Oregano

Name: Oregano
Price: 2.25 GBP
Availability: InStock

Origanum vulgare

Oregano is one of the most widely used herbs in the world. Renowned for its spicy bite, it lifts the top of any meal – and is a favourite of in every health-conscious chef.

Originating in the mediterannean and thriving on the sun-baked mountains, the name oregano is derived from ‘oros’ meaning ‘mountain’ and ‘ganos’ meaning brightness, bringing us ’the brightness of the mountain’. It prefers a warm dry spot, though it is pretty robust and seems to do well as long as its feet aren’t too soggy.

Oregano is the perfect herbal kitchen garden plant; in the right conditions it is perennial; the bees adore its summer blossom; it goes with all sorts of dishes; it has lots of health-bringing properties. There are numerous varieties of oregano but good quality should be high in essential oils – preferably more than 2.5%. The essential oil has substantial levels of two potent compounds, mainly carvacrol and some thymol, that bring its distinctive flavour and benefits. Studies have demonstrated the biological activity of carvacrol and thymol revealing their therapeutic potential. Thymol in thyme and oregano is widely used to minimise bacterial contamination of food- and is one of the primary ingredients in Listerine.

Categories: Herbs, Seed Packs

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Sowing and Growing

Sow indoors in the spring to plant out once the risk of frost has passed. Seeds can be sown directly outdoors once the soil has warmed up in late spring but seedlings are slow to grow and are easier to manage when sown in pots or trays. Sow on the surface and press into the soil. A tough perennial, oregano can grow in poor soils and once established requires little maintenance.

Uses and Benefits

Other than as a flavouring oregano has a long history of use in the home herbal first aid kit.

Like many of the herbs and spices commonly found in our food, oregano has natural anti-bacterial properties that not only stop food spoiling but also help support digestion as well. It has a warming and relaxing effect on digestion helping to enhance the enjoymemnt of your food as well as absorb more of the nutrients. Its renowned benefits on immunity make it appropriate as a kitchen solution for seasonal infections or as a gargle for a sore throat. Its anti-septic qualities are often used to clean a wound after a scrape.

The essential oil is incredibly potent and needs to be diluted 1:100 before use and only for external use..

Harvesting and Preparation

Home-dried oregano is like nothing else you can buy. Their delicate leaves are best dried at a low temperature with good air-flow, around 35C for 12 hours and then stored in an air-tight container. Lay the fresh oregano stems on a rack and then when dried strip off the leaves for the ultimate home-grown oregano experience.

To make a tea, put a few sprigs in a cup of bolied water and infuse in a covered pot for 10-15 minutes to experience a different type of herbal tea. This can also be allowed to cool for a bit longer and used as a gargle at the first sign of a tickle.

To make a wash for wounds infuse 25g (a small bunch) of oregano in a cup of hot water, covered, for 30minutes. Cool in the fridge and use as a skin wash.

Species Info

Soil

Loamy, Sandy

RHS Pollinators

Yes

Recommended for Beginners

Yes

Stratification Needed?

Stratification not required

Herbal Tradition

Western

General Uses

Edible, Medicinal

Can be sown direct?

Herbal Uses

Digestion, Immunity, Respiration

Flower Colour(s)

Pink, Purple

Hardiness

H6 (hardy – very cold winter)

UK Native

Yes

Height

40 – 60 cm

Flowering

July, August, September

Life Cycle

Perennial

Water

Well-drained

Sunlight

Full sun, Part shade

Acidic, Alkaline, Neutral

Recommended Sowing Times

March, April, August, September

Best for Bees

Make Your Own

Aromatic water, Essential oil, Food, Glycerite, Herbal Honey, Oxymel, Tincture, Vinegar

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