MEDICINAL PLANTS

Oregano is a perennial plant, aromatic, part of that relationship nourished plants that have a prominent place in the kitchen, is native to the Mediterranean, Middle East and Arabia, and grows mainly in dry, sunny hills. In Spain it can be found in the bushes and forest borders around the north, sometimes more alive is the ornament of our mountains, as can be inferred by its etymology, "gold", meaning mountain, and "ible" which means decoration. It is a plant that gives off a sweet fragrance when the leaves rub with your fingers and is essential for seasoning meat, fish, pasta and, of course, a good pizza.

FLOWERING

Oregano blooms in summer, between July and August. The flowering tops collection is done at the beginning of flowering, once cut, are dried in thin layers in the shade, or hung in bunches in ventilated place. When dry give off an aromatic scent and its taste is bitter.

APPLICATIONS

The main component that concerns us is the essence of oregano, rich in thymol, carvacrol and terpineol; this essence is lemon yellow and is found in varying amounts between 0.14 and 0.45%. It acts as a general tonic, digestive, spasmolytic, expectorant, carminative and also has significant antiseptic properties. By having all these properties is especially useful in problems of poor appetite, slow digestion, gastrointestinal spasms, irritative cough, asthma, emphysema, rheumatic pains, wounds, sores and fungal skin. Ancient naturalists considered oregano good for the nerves, urinary retention, trauma, airway obstruction and eye disease. St. Albert the Great, who was very fond of this plant, also used for kidney disorders, liver, lung and spleen. Clearly, we must also highlight the important role played by this beautiful plant in our traditional cuisine as a condiment for stews which gives a delicious flavor and aroma. It is also widely used in the olive marinade, along with other herbs. Finally, we can add that has applications in cosmetics: in the bathroom is an excellent tonic and deodorant oregano infusion of 50 g per liter of water is very effective in keeping the skin supple and fresh.

ADMINISTRATION

Infusion. A spoonful of dry grass and for every cup of tea, drink three cups a day.
Fluid extract. From 30 to 50 drops three times daily.
Dry matter. You can find the dried extract in capsules of this plant. Between 50 and 200 mg per capsule plant, can take three capsules daily.
Decoction. Very effective against asthma. Boil water in a liter of 30 g of flowering tops, is sweetened and drunk in small cups.
Friction. 5 g of oil of oregano in 95 g of alcohol rosemary. But it should be noted that the essence of oregano in large quantities can be toxic, so it is recommended to take it under medical supervision.

SUMMARY

FAMILY: Labiatae
HABITAT: Forests in the north
FLOWERING: None
PART USED: Sumidad florida
CASTILIAN: Origano
CATALAN: Orenga
BASQUE: Aitz-dedarr, Atx-usain
GALICIAN: Ourego

USES

Antiseptic Moderate, Healing Light, Antirheumatic Leve.