Oregano is an aromatic perennial herb of the mint family (Lamiaceae) widely used as a culinary seasoning and in traditional medicine. It is native to the Mediterranean region and western Asia and is known for its strong, pungent, and earthy flavour.

History and Origin

Oregano originated in the Mediterranean, named by ancient Greeks as "joy of the mountain" (oros + ganos), symbolizing happiness, used in weddings and funerals, and valued for medicine. The Romans spread it across Europe, but it remained obscure in America until WWII, when returning soldiers' love for Italian pizza made it a global kitchen staple, transforming it from a medicinal herb to a culinary necessity. 

Nutrient Database – USDA (United States Department of Agriculture)

Reference Values for Nutrition – FDA U.S. Food and Drug Administration

Potent source of antioxidants - Oregano is a potent source of antioxidants, particularly phenolic compounds like carvacrol, thymol, and rosmarinic acid, which help the body combat oxidative stress and cell damage caused by free radicals. 

Fights infections - Oregano, particularly in the form of concentrated oregano oil (oil of oregano), contains compounds that laboratory studies suggest may help the body fight bacterial, viral, and fungal infections. The primary active ingredients responsible for these properties are carvacrol and thymol.

Supports digestion - Oregano supports digestion by stimulating digestive enzymes, easing gas/bloating, fighting bad gut bacteria (like H. pylori) with compounds like carvacrol, and reducing gut inflammation, making meals feel less heavy through its antimicrobial, antioxidant, and anti-inflammatory properties. You can use it as tea, in cooking, or take diluted oregano oil with meals for benefits like improved motility, gut balance, and relief from cramps or bloating, but use oil short-term and consult a doctor if pregnant or have health issues. 

Anti-inflammatory - Oregano possesses anti-inflammatory properties, which are primarily attributed to its active compounds like carvacrol, thymol, rosmarinic acid, and beta-caryophyllin.

Immune support - Oregano, particularly in the form of its essential oil, is widely recognized for its potent antibacterial, antifungal, and anti-inflammatory properties, which are largely attributed to its key compounds, carvacrol and thymol. 

Pain relief - Oregano oil may offer pain relief through its anti-inflammatory and mild analgesic properties, largely due to active compounds like carvacrol and thymol. It is primarily used topically for muscle and joint aches, or orally as a supplement for inflammatory conditions, but should always be used with caution and professional consultation. 

Rich in vitamins - Oregano is rich in vitamins, especially Vitamin K, essential for blood clotting and bones, but also contains beneficial amounts of Vitamins A, C, E, and B vitamins like folate, alongside minerals (iron, manganese, calcium) and powerful antioxidants (thymol, carvacrol) that support immunity and fight inflammation. It's a nutritional powerhouse, adding flavour and health benefits to meals. 

Source of important minerals - Oregano is a good source of important minerals, particularly in its dried form, offering significant amounts of Potassium, Calcium, Magnesium, Iron, Phosphorus, and Manganese, along with trace minerals like Zinc, Copper, and Selenium, contributing to bone health, energy, and overall bodily functions, though its tannins might affect iron absorption.

Oregano – From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia

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