Oregano

If someone happened to say to you "Oregano", it is most likely that you will think in terms of a herb for cooking.

In this instance you would be right as most people do think of Oregano in sauces and cooking.

There are however actual medicinal properties to Oregano as well.

Oregano can make a quite tasty cup of savory tea that can work well for urinary problems, bronchial problems, headaches, gas, indigestion, bloating, coughs, and swollen glands and also to induce and regulate a woman's menstrual cycle.

Some people swear that it can cure fevers, diarrhea, vomiting, and same jaundice.

When it is in the capsule form the leaves are dried and crushed, then placed into the empty capsule shell.

Some people use the dried Oregano leaves by crushing them and adding just enough water to make a paste like mixture and use it for a cream to apply for arthritis, itchy skin, sore muscles, and swelling.

To have yourself a nice relaxing and soothing bath use Oregano leaves in the bath water. There are others as well that make Oregano oil and claim it helps rid toothaches.

Locals in Jamaica burn Oregano scented incense to ward off coughs and other respiratory distresses.

On the coocking side of things, Oregano is a perennial herb that is a relative to the mint family and it is a very important cooking herb that is used in a lot of Greek and Italian cuisines. When using Oregano for cooking, it is the leaves that are used and while some like nothing but a fresh Oregano sprig, most will agree that the dried Oregano is just as flavorful.

In a lot of Italian cooking you will notice a distinct relationship between the uses of Oregano when it is combined with Basil, the two always seem to create the perfect couple especially in a tomato sauce. No one could imagine eating a piece of pizza without a taste of Oregano added to it.

Oregano is also used on a lot of vegetable dishes as well as a seasoning on various meats.

Greek culinary experts would never consider cooking without Oregano in their pantry. The famous Greek salad boasts its flavor of Oregano.

Oregano is sometimes mistaken for Marjoram as these plants look very similar. Outside of the kitchen Marjoram and Oregano are quite good friends and do a lot together.

The two of them have quite plentiful properties in the areas of antioxidants and antibacterial. Together they are not only a great combination for adding flavor to food but also for preserving it as well.

As both of their oils are perfumery they are placed in many different soaps and lotions. They are also used in combination for many potpourris and home décor.

There is no getting away from the fact that Oregano has been around since ancient times, both in and out of the kitchen.

It was considered to have many medicinal properties then, and it still does now.

The uniqueness of Oregano is used nowadays in many different ways and will be for years to come.