broken down when heated above 40 degrees.

Used in homeopathy to treat high blood pressure and atherosclerosis in the form of oregano extract. The beneficial properties of the plant are used in cosmetology. They produce toothpastes with the addition of oregano, toilet soap, and skin care products. Used for aromatherapy in the form of essential oil. It is added to the bath, inhaled, and enriched in cosmetics.

Indications for use

Oregano contains healing components such as flavonoids, essential oils, tannins, vitamin C, terpenes, carvacrol, and bitter substances. It is thanks to them that the plant has the following beneficial properties:

• antiseptic;
• anti-inflammatory;
• tonic;
• painkillers;
• hemostatic;
• restorative.

For a wide variety of problems in the body, use oregano. Oral use for diseases such as gastritis, poisoning, diarrhea, flatulence, cholecystitis, headache, bronchitis, tonsillitis helps alleviate the condition and improve the patient’s well-being.

For toothache, you can chew fresh or dried oregano leaf - this will reduce pain and relieve inflammation. To gargle for a cold or sore throat, brew 1 tablespoon of the herb with a glass of boiling water. And to treat problems with the gastrointestinal tract, a decoction is prepared: 10 g of oregano is boiled in two glasses of water, left for 3 hours and taken a tablespoon three times a day.

Externally used for simple burns, herpes, various dermatitis, eczema.

Women with menstrual irregularities, early menopause, or lack of breast milk are advised to eat more oregano. During menopause, oregano will help calm the nervous system and cope with hot flashes.

Contraindications to the use of seasoning

Oregano has a powerful tonic and quite aggressive effect on the body. Therefore, oregano has contraindications. It should never be used during pregnancy, as this can cause miscarriage or premature birth. It is not recommended to add the spice to food for people suffering from chronic gastritis or stomach ulcers. In men, excessive consumption of oregano leads to erection problems.

Drinks with oregano

Hot and cold drinks based on oregano are healthy and tasty. The properties of such decoctions are difficult to overestimate. They have an antiseptic, tonic and restorative effect. They have a unique pleasant spicy taste. We offer you several recipes:

1. Oregano tea - what is it and how to prepare it? Pour a tablespoon of dried or fresh oregano leaves and flowers into the teapot, pour boiling water over it and leave for 20 minutes. Aromatic and healthy herbal tea is ready! Honey from the plant added to a warm drink will be a tasty addition.
2. Compote with oregano. I use the stems of the plant in this recipe. While cooking the fruit compote, add whole sprigs of the plant, tied in cheesecloth, to the pan. Once cooked, remove the oregano. The seasoning will add an unusual taste to the drink. In addition, the spice, due to its composition, is a natural preservative, which means your compote will last longer.
3. Twigs or leaves of oregano are added to the prepared kvass for fermentation for 15 hours. Then the kvass is filtered. The drink is enriched with useful elements and has an unusual fresh taste.
4. Add oregano stems and leaves to a small saucepan of boiling water. Cook for 15-20 minutes until the water is reduced by half. Remove from heat and cover with a lid. Infuse the drink for half an hour. Add lemon, honey, cinnamon to taste and you will get an unusual, tasty tonic drink. It can be drunk hot or with ice and a slice of orange.

Marinades with oregano

As stated above, oregano (oregano) is a natural preservative. Therefore, the spice is widely used in the process of pickling various products, most often vegetables and mushrooms. Oregano oil is incredibly fragrant. What it is? To flavor any vegetable oil, preferably olive, sprigs of oregano are placed in a jar with the product and left to infuse for several days - this dressing will add zest to even the simplest salad.

Oregano is often used for fish and meat marinades. We offer a recipe for pickled cucumbers with oregano:

1. Cut 1 kg of cucumbers into thick slices, add salt and leave for a day.
2. Then drain off the released juice.
3. Prepare the marinade: mix 5 cloves of minced garlic, a tablespoon of dry oregano, half a glass of wine vinegar and a large spoon of olive oil.
4. Pour the mixture over the cucumbers and mix thoroughly. Leave for 12 hours.
5. Then proceed to packaging in jars, sterilization and sealing.
6. Store in a cool, dark place.

Oregano is a self-sufficient seasoning that does not require additions. It has a unique taste. But if the housewife decided to prepare a dish with such a seasoning, but it was not on hand, the question arises: what can replace oregano? In this case, you can use mint, marjoram, basil, dill or parsley without significant loss of taste of the finished dish. When preparing, take into account the fact that oregano has a pronounced taste (unlike parsley or marjoram). Therefore, the latter need to be added to the dish in much larger quantities than indicated in the recipe.

Combination of oregano with other spices

Oregano in a dish will “sound” even brighter and more refined in combination with some other spices:

• basil;
• mint;
• marjoram;
• thyme;
• rosemary.

If you don’t know what to replace oregano with, then all of the above spices are quite suitable. Remember that it is recommended to add oregano to the dish shortly before it is fully prepared, but it is better to season it with different types of peppers at the beginning of cooking.

Recipes with oregano

Oregano is added to dishes of different nations. As mentioned above, the spice is an indispensable component of Italian cuisine; oregano is placed in French bread, added to omelettes, meat and fish dishes, and seasoned in sauces and soups.

Lamb with oregano

The dish is simple, but due to the unusual marinade with herbs, the meat turns out soft and juicy, and the taste is unusual. How to cook:

1. Mix the following ingredients for the marinade: juice of one lemon, 3 tbsp. l. olive oil, a clove of chopped garlic, a tablespoon each of dry oregano and mint. Add salt and pepper to taste.
2. Pour marinade over 1 kg of lamb. Leave in the refrigerator for at least 8 hours.
3. Then bake the lamb in the oven under foil at 200 degrees for half an hour.
4. Serve with fresh vegetables.

Potato salad recipe with oregano

A very simple salad can intrigue guests with an unusual combination of flavors:

1. Boil 500 g of potatoes. Peel and cut into cubes.
2. Squeeze the juice of one orange. Add a little olive oil and 3 tbsp. l. wine vinegar. Season with salt and pepper. Mix thoroughly.
3. Tear 3 lettuce leaves and some fresh mint with your hands. Place on a plate.
4. Place boiled potato cubes on lettuce leaves with mint.
5. Drizzle orange dressing over everything.

Sweet and sour sauce recipe

This sauce is suitable for cutlets, steaks, chicken legs, spaghetti, and pizza. It will complement many dishes with a delicate sweetish aromatic taste.

1. Pour boiling water over tomatoes (2 pcs.) and remove the peel. Cut and remove seeds.
2. You also need to peel 1 large bell pepper.
3. Using a blender, grind the peeled tomatoes and peppers, after adding a spoonful of olive oil.
4. Place the resulting vegetable puree on the fire.
5. After the sauce boils, add dried oregano, chopped garlic clove, salt, sugar and pepper to taste.
6. Boil until a thick, homogeneous sauce forms. This will take about 15 minutes.

Carrot coin recipe

Carrots marinated in herbs will be an unusual appetizer on the table. It looks festive, bright, and cooks quickly:

1. Cut half a kilogram of carrots into thick circles.
2. Cook the vegetable in boiling water until half cooked.
3. Prepare the marinade in a glass jar with a tight lid. To do this, mix 3 cloves of chopped garlic, half a teaspoon of dry mustard, oregano, black pepper and salt to taste. Add half a glass of vegetable oil, water and vinegar. Close the lid and shake until all ingredients are homogeneously mixed.
4. Place boiled carrot slices in jars for rolling and pour marinade over them.
5. Screw on the lids. In 2 days, the unusual snack will be ready!

Oregano is a fragrant and healthy seasoning. But you need to use it in moderation. Using oregano in large quantities can provoke arrhythmia, impaired potency in men and sexual desire in women, and increase sweating and blood pressure.

Oregano - what is it? Oregano is a herb that was known and widely used even before our era. The plant was used in cooking and cosmetology in ancient Egypt, and the Greeks considered its healing remedies unique and praised it in myths.

The place of origin of this spice is most likely Asia. Also, the plant was widespread on the shores of the Mediterranean Sea. Now it can be found almost anywhere in Asia and Europe.

In our area, the spice was undervalued for a long time, but now dried oregano is in the kitchen of almost every housewife!

What is oregano and what does it look like?

Oregano (oregano) is a perennial herbaceous plant from the genus Oregano, family Lamiaceae. Has a pleasant aroma. Inflorescences are complex, corymbose-paniculate. Can reach 90 cm in height. In ancient times, the plant was believed to ward off evil spirits, so it was used against witchcraft.

Another name for the spice oregano

What is another name for oregano? The Latin version of the name of this herb is Origanum vulgare. It is considered the main one and is used to officially designate the plant in medicine. The word Origanum originates from the Hellenic Origanon, where the first half of the word means “mountain” (oros), and the second half means shine or radiance (ganos).

It should be noted that this is the generic nickname of this plant. There are more than fifty-five different species or varieties of Origanum in the world, among which are the familiar marjoram and many others. The second, most common name in our country is Oregano. This is the same grass that grows in almost all forests in Russia.

You can learn more about this from the article located here. Oregano is known in many European countries, and in France, the United States of America and some others, farmers are specially engaged in its cultivation. The spice oregano in English is called dittany of Crete. The Russian people have come up with a great many names for this grass.

Here are just a few of them:

• Spirit color
• Matryoshka
• Forest mint
• Zenovka
• Dushmyanka
• Motherboard
• Borovaya bonebreaking grass
• Oregano
• Ladanka
• Bee lover

Chemical composition of oregano seasoning

Dried oregano is an extremely healthy product. It belongs to the category of medicinal herbs and is very popular.

The chemical composition of the herb includes ascorbic acid (in flowers 116 mg%, in leaves 565 mg%, in stems 58 mg%), bi- and tricyclic sesquiterpenes - up to 12.5%, free alcohols - 12.8 - 15.4% and geranyl acetate - up to 2.63 - 5%; tannins, seeds contain up to 28% fatty oil.

It is known that oregano is rich in biologically active substances, including trace elements:

• I (iodine) – 6%
• Fe (iron) – 2.8%
• pH (hydrogen) – 6.3%
• Na (sodium) – 5.4%
• Mg (magnesium) – 7.5%
• Ca (calcium) – 4%
• K (potassium) – 10.4%

vitamins:

• PP – 3.7%
• C – 11.1%
• B2 – 1.7%
• B1 – 2%
• A – 11.1%

Oregano calories

One hundred grams of the plant contains:

• Water – 90g
• Dietary fiber – 0.5g
• Carbohydrates – 5g
• Proteins – 1.5g
• Calories – 28.8kcal

What does fresh oregano look and taste like?

For its habitat, the grass chooses mainly forests and forest edges. Also, there is a high probability of meeting her in fields, meadows and clearings. The plant can be easily recognized by its medium-sized lilac flowers collected in a fluffy panicle, as well as by its tetrahedral stem, which is often divided into three or four at the very root.

The leaves are oval with pointed tips, dark green in color. Oregano can grow up to half a meter or more in height. It begins to bloom around June, in the second year of life. The smell is very pleasant, fragrant-spicy, which is probably why it got its middle name. The taste is most similar to green thyme. It is collected for medicinal purposes during flowering, cutting off fifteen to twenty-five centimeters from the top and then stored dried.

What is the spice oregano used for?

In cooking

This plant, when dried, is an excellent seasoning that is included in many dishes from around the world. It can be added to all types of meat, pies, a variety of soups and sauces, as well as mushroom and vegetable dishes.
In Russia and neighboring countries, the most popular way to use the herb is tea with oregano leaves, which is popularly called simply oregano tea. The spice is also included in various seasoning mixtures, such as: “Italian herbs”, “Pravan herbs”, etc.
Here's what oregano seasoning looks like:

You will learn more in our article.

In medicine

This herb is considered a fairly famous medicinal plant. Its healing properties are manifested in the treatment of many diseases, such as bronchitis, inflammation of the bile ducts, viral infections, hypertension, low acidity, cystitis, as well as burns and boils. But keep in mind that the use of spices during pregnancy, as well as for certain diseases, is strictly prohibited.
Here are some symptoms that the spice can be used against:

• Helps in treating cough, sore throat
• Natural antidepressant that can improve mood
• The herb oregano (also known as oregano) is used by women during periods of hormonal imbalance and menopause.
• Has a calming effect on children, helps them fall asleep better
• Helps remove waste and toxins, accelerates metabolic processes in the body.
• When used externally, it relieves skin itching and reduces inflammation.

To find out, read the article.

Application of oil

It is often used oregano oil, it has an analgesic effect, and therefore helps in the following:

• It can be rubbed into the back for osteochondrosis and radiculitis.
• For toothache, you can make lotions by simply dropping a couple of drops on cotton wool.
• Helps fight dandruff; to do this, add a few drops to shampoo and rinse your hair with it.
• Used for aromatherapy and also for massages.

How to dry oregano yourself and store it

You can dry the collected grass using an electric dryer, setting the temperature on the display to no more than thirty to forty degrees. Any clean, dry and well-ventilated room is also suitable, be it a barn, attic or just a room in an apartment, the main thing is that direct sunlight cannot fall on the product. Restrict access to the premises for pets, as well as birds and rodents, so that their excrement does not get on the grass and cause it to become unusable.

The plant is considered dried and ready for storage when the stems become dry and brittle and the leaves come off easily. You can turn the soft parts into powder by grinding or simply rubbing it in your palms. In this case, the ground product can be stored for up to three years, and the shelf life of ordinary dried herb is one year.

You can store it in a hermetically sealed glass container, having first checked it for the absence of foreign odors and moisture. Also, paper bags and cardboard boxes are an excellent option. They are not in many ways inferior to fabric bags. Of course, the room for storing dried herbs should be dry and free of strong odors, such as washing powder and other chemicals. Oregano should not be stored together with strong-smelling food products, because it tends to absorb foreign odors.

Contraindication and harm

Now that you know what the spice oregano is for, we want to warn you that this aromatic herb is not suitable for everyone. Here are the categories of people to whom it is categorically

• If you have heart disease, joint disease, an ulcer, or kidney/liver problems, refrain from using it.
• Cannot be used in conjunction with certain medications; ask your doctor for information about compatibility.
• If this is your first time using this plant, take a small amount to check if you have an allergic reaction. For example, if you are already allergic to mint, lavender, or sage, you definitely shouldn’t use oregano.
• The seasoning lowers glucose levels in the body, so people with diabetes should limit its use or abstain from it altogether.
• Cannot be used by pregnant women

As you can see, oregano is a unique herb that is not only a spice, but also a storehouse of beneficial substances for your health. We advise everyone to include it in their diet!

All cooking lovers are in constant search. Some are looking for a new taste, others are looking for new combinations, others are looking for new smells. To achieve any of these results, it is not at all necessary to look for some unknown products for your masterpieces or throw money down the drain, trying unsuccessfully to “cross” jam with meat. Herbs used as seasoning often help give a dish a new look.

Today we will talk about such an interesting seasoning as oregano, or, as this plant is popularly called, oregano. On Wikipedia you can also find folk names for this plant (for example, macerdushka).

Description of the plant

Oregano is a perennial bushy plant. On the branched stems of the shrub there are small oval-shaped leaves and small inflorescences of white or pink color. In the photo you can see ordinary oregano.

Oregano: composition

As you know, any product has its own unique composition, which determines certain properties. Oregano, in turn, consists of:

Oregano: uses

This spice gained its popularity due to its pungent, bitter taste. Therefore, you should be careful with this “hot” seasoning and add small amounts to dishes.

Where is oregano added in cooking?

Oregano is used throughout the culinary industry. This seasoning goes well with meat dishes, as well as potato or mushroom dishes. The spice is suitable for pates, fish and vegetables for pickling. On special occasions, the herb will even make friends with desserts. So, this product is sometimes added to ice cream: the herb emphasizes freshness.

How to replace oregano

The first similar herb whose oil is often confused with oregano oil is marjoram. Combinations of mint and basil, parsley and dill are similar to oregano. Sometimes oregano replaces thyme or caraway.

Healing properties

Oregano, or oregano, can safely boast of its set of benefits:

Contraindications

Despite this set of positive qualities, oregano also has contraindications. For example, this spice can harm people with stomach ulcer or others diseases associated with the gastrointestinal tract. IN kidney and liver problems Oregano also sometimes “adds fuel to the fire,” so the spice should be used within reasonable limits. Especially it concerns pregnant women.

Briefly about the main thing

Thus, oregano is widespread throughout Russia and Belarus. There is a lot of this plant in Europe. Oregano contains a huge amount of beneficial substances necessary for the human body. Thus, oregano has a number of beneficial properties and helps to overcome many diseases.

This plant is widely used in cooking as a seasoning. Oregano has a unique bright taste and smell. The seasoning goes well with many foods: meat, potatoes, mushrooms, fish. In Belarus, this herb is widely used in pickling vegetables and mushrooms. You can replace the spice with marjoram and some other herbs or combinations of herbs, however, the smell of real oregano is difficult to replace with anything.

Don't forget that every coin has two sides. Constant and excessive consumption of spices can lead to unpleasant consequences.. The seasoning also has contraindications: acute diseases of the gastrointestinal tract, kidney and liver problems, pregnancy.

Proper use of various herbs and spices will help bring new colors and aromas to life. So why not start experimenting now? Why not start with oregano!

A plant with the exotic name oregano belongs to the Yamnotaceae family.

An adult shrub is dotted with oval leaves and white or slightly pink flowers.

Oregano's favorite places are open spaces, European hills, Russian fields, as well as mountain slopes in the Mediterranean region.

General information

Housewives are familiar with oregano primarily as a spice used in cooking.

Dried and crushed herbs () are added to sauces, vegetable and meat dishes to enhance the taste and give a unique aroma.

In Italy, oregano has a place of honor in every kitchen; without it, cooking pizza and Italian pasta is unthinkable.

Even in sausages, this spice is invariably present.

The Belgians and French prefer to season mushroom dishes with oregano (the beneficial properties of oyster mushrooms have been written about), soups, and sprinkle it on buns and other baked goods.

Our foreign neighbors sell pickled vegetables flavored with oregano with a bang. Drinks like wine, kvass () acquire an interesting aroma if you add spice to them during the cooking process.

By the way, oregano can extend the shelf life of alcohol. In our country, the plant is gaining more and more fans every year, and this is not surprising, because a dish seasoned with it becomes more tasty.

The specific taste and some bitterness that is present in it prevent the use of the spice in large quantities:

• A small pinch in a dish is enough.

Cooks use not only dry and ground leaves, but also fresh leaves. If the plant is frozen, it will remain fresh and will not lose its taste and aromatic qualities.

Oregano goes well with:

• black, red and cayenne (read about it in the article) pepper,
• combined with basil leaves,
• peppermint (),
• harmonizes with fragrant rosemary (medicinal properties are described on the page) if they are contained in one dish.

The main thing is not to overdo it with spices!

People also turn to the plant in cases where they need to improve their health.

Useful infusions, teas, and compresses are prepared from it.

The herb is soothing, so it is stirred into the water when filling the bath.

In cosmetic stores today there is a sea of ​​perfumes, lotions, shampoos, and toothpastes that contain oregano.

Beneficial features

Calling oregano a medicine would not be an exaggeration. Its benefit as a remedy lies in its ability to heal wounds.

Oregano inflorescences and leaves contain a lot of tannins and essential oils and contain thymol. All this gives the plant the properties to fight the proliferation of bacteria, microbes and the action of histamines.

Tannins help the body recover from poisoning with rotten foods and avoid unpleasant consequences, do not give harmful bacteria that were contained in spoiled food and entered the stomach with it the opportunity to grow.

If you use oregano decoction, you can overcome diarrhea and flatulence that accompany poisoning. However, there are pitfalls here:

• Since oregano is an odorous herb, when added to a dish, it sets off an unpleasant rotten smell.

Ability to relieve spasms and relieve pain– another merit of oregano. With the help of this herb it is not difficult to fight back discomfort caused by rheumatism and overcome attacks of radiculitis.

For this, oregano oil is used to rub the back. To overcome a toothache, just apply a cotton pad soaked in oil to the tooth.

If you have problems sleeping, nervous excitement, overwork, spice is perfect. All you need to do is add it to your food.

Previously, oregano was used to relieve patients from seizures and hysteria.

Today it can be used for insomnia, hyperactivity, when it comes to children, but it is still better to treat severe depression or neurosis with the recommendation of a doctor.

For girls and women, oregano, in the form of a decoction, helps cope with pain and mood swings during menstruation.

Traditional medicine advises taking an infusion of this herb for preventive purposes in order to avoid inflammation of the genitourinary system.

During breastfeeding, some mothers experience problems with milk flow. For some, it begins to gradually decrease within a couple of months after the birth of the child.

This can be prevented, again, by consuming oregano decoctions. The benefits of the plant are obvious for women who are on the verge of menopause or have already encountered it:

• With the help of the drink, they can alleviate their condition, since oregano eliminates hormonal disorders.

It may even be possible to delay menopause for a while by activating the work of the ovaries.

Weakened organs of the gastrointestinal tract become stronger, digestion improves, the tone of the smooth muscles of the intestine increases, the symptoms of cholecystitis disappear - all thanks to the laxative effect of oregano.

People with low immunity For those who often suffer from colds, the plant will help strengthen the body and teach it to resist the flu.

Oregano contains a lot of vitamins:

• ascorbic acid,
• retinol,
• vitamins K, E and group B.

The composition of the spice is rich in various macro- and microelements:

• manganese,
• zinc,
• magnesium,
• sodium,
• calcium and others.

Taking warm decoctions of oregano during a cold reduces cough, including severe ones.

Asthmatics tolerate attacks more easily, and patients diagnosed with tuberculosis feel an improvement in their health.

The reason for this is the expectorant effect of the drug.

• sinusitis,
• tonsillitis,
• pharyngitis, and this concerns their chronic forms.

The effect of the plant also has a positive effect on the condition of a sore throat, which is why it is recommended to use it as a gargle.

Oregano effectively fights:

In this case, a compress is made from the leaves of the herb and applied to the affected area. The herb also helps with herpes.

Interestingly, even burns and frostbite go away faster if you apply lotions soaked in oregano decoction.

For people suffering from excessive sweating, the plant will help eliminate the problem.

And patients with depression syndrome caused by alcoholism, after taking a decoction of oregano, will feel that they feel better and their mood has increased.

The benefit of the spice lies in its ability prevent heart disease and have a beneficial effect on the well-being of cancer patients.

Not long ago this opinion was confirmed.

The latter pose a significant threat to the health of residents of the southern continents.

It was these people who discovered the above-mentioned property of oregano and began to use the herb in cooking.

If this had not happened, it is possible that the southern people would have simply died out over time.

As for worms, for example, Giardia, which really like to live in the intestines and gall bladder of a person, they do not tolerate oregano due to the presence of active substances in it.

Even Staphylococcus aureus cannot resist the plant, but they are unsuccessfully trying to fight it with other methods.

Studies have shown that oregano is much more effective than 18 other antimicrobial agents.

Medicinal oil

Of all the medicines created on the basis of oregano, the oil has the most striking antifungal and antimicrobial properties.

This is an excellent antiseptic, and therefore, it is able to get rid of even an old wart, not to mention acne and acne.

The use of oil allows you to forget about nail fungus forever, cure an open wound, stop the process of inflammation and prevent blood poisoning.

Oregano oil, when taken internally, copes with:

• any gastrointestinal disorders,
• eliminates infections of the genitourinary organs,
• normalizes digestion and the process of secretion of gastric juice.

Metabolism accelerates significantly, and a fat person gradually loses weight.

An aroma lamp with oregano oil poured into it can clean and refresh the air in a room where there is a sick person, and prevent influenza viruses and similar diseases from spreading to surrounding people.

It is very good if you always have a handkerchief in your pocket, slightly moistened with oregano oil:

• You should breathe into it from time to time, and then ARVI illnesses will go away faster.

The product actively helps relieve joint pain. To do this, add a couple of drops of oregano to your usual ointment or massage oil and rub the sore spots.

Massage with oregano is useful not only for rheumatism, but also for eliminating cellulite. And sleeping after such a procedure is simply great!

Attention! Oregano oil should be mixed with other oils, such as vegetable, burdock, and sesame. It is not used independently in treatment.

Who and why not

Much has been said about the benefits of oregano. But the plant does not always have only one benefit. Sometimes, use can lead to disastrous consequences.

Among those for whom oregano is contraindicated are patients with severe diseases of the heart, blood vessels, and gastrointestinal tract (ulcers).

The use of oregano by people suffering from kidney and liver diseases seems to be quite risky.

Spice is not always compatible with some types of medicines.

Contraindication also applies to cases of individual intolerance to spices. Therefore, you should only include oregano in your diet with your doctor’s permission.

During the wonderful months of expecting a baby, you should not use oregano.

The fact is that the substances contained in this plant can negatively affect pregnancy - consumption can cause uterine contractions, and the fetus will be rejected, which will lead to miscarriage.

The danger of using the plant is also great for men.

Since oregano is soothing, it can negatively affect potency by reducing libido.

See what oregano looks like, when to harvest the herb and what diseases to use.

When you hear the word “oregano” for the first time, you can’t help but wonder what it is and what this plant looks like? Oregano, or oregano in Russian, is a perennial herb with excellent medicinal and aromatic properties.

It is a small shrub, 50 to 70 cm high, with a straight, branching stem at the top and oblong leaves that are bright green on top and greyish, slightly silvery below.

In mid-summer, oregano blooms with small white, pink or lilac flowers. You can see what oregano seasoning looks like in the photo below.

Oregano is native to Europe, but today this herbaceous plant grows throughout the world. In Russia, oregano habitats are clearings, forest edges, hillsides, and dry meadows.

Useful properties of oregano

Oregano contains many essential oils that have bactericidal, antibacterial, disinfectant and antimicrobial properties.

Herbal decoction

Used in folk medicine to treat colds, flu and stomach upsets.

The active substances of the plant improve the functioning of the gastrointestinal tract, remove toxins and harmful substances, and also have a beneficial effect on the central nervous system and have a calming effect.

Oregano is rich in antioxidants, vitamins (A, group B, C, E, K, beta-carotene) and minerals (iron, zinc, potassium, magnesium, calcium, etc.).

This is interesting! Oregano has many times the antioxidant properties of popular foods! Per gram of oregano, it has 12 times more antioxidants than oranges, 4 times more than blueberries, and 30 times more than potatoes.

Essential oil

Oregano contains carvacrol, thymol and rosmarinic acid. The benefits of oil and carvacrol have been scientifically proven by scientists from the West of England and Indian scientists.

They compared the effects of known antibiotics and oregano oil. As a result of the experiment, it was found that essential oil can kill microbes resistant to antibiotics, and even golden staphylococcus.

Oregano oil is sold in capsules or liquid bottled form at health food stores or pharmacies. It is also recommended to use oregano essential oil as aromatherapy as a general tonic and stimulant.

Uses of oregano in cooking

Oregano is used in cooking both fresh and dried, using only the leaves and flowers of the plant. The seasoning has a specific taste and aroma, it is slightly bitter, a little spicy.

Fresh leaves

Oregano can be added to salads, meat dishes or seafood. The beautiful green grass will add a unique flavor to them! For greater aroma, before adding dried oregano, it is recommended to rub it in your hands.

As a seasoning, oregano is used to prepare various sauces and marinades. And it’s hard to imagine Italian pizza and pasta without this aromatic seasoning!

Currently, olive oil with the addition of various herbs, spices or garlic is popular.

Oregano sprigs

Perfectly complements the taste and aroma of olive oil! The main thing to remember is that aromatic oil should be stored in the refrigerator for no more than one week.

Oregano pairs well with marjoram, black pepper, rosemary, thyme and basil.

Important! When using oregano in cooking for the first time, be careful! Add seasoning to dishes little by little; not every gourmet will like its taste.

Dishes

Here is a list of dishes to which you can add oregano to refresh your taste:

1. - baked potato;
2. – omelettes;
3. - pasta;
4. – homemade kvass;
5. – beer aromatization;
6. - bakery products;
7. – fried sausages;
8. - shashlik;
9. - tea.

Choosing oregano

Fresh and dried oregano is usually found in the herbs and spices section of supermarkets. Fresh greens are the richest in vitamins and essential oils.

When choosing, it is better to give preference in its favor and dry or freeze the seasoning yourself at home. When purchasing, pay attention to the quality of the greens.

The stem should be firm and the leaves bright green. Be sure to inspect the bush; there should be no traces of mold or yellowed leaves. Fresh oregano should be stored in a paper bag in the refrigerator, dried oregano should be stored in an airtight glass container.

How to grow oregano

You always want to be sure of the quality of a particular product, that the greens are organic and have not been treated with various pesticides. To do this, you can plant oregano seeds in your garden.

When sowing seeds directly into the ground, flowering usually occurs only in the second year. When grown by seedlings, there is a chance that oregano will bloom in the year of planting.

It should be remembered that oregano grass loves open, level and well-lit areas. The soil for planting is moderately moist and fertile, without weeds. From the moment of planting, it will take about two months for full-fledged plants.

Like any plant, oregano requires attention and care. It requires moderate watering, the plant does not like drought, but an excess of moisture will also be beneficial.

The first two seasons need to regularly remove weeds and loosen the soil. After three seasons, weeding can be eliminated, since the plant has already developed sufficiently.

Do not forget to fertilize the post periodically and renew the area every five years. With proper care, oregano will grow for decades!