Oregano

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.

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..

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.