Greek Oregano (Origanum compactum)

Greek Oregano (Origanum compactum) is a member of the Lamiaceae family, native to Eastern Mediterranean, Turkey, and Balkans. Traditionally, its leaves, flowers, and stems have been used for infusions, decoctions, and poultices.

This herb is particularly valued for its carminative, antispasmodic, and tonic actions, and has a long history of use in mediterranean herbal traditions, european herbal medicine, and ayurvedic medicine.

Greek Oregano (Origanum compactum) dried pieces of the herb arranged on a wooden table for reference — Greek Oregano (Origanum compactum) dried pieces of the herb arranged together on a wooden table for reference, used in teas and remedies.

Quick Facts / Key Information

Common Name	Greek Oregano
Scientific Name	Origanum compactum
Plant Family	Lamiaceae
Genus	Origanum
Species	compactum
Native Range	Eastern Mediterranean, Turkey, Balkans
Plant Parts Used	Leaves, Flowers, Stems
Primary Medicinal Actions	Carminative, Antispasmodic, Tonic
Primary Traditional Systems	Mediterranean Herbal Traditions, European Herbal Medicine, Ayurvedic Medicine
Historical Preparation Methods	Infusion, Decoction, Poultice

Botanical Identity

Scientific Name: Origanum compactum
Common Name: Greek Oregano
Synonyms / Alternative Names: Compact Oregano, Greek Marjoram, Small Oregano
Plant Family: Lamiaceae
Genus: Origanum

Botanical Description

Growth Habit: Perennial herbaceous plant.
Height: 1.5 to 2.5 meters tall.
Leaves: Broad leaves with upper surface gray-green and lower surface white-haired, bearing stomatal bands along the midrib.
Flowers: Bilaterally symmetrical flowers with white to pale blue corolla, five lobed upper lip, two lobed lower lip, four stamens, and a superior ovary with two chambers.
Stems: Erect, woody, aromatic, branched, with opposite, ovate, sessile leaves.

Traditional Uses / Historical Use

Traditional Systems

Mediterranean Herbal Traditions
European Herbal Medicine

Historical Preparation Methods

Infusion
Decoction
Poultice
Oil Infusion

Medicinal Actions

Carminative: Historically regarded as a warming carminative, in relation to gastrointestinal comfort.
Antispasmodic: As described in traditional systems, a mild antispasmodic, in muscle-related contexts.
Tonic: Traditionally described as a soothing tonic, for broad-use formulations.
Bitter: In herbal texts, considered a cooling bitter, for digestion-related formulations.

Active Compounds

Essential Oil: A mixture of naturally occurring compounds responsible for plant aroma.
Flavonoid: Naturally occurring polyphenols that contribute to pigmentation and structural chemistry.
Terpenoid: A large class of naturally occurring compounds derived from isoprene units.
Phenolic Acid: Simple phenolic molecules widely distributed across plant tissues.

Modern Research Overview

This section is reserved for future summaries of scientific research related to this plant. As additional verified sources are reviewed, relevant study information will be added here.

Safety & Contraindications

General Precautions: General precautionary guidance for this herb is not clearly established in available sources.
Contraindications: Specific contraindications associated with this herb have not been well documented.
Allergies: Reports of allergic reactions to this herb are not well documented in available sources.
Drug Interactions: Interactions between this herb and prescription medications are not clearly established.
Toxicity: There is insufficient evidence to determine the toxic potential of this herb.
Pregnancy & Breastfeeding: Information addressing pregnancy and breastfeeding-related safety for this herb is limited.

Preparation & Usage Methods

Infusion: A preparation method involving steeping plant material in heated water for a short period.
Decoction: Decoctions are made by heating plant material in water for an extended time.
Poultice: Plant parts are crushed or moistened and placed directly on the body.
Capsule: A preparation format using encapsulated plant powders.
Tincture: A preparation involving soaking plant parts in alcohol for extended extraction.

Growing, Harvesting & Storage

Growing / Cultivation

Soil: Prefers loamy soil with well-drained conditions. Typically grows best in organically rich soils.
Sunlight: Thrives in full sun. Tolerates full sun to partial shade.
Watering: Prefers well-balanced moisture levels. Tolerates periodic dry conditions.