Oregano |
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| Common Name | Oregano |
| Scientific Name | Origanum vulgare |
| Oregano is also called Wild Marjoram, Wintersweet, Mountain Mint, and Winter Marjoram. Origanum is thought to be the old Greek name for the plant, and means "delight of the mountains." Closely related to marjoram, there is confusion as to which of the two is actually the "real" oregano. Old herbals don't offer much help; they tend to refer to all species of the genus as "organy " Native to the Mediterranean regions, oregano is cultivated in the United States, Mexico, and Europe. It is believed to calm upset stomachs, headaches, indigestion, and other nervous complaints, and it has an ancient reputation as an antidote to narcotic poisoning, convulsions, and dropsy. | |
| Plant | Perennial, hardy to - 30ºF ( - 34ºC). The rounded, green leaves are opposite from one another on square, purplish stems that rise from creeping roots. The leaves are often larger and coarser and have a darker colour than those of sweet marjoram. Purplish-pink blossoms appear at the ends of the stems from July to October. |
| Height | 2 to 2.5 feet. |
| Soil | Average, well-drained, limy. |
| Exposure | Full sun. |
| Propagation | Seeds, cuttings, root divisions. Plant seeds in spring or fall during the third lunar phase. Cuttings are easy to root, or new plants can be started by layering. Easier yet, "instant plants" can be obtained by root division in early spring, since the creeping roots run rampant and are often invasive. |
| Care | Space 1.5 to 2 feet apart. Keep plants cut back to encourage bushiness and thick foliage. Start new plants from old ones about every 3 years, when the old ones become woody. |
| Part used for Tea | Leaves. |
| Taste | Similar to marjoram, but more intense and stronger in taste and aroma. |
| How to Brew | BY INFUSION: 1 teaspoon dried leaves, or 3 of fresh crushed leaves, steeped to taste in 1 cup of boiling water. |
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