Grow | Harvest | Make with Oregano
I D E N T I F I C A T I O N
Hardy growing 2ft tall and spreads wide
Opposite, aromatic, dark green leaves with round tips
Purplish stems
Pinkish purple flowers
Creeping roots
40 species
Utilize species name when identifying plants as it is often called marjoram. The spice we know as Sweet Marjoram is O. majorana.
G R O W
Origanum vulgare
Perennial
Hardy to zone 5
Well drained, sandy soil
Full sun
Dry, arid, hillside locations
Propagate from cuttings or root division
Flowers attract pollinators
H A R V E S T
Late spring to early autumn
Midmorning
Herbaceous
D R Y
Cool, dark place with good airflow
Garble after dried
"Oregano is the spice of life"
Henry Tillman
P R O P E R T I E S
Warm | Dry
Antimicrobial | Antiseptic
Carminative | Diaphoretic
Emmenagogue
M A K E
Tea and Tincture: sore throat, cough, poor digestion, gas, bloating, nerves, headache, infections, candida, sore joints
Wash: toothache and mouthwash, pain relieving bath
For educational purposes only.
Not intended for medical advice.
Always consult your physician.
Purchase herbs by visiting Mountain Rose Herbs!
Folklore & Fables of Oregano
Origanum vulgare
It's species name "oros" and "ganos" which translates to "joy of the mountain."
Common names include wild marjoram. However, the spice we know as Sweet Marjoram is O. majorana, a totally different genus.
Ruled by Mars and the signs aries and gemini, its element is fire.
In floriography, or Victorian Language of Flowers, oregano and marjoram signify blushes.
Symbolism includes:
Abundance
Happiness
Lasting love
Peace
Sacred to Venus for its connection to, oregano was used by the Romans to restore and reinvigorate their minds down to their feet.
The Greek goddess of love, Demeter, wore a crown of wild marjoram. Brides and grooms were crowned with wreaths of oregano to ensure fertility.
Associated with Thor and Jupiter, oregano was thought to protect from thunder and lightning.
Oregano was placed in graves to bless the departed with everlasting life and planted by graves to ensure peace.
Due to oregano's high essential oil content, it was used as a strewing herb to cleanse and freshen the air.