Where Did Oregano First Come From?

Oregano comes from Origanum, a genus of the mint family (Lamiaceae). Oregano originally came from warm climates in western and southwestern Eurasia and the Mediterranean region. Oregano is a perennial plant that has the characteristics of an herb, green and leaflike, with round shaped leaves.

What is the origin of oregano?

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.

When was oregano invented?

Oregano can be traced back to as early as 3000 BC when it was used by the Assyrians. During Greek and Roman times, it was one of the most commonly used herbs for health and medicinal purposes. Oregano’s name can be credited to the Greeks.

Is oregano Italian or Greek?

Common Types of Oregano
Origanum vulgare: This is the species most commonly known as oregano. Its best known variety is Greek oregano (Origanum vulgare var. hirtum). Sometimes known as true oregano or Italian oregano, this is the familiar herb used on pizzas and in tomato sauces.

Is oregano Mexican or Italian?

The two types of oregano are even native to different parts of the world: True oregano is native to most temperate climates in western and southwestern Europe and Asia, as well as most Mediterranean countries, while Mexican oregano comes from (surprise, surprise) Mexico, Guatemala, and some parts of South America.

What does oregano do for the body?

Oregano is an herb that boasts some pretty potent benefits when it comes to your health. It is high in antioxidants and may help fight off bacteria and viruses, potentially reduce the growth of cancer cells and help alleviate inflammation.

Is oregano a drug?

Overview. Oregano (Origanum vulgare) is an herb used to flavor foods. It is considered safe in common food amounts, but has little evidence of health benefits.

Is oregano an anti inflammatory?

Essential oils of oregano are widely recognized for their antimicrobial activity, as well as their antiviral and antifungal properties. Nevertheless, recent investigations have demonstrated that these compounds are also potent antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, antidiabetic and cancer suppressor agents.

Is oregano poisonous?

In large doses, oregano oil may be toxic — and even lethal. Oregano may have diuretic effects. Large amounts of oregano can upset the stomach.

Which country produces the most oregano?

• China. ≈ 24.79% $864.80M. ≈ 3.93% ≈ 24.76%
• India. ≈ 11.88% $414.49M. ≈ 19.33% ≈ 34.92%
• Germany. ≈ 6.67% $232.62M. ≈ 7.45% ≈ 22.9%
• Egypt. ≈ 4.55% $158.70M. ≈ 14.55% ≈ 42.29%
• United States. ≈ 3.64% $127.02M. ≈ -7.71% ≈ -5.54%
• Spain. ≈ 3.1% $108.13M. ≈ 4.67% ≈ 23.43%
• Poland. ≈ 2.98% $103.79M. ≈ 6.97%
• Canada. ≈ 2.45% $85.48M. ≈ 103.38%

What is the difference between Greek and Mexican oregano?

Greek Oregano. Mexican oregano is commonly mistaken for its cousin Greek oregano (Origanum vulgare). Although, they’re more like step cousins, because the two don’t even share a taxonomic family. Greek oregano is part of the mint or Lamiaceae family, and Mexican oregano is part of the verbena or Verbenaceae family.

Is there a Greek oregano?

Greek oregano is a common variety of the oregano plant — in fact, it’s often referred to as true oregano. Since there are Greek, Italian, and Turkish oreganos from the Mediterranean region, there are nuances that you should keep in mind when you use these in your recipes.

Can you eat oregano raw?

It’s often too pungent to eat raw, so fresh oregano is best when used in the last 15 minutes of cooking, according to Newgent. Fresh oregano makes a great accompaniment to a pot of beans, a lemony marinade or a simple marinara sauce.

Why is Mexican oregano better?

Mexican oregano has lemon and citrus flavors as well as some tones of licorice. These flavors are a better fit with Mexican dishes. It is often found in chili and salsas because it pairs beautifully with spicy chile peppers.

Is drinking oregano tea good for you?

The bottom line. As an herb, oregano offers many health benefits and has been shown to be antiviral, antibacterial, and to include antioxidants. It’s unclear how drinking it as a tea stacks up against other methods of consumption. Still, it’s fairly safe so it may be worth trying if you’re interested.

Is Mexican mint and oregano same?

While its primary common name makes it sound like this plant comes from the Caribbean island, Cuban oregano is a plant known by many other names as well, including Mexican mint, Spanish (or French) thyme, and Indian borage.

Does oregano purify blood?

Studies show that oregano speeds up liver function and allows proper elimination of toxins from your body.

Is oregano good for kidneys?

Research has found that oregano has been traditionally used in the treatment of kidney stones. It acts as a diuretic which increases urine volume and reduces supersaturation of crystals and anti-spasmodic agent or relieves pain.

Does oregano increase blood pressure?

According to a September 2021 study published in the American Journal of Clinical Nutrition, people who ate more herbs and spices—in particular, cinnamon, turmeric and oregano—recorded lower blood pressure readings 24 hours later.

Is oregano mentioned in the Bible?

The Amazing Hyssop of the Bible (Wild Oregano)
And he shall sprinkle upon him that is to be cleansed from the leprosy seven times, and shall pronounce him clean, and shall let the living bird loose into the open field.” Lev 14:4-7.

Does Oil of Oregano cause blood clots?

Oregano might slow blood clotting and increase the risk of bleeding. Taking it with other supplements with similar effects might increase the risk of bleeding in some people.