| Botanical Nomenclature |
Origanum vulgare |
| Common Name |
Oregano, Wild Marjoram |
| Taxonomy- Family |
Lamiaceae or Labiatae |
| Distinguishing Features of the Plant |
Origanum vulgare is a perennial, herbaceous plant growing from 20 to 80cm, with opposite, elliptic, oval, gray leaves and small, white-purple, hermaphrodite flowers. The trunk of the plant is woody, without elasticity and the branches are thin, ending up to flowering heads. The flowering lasts from July to September and semens are formed from August to October. |
| Region Found |
Epirus |
| Part of the Plant with Active Substances |
Leaves |
| Active Substances |
Essential oil which contains carvacrol, thymol, menthol, limonene, pinene, camphene, caryophyllene, rosmarinic acid and triterpenes. Also, the plant contains phenolic acids, tannins, resins, flavonoids, sterols, vitamin A, B, C, fatty acids, proteins, minerals (calcium, phosphorus, iron, magnesium, sodium, potassium, zinc) |
| Pharmacological Effects - Therapeutic Applications |
The leaves have antirheumatic, antiseptic, antispasmodic, cholagogue, sweating, emmenagogue, expectorant, tonic, anti-diarrheal, anti-inflammatory and antibacterial properties. They are recommended for the treatment of respiratory infections (bronchitis, tonsillitis), cough, asthma, common cold, flu, fever, dyspepsia, stomach and menstruation's disorders. They are applied externally to the skin against arthritis, muscle pain and edema. Finally, the herbal extract is used as gargling against toothache and gum diseases. |
| Method of Administration |
The plant is administered in the form of herbal tea (15g of dried leaves in 250mL of boiled water, 2-3 times a day).It is applied externally to the skin in the form of essential oil (oregano oil, 1: 2 parts of dried plant and oil base, e.g., olive oil). |
| Toxicity- Adverse Effects |
No side effects are reported. Plant's consumption must be avoided during pregnancy. |
| References |
1)http://examine.com/supplements/origanum-vulgare/ 2) http://herbs.lovetoknow.com/Medicinal_Uses_of_Oregano 3)http://www.anniesremedy.com/herb_detail163.php 4) http://www.pfaf.org/user/plant.aspx?latinname=Origanum+vulgare 5) http://www.medicalhealthguide.com/articles/oregano.htm |
 Origanum vulgare/1) Origanum vulgare.jpg "Origanum vulgare, Lamiaceae or Labiatae, Essential oil which contains carvacrol, thymol, menthol, limonene, pinene, camphene, caryophyllene, rosmarinic acid and triterpenes. Also, the plant contains phenolic acids, tannins, resins, flavonoids, sterols, vitamin A, B, C, fatty acids, proteins, minerals (calcium, phosphorus, iron, magnesium, sodium, potassium, zinc)")
 Origanum vulgare/2) Origanum vulgare.jpg "Origanum vulgare, Lamiaceae or Labiatae, Essential oil which contains carvacrol, thymol, menthol, limonene, pinene, camphene, caryophyllene, rosmarinic acid and triterpenes. Also, the plant contains phenolic acids, tannins, resins, flavonoids, sterols, vitamin A, B, C, fatty acids, proteins, minerals (calcium, phosphorus, iron, magnesium, sodium, potassium, zinc)")
 Origanum vulgare/3) Origanum vulgare.jpg "Origanum vulgare, Lamiaceae or Labiatae, Essential oil which contains carvacrol, thymol, menthol, limonene, pinene, camphene, caryophyllene, rosmarinic acid and triterpenes. Also, the plant contains phenolic acids, tannins, resins, flavonoids, sterols, vitamin A, B, C, fatty acids, proteins, minerals (calcium, phosphorus, iron, magnesium, sodium, potassium, zinc)")
 Origanum vulgare/4) Origanum vulgare.jpg "Origanum vulgare, Lamiaceae or Labiatae, Essential oil which contains carvacrol, thymol, menthol, limonene, pinene, camphene, caryophyllene, rosmarinic acid and triterpenes. Also, the plant contains phenolic acids, tannins, resins, flavonoids, sterols, vitamin A, B, C, fatty acids, proteins, minerals (calcium, phosphorus, iron, magnesium, sodium, potassium, zinc)")
 Origanum vulgare/5) Origanum vulgare.jpg "Origanum vulgare, Lamiaceae or Labiatae, Essential oil which contains carvacrol, thymol, menthol, limonene, pinene, camphene, caryophyllene, rosmarinic acid and triterpenes. Also, the plant contains phenolic acids, tannins, resins, flavonoids, sterols, vitamin A, B, C, fatty acids, proteins, minerals (calcium, phosphorus, iron, magnesium, sodium, potassium, zinc)")
 Origanum vulgare/6) Origanum vulgare.jpg "Origanum vulgare, Lamiaceae or Labiatae, Essential oil which contains carvacrol, thymol, menthol, limonene, pinene, camphene, caryophyllene, rosmarinic acid and triterpenes. Also, the plant contains phenolic acids, tannins, resins, flavonoids, sterols, vitamin A, B, C, fatty acids, proteins, minerals (calcium, phosphorus, iron, magnesium, sodium, potassium, zinc)")
 Origanum vulgare/7) Origanum vulgare.jpg "Origanum vulgare, Lamiaceae or Labiatae, Essential oil which contains carvacrol, thymol, menthol, limonene, pinene, camphene, caryophyllene, rosmarinic acid and triterpenes. Also, the plant contains phenolic acids, tannins, resins, flavonoids, sterols, vitamin A, B, C, fatty acids, proteins, minerals (calcium, phosphorus, iron, magnesium, sodium, potassium, zinc)")