Oregano

Identity

Common Name

Oregano

Scientific Name

Origanum vulgare

Botanical Family

Lamiaceae

Native Region

Mediterranean basin

Cultivation Regions

Mediterranean, Europe, North America

Plant Parts Used

Aerial parts

Synonyms

Wild Marjoram, Oregano, Mountain Joy

Caffeine Level

Caffeine Free

A bushy upright perennial with opposite oval grey-green toothed leaves on square stems and small clusters of tiny tubular pink-purple flowers in bracted heads; the aerial parts are used.

Historical Background

Oregano has been a Mediterranean culinary and medicinal herb for millennia, prized by Greeks and Romans for its aromatic leaves. A gentle tea of the leaves is traditionally sipped for respiratory and digestive comfort.

Earliest recorded uses: Mediterranean and Greek traditions for millennia; a culinary and respiratory herb.

Traditional Uses

These uses document historical traditions and do not imply proven effectiveness.

Flavor & Aroma

Aroma: Warm, herbaceous, slightly spicy, aromatic

Tea Information

Research Summary

Oregano has a tradition for respiratory and digestive comfort; preclinical work shows antioxidant and antimicrobial activity (carvacrol, thymol). Clinical evidence is insufficient; it is not a treatment for infection, cough, or any disease, and the pure essential oil should not be taken internally.

Evidence levels reflect the currently available scientific literature and may change as new research emerges. Where evidence is limited or conflicting, this is stated plainly.

References & Sources