Oregano

Oregano, (Origanum vulgare), also called origanum or wild marjoram, aromatic perennial herb of the mint family (Lamiaceae) known for its flavourful dried leaves and flowering tops. Oregano is native to the hills of the Mediterranean countries and western Asia and has naturalized in parts of Mexico and the United States. The herb has long been an essential ingredient of Mediterranean cooking and is widely used to season many foods. Oregano is usually grown as a small evergreen subshrub in mild climates. Its compact oval leaves are arranged oppositely and are covered with glandular trichomes (plant hairs). The young stems are typically square and hairy and become woody with age. The flowers are small and borne in clusters; they range in colour from white to pink or pale purple. Oregano is a rich source of Vitamin K, a vital vitamin that is quite often ignored. Vitamin K is known to promote cardiovascular health and is integral to keeping calcium out of the arteries. It effectively helps in bone development and promotes proper blood clotting too. The leaves and flowering stems of oregano have strong antiseptic, anti-spasmodic, carminative, cholagogues (aids in gall bladder secretions), diaretic (sweat production), expectorant and stimulant properties. It aids in the treatment of colds, mild fevers, influenza, indigestion, stomach upsets and painful menstruation symptoms.