Oregano
Scientific Name: Origanum vulgare
Common Name: Oregano
Plant Family: Lamiaceae or Labiatae
Etymology: Originates from two Greek words: oros, meaning mountains, and ganos, meaning brightness or joy.
Traditional Uses
Oregano is traditionally used in Italian cuisine as a seasoning. It is in the mint family, and is a strong flavor perceptible in most Italian dishes. It can be used dried or fresh — dried oregano has a stronger presence, but less nutritional value. It all comes down to preference really.
Medicinal uses
Oregano has been known to aid in digestion and help promote menstruation. It should be noted that pregnant people should not ingest large amounts of oregano medicinally, but small amounts in food is fine. Mild teas made from oregano can be used as a sleep aid, as it is a sedative. The plant is also antiseptic and has been used externally for arthritis, muscular pain, bronchitis, and asthma. Use of this plant medicinally has not been studied extensively, so please consult a doctor before use. These are just examples of what the plant has been used for, but evidence of it actually alleviating symptoms has not been scientifically founded. The essential oil has been used to kill lice, though take caution as it may irritate the skin as well.
Edible Parts
Leaves, stems, and flowers. The roots are not palpable, even though they aren’t toxic in any way.
Gathering and Using
To harvest leaves, simply cut at the base of the leaf, leaving enough behind to keep the plant producing. The flowers can be picked and eaten raw or dried; it makes a great garnish as it is both pretty and tasty. Leaves and stems can be harvested to make dried seasoning; to hasten the drying process, cut the plant into smaller sections. When dry, simply crush the plant to the desired texture. Essential oils can also be made from the plant.
Permaculture Functions and Considerations
Oregano can be planted in a pot or in the ground depending on where you’d like it. It’s best put in Zone 0 or 1 of your property, as its culinary uses is best utilized in the kitchen. It makes for a great groundcover in sunny areas, and also deters ants or other insects. When flowering, it is well-liked by pollinators. Planting oregano around other vegetables is rumored to enhance the flavors of neighboring plants.
Habitat
Grows well in most soil types, thriving in chalk. The soil must be well drained, as oregano does not tolerate wet soils as well. It is a hardy plant that prefers alkaline soils, but isn’t picky. It grows in US hardiness zones 4-10.
How to Identify
Oregano is a short plant, rarely reaching 2ft in height. It can be identified with purplish, square stems like mint (’cause it’s in the mint family) and a very distinct smell. The leaves are flat, oval, and a little fuzzy. The small flowers are white and sometimes pinkish.
Wildlife Support
Great for pollinators in late summer.