Oregano. What is this spice?

The first information about oregano (what kind of plant is it) was recorded in Ancient Greece. In the book "Medicinal Plants" Dioscoridos described his many years of research and proved that all herbs and roots have medicinal properties to a greater or lesser extent. Later, already in Ancient Rome, Celius Apicius compiled a list of dishes that the rich Romans preferred. Almost all of them contain a considerable amount of spices, including oregano.

The main place of growth of this spice is considered the southern and central regions of Europe. This perennial plant reaches a height of up to 80 centimeters, has elliptical leaves, white or purple flowers, creeping root. Oregano contains thymol, essential oils, tannins, carvacrol and rosmarinic acid. Due to the aromatic properties of oregano, its application extends to the cosmetic industry.

As for cooking, the taste of spices is ideally combined with salads, ham, fish sauces, lamb and pork meat, baked potatoes, shish kebab and soups. If during cooking you did not have oregano at hand, what to replace without compromising taste - the question is solved. You will be helped by marjoram, but you should remember that its aroma is more tart and full.

Thirty years ago in Russia, almost no one knew about the existence of oregano. What kind of spice this was, only foreign culinary specialists had an idea. Today it is used both in widely known dishes, and in their home gastronomic experiments. Try and you add these scented leaves to tomatoes, eggs, beans or game.

Studies conducted in England have revealed other useful properties of oregano. What is this medicinal plant is now clinically confirmed. Carvacrol in the plant is one of the strongest antibiotics along with penicillin or streptomycin. This substance can be used for fungal infections, parasites and even for the destruction of Staphylococcus aureus, which is common in medical institutions.

Oregano has a positive effect on the nervous system, relieves insomnia, relieves stress, improves appetite, removes spasms, regulates digestion. Preparations based on it have anti-inflammatory, analgesic and expectorant agents. In addition, this seasoning has a laxative and diuretic properties.

In folk medicine, too, they use oregano. For example, it is added to tea for chronic bronchitis, angina, influenza, pneumonia and diseases of the gastrointestinal tract. Suffering from rheumatism, boils and rashes recommend taking baths, doing compresses. People with inflammation of the gums should rinse with infusion of this plant.

Such a number of useful properties makes one seriously think about the "status" of oregano. What is it: a seasoning or a medicinal plant? In any case, it is worth remembering the measure. Abuse of oregano is contraindicated in women during pregnancy and men who have problems with the genitourinary system.