Origanum vulgare
Part Used: Dried leaf, and essential oil of dry flowering herb
Oregano (Origanum vulgare) is a perennial herb growing to 0.6m by 0.75m. It is considered a remedy for respiratory problems such as coughs and bronchitis, although there is no conclusive proof of its effectiveness. Unverified uses in folk medicine include treatment of bloating, gas, urinary tract problems, painful menstruation, rheumatoid arthritis, swollen glands, and lack of perspiration. The primary ingredients in Oregano are Thymol and Carvacrol, which are also found in thyme. Researches have revealed that these compounds help loosen phlegm in the lungs and relieve spasms in the bronchial passages. Oregano is used to promote perspiration as a treatment for colds, flu, and fevers. A tea of Oregano is often used to bring on menses and relieve associated menstrual discomfort. It is also used in baths and inhalations, as well drinking the infusion, to clear lungs and bronchial passages. Internally and externally it can help alleviate dry itching skin. Pregnant women should not ingest large amounts of Oregano.
Oregano has the properties like antiseptic; antispasmodic; aromatherapy; carminative; cholagogue; diaphoretic; emmenagogue; expectorant; odontalgic; stimulant; stomachic; and tonic. It has been used as a culinary and medicinal herb for thousands of years. It has a beneficial effect upon the digestive and respiratory systems and is also used to promote menstruation. It should not be used medicinally by pregnant women though it is perfectly safe in small amounts for culinary purposes. The leaves and flowering stems are strongly antiseptic, antispasmodic, carminative, cholagogue, diaphoretic, emmenagogue, expectorant, stimulant, stomachic and mildly tonic. The plant is taken internally in the treatment of colds, influenza, mild feverish illnesses, indigestion, stomach upsets and painful menstruation. Oregano is often used in the form of an essential oil that is distilled from the flowering plant. A few drops of the essential oil, put on cotton wool and placed in the hollow of an aching tooth, frequently relieves the pain of toothache. This plant is one of the best natural antiseptics because of its high thymol content. The essential oil is used in aromatherapy to treat the same kinds of complaints that the herb is used for.
References:
PDR Health. http://www.pdrhealth.com/drug_info/nmdrugprofiles/herbaldrugs/102100.shtml
Plants for a Future Database. http://www.ibiblio.org/pfaf/cgi-bin/arr_html?Origanum+vulgare&CAN=COMIND
