Oregano (Origanum vulgare)

Oregano (Origanum vulgare) is a member of the Lamiaceae family, native to Mediterranean Region, Southern Europe, and Middle East. Traditionally, its leaves, flowers, and stems have been used for infusions, decoctions, and poultices.

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

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

Quick Facts / Key Information

Common Name	Oregano
Scientific Name	Origanum vulgare
Plant Family	Lamiaceae
Genus	Origanum
Species	vulgare
Native Range	Mediterranean Region, Southern Europe, Middle East
Plant Parts Used	Leaves, Flowers, Stems
Primary Medicinal Actions	Anti-Inflammatory, Carminative, Antispasmodic
Primary Traditional Systems	European Herbal Medicine, Mediterranean Herbal Traditions, Ayurvedic Medicine
Historical Preparation Methods	Infusion, Decoction, Poultice

Botanical Identity

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

Botanical Description

Growth Habit: Perennial herbaceous plant.
Height: It typically grows to a height of 30 to 100 centimeters.
Leaves: Simple leaves with upper surface glabrous and pale green, lower surface glabrous and darker green, bearing distinct stomatal bands along the midrib.
Flowers: Inflorescence composed of solitary flowers with white to pale blue petals, actinomorphic symmetry, and five lobed corolla with prominent staminode.
Stems: Erect, branching habit with opposite arrangement, glabrous surface, and presence of pith in cross-section.

Traditional Uses / Historical Use

Traditional Systems

European Herbal Medicine
Mediterranean Herbal Traditions

Historical Preparation Methods

Infusion
Decoction
Poultice
Oil Infusion

Medicinal Actions

Anti-inflammatory: Traditionally described as a gentle anti-inflammatory, for irritation-related applications.
Carminative: As described in traditional systems, a moderate carminative, in relation to gastrointestinal comfort.
Antispasmodic: In herbal literature, noted as a cooling antispasmodic, for cramp-focused discussions.
Tonic: In herbal texts, considered a soothing tonic, in whole-system applications.

Active Compounds

Essential Oil: Volatile plant-derived substances commonly present in leaves and flowers.
Flavonoid: A group of naturally occurring compounds commonly present in many flowering plants.
Phenolic Acid: Simple phenolic molecules widely distributed across plant tissues.
Terpenoid: A diverse group of organic compounds present in many aromatic plants.

Modern Research Overview

Scientific literature concerning this plant spans multiple areas, including phytochemistry and laboratory research. Detailed analysis of published studies is not included at this time and will be added as part of future editorial expansion.

Safety & Contraindications

General Precautions: Some general precautions have been associated with the use of this herb.
Contraindications: Available information does not clearly establish contraindications for the use of this herb.
Allergies: There is insufficient evidence to determine whether this herb commonly causes allergic reactions.
Drug Interactions: There is insufficient evidence to determine whether this herb interacts with pharmaceutical drugs.
Toxicity: Reports of toxicity related to this herb are not well documented in available literature.
Pregnancy & Breastfeeding: Safety during pregnancy and breastfeeding has not been well documented.

Preparation & Usage Methods

Infusion: Dried or fresh plant parts are infused in hot water and consumed as a beverage.
Decoction: This method uses sustained heat to extract compounds from firm plant structures.
Poultice: This method uses direct contact between plant material and the skin.
Capsule: Capsules contain measured amounts of dried, ground plant material.
Infused Oil: Plant material is steeped in oil to transfer fat-soluble compounds.

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.