* Please Note: This information is based partly on Traditional Medicine which uses natural materials to support health. This information has not been evaluated or approved by the FDA. These statements have not been evaluated by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA). These products are intended to support general well being and are not intended to treat, diagnose, mitigate, prevent, or cure any condition or disease. If conditions persist, please seek advice from your medical doctor.
Description
Oregano Origanum vulgare L.
Family: Lamiaceae.
Other Names: Origan (French); Echter Dost (German); origana (Italian); orégano (Spanish).
Description: Oregano is an aromatic perennial herb up to 0.9 m) with hairy, opposite leaves and white or pink flowers congested towards the branch ends. It is very similar to marjoram or sweet marjoram (O. majorana) and the two species (both popular culinary herbs) are then confused. Several species have been used in folk medicine, including O. compactum, O. dictamnus, O. heracleoticum, O. onites and O. syriacum. O. syriacum is the hyssop of the Bible (mentioned at the Crucifixion). O. dictamnus, the dittany of Crete (or dictamon in Greek), has woolly leaves and large floral bracts. In Greek mythology, it is the herb that was used by Aphrodite to heal the wounds of the trojan hero Aeneas.
Origin: Europe to central Asia (O. vulgare), Mediterranean region (O. majorana), Middle East (O. syriacum) and Crete (O. dictamnus). Oregano, and to a lesser extent marjoram, are commercially grown as spices (oregano gives the characteristic flavour to pizza). Ditany and related species have been developed as ornamental garden plants. The herb is still a popular medicine in Greece and especially in Crete, where it is said to be endemic.
Parts Used: Dried aboveground parts (oregano - Origani vulgaris herba; marjoram herb - Majoranae herba); essential oil (oregano oil - Origani vulgaris aetheroleurn and marjoram oil - Majoranae aetheroleum).
Therapeutic Category: Stomachic, expectorant.
Uses and Properties: Oregano, sweet marjoram and dittany are mainly used to treat bronchitis, catarrh, cold and flu, colic and dyspepsia. These herbs or their dilute oils are sometimes used topically for mouth hygiene, to treat nasal congestion, wounds and itching skin. The essential oils of oregano and marjoram are used in aromatherapy.
Preparation and Dosage: Tea made from 1 - 2 g of dried herb can be taken three times a day. The oil should never be taken internally.
Active Ingredients: Oregano and dittany oil contains carvacrol (40-70%), p-cymene and gamma-terpinen, while marjoram oil mainly has terpinen-4-ol, alpha-terpineol, sabinen, linalool and carvacrol.
Pharmacological Effects: The essential oils of Origanum species interfere with biomembranes and are known to be antibacterial, anti-fungal, antiviral, spasmolytic and anti-inflammatory.
Status: Traditional medicine; Pharm.; Comm. E+.
Origans are regarded as stimulants, stomachics, expectorants, sudorifics and even emmenagogues; they have been used in general debility, amenorrhea and visceral congestions. But, they have particularly been used for infusions or fumigations, asthma, chronic catarrh, rheumatic pains and stiff necks.
According to Murray, a few handfuls of Origan left in the barrels will stop the beer going off. It is used in a vulnerary water, compound mugwort syrup and a sternutatory powder. Since antiquity, it has been regarded as a wonderful vulnerary; it has often been boasted of by the poets. Virgil said that his hero Aeneas was cured by the unseen care of Venus, his mother, with the help of this plant.
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Directions
Hot tea brewing method: Bring freshly drawn cold water to a rolling boil. Place 1 tea bag for each cup into the teapot. Pour the boiling water into the pot, cover and let steep for 2-4 minutes. Pour into your cup; add milk and natural sweetener to taste.
Iced tea brewing method: (to make 1 liter/quart): Place 5 tea bags into a teapot or heat resistant pitcher. Pour 1 1/4 cups of freshly boiled water over the tea itself. Steep for 5 minutes. Quarter fill a serving pitcher with cold water. Pour the tea into the serving pitcher straining the tea bags. Add ice and top-up with cold water. Garnish and sweeten to taste.
Cautions
Not recommended if you are pregnant or lactating.
Do not use if you are allergic to any member of the labiatae family, such as thyme, basil or marjoram.
Additional Information
TerraVita is an exclusive line of premium-quality, natural source products that use only the finest, purest and most potent ingredients found around the world. TerraVita is hallmarked by the highest possible standards of purity, potency, stability and freshness. All of our products are prepared with the highest elements of quality control, from raw materials through the entire manufacturing process, up to and including the moment that the bottles or bags are sealed for freshness and shipped out to you. Our highest possible standards are certified by independent laboratories and backed by our personal guarantee.
TerraVita exists to meet and ensure your family's health and wellness without the harmful effects or chemicals and prescription medications. We strive to make all of our products affordable and reliable and are constantly searching the market to maintain our affordability and to look for new ways to serve you and the ones you love. TerraVita has become a trusted household name for many families and can bring you and yours the very best herbal supplements, blends, teas and spices that are on the market today.
ZooScape is proud to be the exclusive distributor of TerraVita teas, herbs and supplements in the United States, Canada and around the world. Please direct all wholesale and bulk inquiries to Simona Heather at 905-494-1785.
These statements have not been evaluated by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA). Products are intended to support general well being and are not intended to treat, diagnose, mitigate, prevent, or cure any condition or disease. If conditions persist, please seek advice from your medical doctor. The essence of the current American rule on Traditional Uses is, as stated by FTC, "Claims based on historical or traditional use should be substantiated by confirming scientific evidence, or should be presented in such a way that consumers understand that the sole basis for the claim is a history of use of the product for a particular purpose."
