Oregano Benefits Uses and How to Harvest Home Herb
Oregano is of part the Lamiaceae (mint) family. Pungent flavor is composed of earthy/musty, green, hay and minty notes. There are many different varieties of oregano; all are medicinal but very in amount of beneficial compounds. This herb is grown easily in your yard.
WHERE IT GROWS
You’ll find oregano growing in most herb gardens. If you are unfamiliar with it, look for bright-green, opposite oval leaves that are slightly hairy. It is a sprawling perennial plant that looks similar to a mint. It can take over an area. This herb grows close to the ground, reaching 8 to 32 inches tall. Each leaf is 1/2 to 1 1/2 inches long. The flowers are purple and tiny, growing on erect spikes above the leaves.
HOW TO USE
Oregano is used as culinary her to flavor many types of foods. For medicinal use, it can be used in food, as tea, as tincture, or as an essential oil. The essential oil is very concentrate and should always be diluted with a carrier oil (coconut, olive or sunflower oil).
Adding Oregano oil to water and create a facial stream for loosening congestion and treating bronchial infections, asthma, and coughing. It relives the inflammation in the air ways.
BENEFITS
Oregano herb is an antiviral, anti bacterial and anti fungal. Used internally to treat infections and externally to treat skin pro meals and fungal infections.
Oregano contains a wide range of antioxidants, anti-inflammatory properties. This helps aid the immune system to heal the body faster. It contains vitamins A and C which are beneficial in boosting the immune system. Oregano help relieve stresses on the body and stimulates the immune system to produce white bloods cells. Which defends the body against bacteria, viruses, fungi and cancerous cells.
This herb stimulates the metabolism causing the body to burn more calories. Can increase energy levels in some people and can help you loose weight.
WHERE TO START
You can typically find a starter plant at your local garden store, or the Walmart garden section. Starting from seed is also easy. Harvest the leaves and stems before the plant blooms for best flavor. It is still potent after blooming, but the flavor is more butter.
WARNING: Do not take oil of Oregano when pregnant. It is concentrated and has not been proven safe for pregnancy.