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What is Oregano? Benefits and How to Use Oregano Leaves.

Oregano is a herb that is widely used in European cuisine but remains a novelty in Asian kitchens. Today, let's explore the benefits and uses of this unique herb and discover why it's a favorite in many culinary traditions across the globe.

Administrator

15 July, 2024

Oregano, also known as Mexican oregano, has a spicy, pungent aroma and a more bitter taste compared to the regular oregano commonly used in cooking. This popular European spice enhances the flavor of dishes such as pizza, grilled chicken, and more. Despite being a staple in luxurious European cuisine, oregano is a very ordinary and wild plant. Let’s explore more about this fascinating herb.

1 What is Oregano?

Origin of Oregano

Oregano belongs to the Lamiaceae family, which includes soft-stemmed plants. It is covered with a thin layer of velvety hair, grows to a height of 30-40 cm, and bears small clusters of purple flowers.

According to Greek mythology, oregano was given to humans by the goddess Venus. The word “oregano” comes from “oros,” meaning “mountain,” and “ganos,” meaning “joy.” A loose translation would be Mountain of Joy.

What is Oregano?

Oregano is native to areas with elevations ranging from 0 to 3,400 meters and is commonly found in waste lands, hills, sunny areas, riverbanks, and forests. It is prevalent in India, Laos, Cambodia, Malaysia, Myanmar, Mongolia, Russia, Japan, Thailand, and China (except Xinjiang and Qinghai provinces), and Vietnam.

Characteristics of Oregano

Oregano is actually a very familiar herb commonly known as hot basil—a perennial herb belonging to the mint family. It has small, tapered, soft, and smooth leaves, with a velvety hair-like covering.

This plant is very easy to grow and adapts to various climates; it only needs a dry and sunny environment to thrive, so it can be easily cultivated in Vietnam.

Therefore, you can grow oregano at home, ensuring a fresh and convenient supply for your culinary needs.

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2 Benefits of Oregano

Inhibits Bacterial Growth

A 2013 study published in the Journal of the Science of Food and Agriculture concluded that oregano could replace synthetic chemicals in the industry as it possesses antifungal and antibacterial properties and can inhibit the growth of seven bacterial strains.

Cancer Prevention

Oregano essential oil can help fight metastatic cancer cells due to its carvacrol content, which is known for its ability to slow down cell growth. This was demonstrated in a study by researchers from the Universidad Nacional de Cordoba in Argentina.

Furthermore, the essential oil contains phenols, which have strong antioxidant properties that eliminate dead and damaged cells and free radicals that harm the body. Due to its potent cancer-preventive effects, the medical community has high hopes for this essential oil in helping millions of patients facing the deadly disease.

Treatment of Sore Throat and Flu

Oregano essential oil is effective in treating coughs.

Oregano essential oil can stimulate the breakdown and removal of mucus in the throat, soothing the lungs during coughing fits. Hence, it is used to treat coughs, sore throats, sinusitis, and respiratory diseases quite effectively.

Its ability to boost the immune system is also recognized by the medical community due to its stimulation of the body’s production of white blood cells, which improve natural immunity. This, in turn, helps the body fight off common viruses such as the flu, mumps, measles, and chickenpox, as well as other virus-related illnesses.

Improves Digestive Health

In 2011, the journal Medicinal Food published a study evaluating the antibacterial activity of oregano, which helps fight against five different harmful bacteria and can improve digestive health and prevent deadly food poisoning.

Additionally, when combined with food, oregano essential oil can eliminate certain types of parasites in the digestive system, such as intestinal worms. Therefore, many people use oregano essential oil to promote a healthy gut, stimulate the release of enzymes and nutrients, and enhance the efficiency of the digestive system.

Anti-Inflammatory and Soothing Properties

Oregano essential oil repels insects.

Oregano essential oil can be considered a natural antibiotic due to its strong anti-inflammatory and antibacterial properties, which help soothe various types of inflammation, swellings, and irritated skin areas. This essential oil contains carvacrol and thymol, two substances known for their antibacterial and infection-fighting properties.

Topical application can also repel insects, lice, fleas, mosquitoes, and ticks. Therefore, you can use this essential oil as a natural insect repellent instead of chemical-based products that may be harmful to your health.

Regulates Menstruation

Oregano essential oil helps regulate menstruation and prevents premature menopause.

For women, menstruation can be a troublesome time, causing irritability, discomfort, and even abdominal pain. Oregano essential oil can alleviate these side effects and make the menstrual cycle more comfortable and pleasant. Additionally, it helps regulate menstruation and prevent premature menopause.

Acne Treatment and Skin Care

In addition to the benefits mentioned above, oregano essential oil is also known for its skin-enhancing properties. Thanks to its anti-inflammatory and powerful anti-aging effects, the oil can be used to treat acne and maintain youthful-looking skin.

3 Applications of Oregano in Daily Life

Culinary Uses

Oregano has a distinctive flavor and is widely used in cooking, especially in Italian dishes such as pizza.

Oregano is commonly used in Italian cuisine.

In addition to pizza, other savory baked goods and sauces benefit from the addition of oregano to create a distinctive, aromatic flavor.

Instead of cooking it, fresh oregano can be added to salads to impart a unique flavor that only this herb can provide.

Medical Uses

As mentioned earlier, oregano is a member of the mint family and has various medical applications:

Oregano essential oil can be used for gargling to relieve sore throats. It also helps alleviate headaches, treat colds, and remove warts.

Oregano leaves are beneficial in treating bloating and irritable bowel syndrome.

When producing cosmetics, oregano leaves can be used for bathing to eliminate laboratory disinfectants.

Due to its distinctive aroma, oregano essential oil is widely used in perfume production and air fresheners.

Notably, carvacrol in oregano has anti-cancer properties, specifically against metastatic breast cancer cells.

4 Where to Buy Oregano?

Oregano is available in the market as fresh and dried leaves. While it is easily accessible abroad, in Vietnam, you may need to visit large supermarkets or specialty spice stores to find it. The average price is around 12,000 VND/10 grams.

5 Delicious Recipes with Oregano

You can use fresh oregano to garnish various baked goods such as cakes, pies, and tarts or to add a touch of flavor to your cocktails and smoothies.

Add dried oregano to meat marinades for a flavorful dish.

Dried oregano can also be sprinkled on pizza, spaghetti, or tomato sauce to enhance the warm, aromatic flavor and add a unique, pleasant taste to your meal.

Aside from cooking, you can use oregano essential oil to purify the air and eliminate bacteria.

6 Storing Oregano

Storing Oregano

Storing Fresh Oregano

Place the fresh leaves in a plastic bag and store them in the refrigerator’s crisper drawer; they will stay fresh for about three days. If you want to extend the shelf life, separate the leaves from the stems, place them in an airtight bag, and freeze them.

Alternatively, you can chop the leaves, blend them with a small amount of water, and freeze them in ice cube trays.

Storing Dried Oregano

Store dried oregano in airtight bags or glass jars to retain its aroma and keep it in a dry place.

In conclusion, we hope this article has provided you with comprehensive information about oregano, including its benefits and applications, so you can incorporate this unique and exotic spice into your culinary creations.

Frequently asked questions

Oregano is a popular culinary herb that belongs to the mint family. It is native to temperate Western and Southwestern Eurasia and the Mediterranean region.

Oregano is packed with antioxidants, which can help protect your body against damage caused by free radicals. It also has antimicrobial and anti-inflammatory properties, which can aid in digestion and support immune health. Additionally, oregano has been traditionally used to treat respiratory conditions and improve bone health.

Oregano leaves can be used fresh or dried. You can add them to your favorite recipes, such as pasta sauces, pizza toppings, or salad dressings. They can also be brewed into a tasty and nutritious tea. Simply add a few fresh leaves or a teaspoon of dried oregano to hot water and steep for a few minutes.

While oregano is generally safe for most people, excessive consumption may cause stomach upset in some individuals. It is always advisable to introduce any new herb gradually into your diet and consult a healthcare professional if you have any specific concerns or pre-existing health conditions.