🌿 Oregano
🍴 Edible Parts
🤝 Companions (8)
⚠️ Keep Apart (1)
💊 Medicinal Uses
{"conditions_treated": ["Respiratory infections (coughs, bronchitis, asthma, sore throat)", "Digestive disorders (indigestion, bloating, gas)", "Bacterial and fungal infections (strong antimicrobial)", "Inflammation and joint pain (anti-inflammatory)", "Menstrual cramps (antispasmodic)", "Cold and flu symptoms", "Parasitic infections (antiparasitic properties)", "Oral health (gingivitis, mouth ulcers)"], "preparation_methods": ["Tea/Infusion: 1-2 tsp dried herb steeped 10 minutes; for coughs, colds, digestive issues", "Oil of oregano: Steam-distilled essential oil; 1-3 drops in carrier oil for topical infections", "Tincture: 1:5 in 45% alcohol; 1-2ml 3x daily for respiratory/digestive infections", "Gargle: Strong infusion used as antimicrobial mouthwash for sore throat and oral health", "Steam inhalation: Few drops of oil in hot water for respiratory congestion", "Poultice: Crushed leaves applied to fungal skin infections"], "active_compounds": ["Carvacrol", "Thymol", "Rosmarinic acid", "Ursolic acid", "\u03b2-caryophyllene"], "toxicity_warnings": "Oil of oregano is very potent \u2014 ALWAYS dilute before topical use. May irritate mucous membranes. Avoid medicinal doses during pregnancy (may stimulate uterine contractions). May interact with blood thinners and diabetes medications. Not for long-term internal use of essential oil."}
📜 History & Traditional Uses
{"medieval": "Used in medieval European medicine as a 'warming' herb for colds and coughs. Strewn on floors as a disinfectant. Hildegard von Bingen recommended it for 'internal rottenness' and skin conditions.", "ancient": "Ancient Greeks used oregano for wounds and poisons; name means 'joy of the mountain' (oros ganos). Hippocrates used it as an antiseptic. Romans spread its use throughout Europe.", "folk_medicine": "Traditional Mediterranean remedy for respiratory and digestive ailments. Used as a preservative before refrigeration. Appalachian folk medicine uses oregano tea for colds, coughs, and menstrual cramps."}