Naming |
| Botanical Name: |
Origanum vulgare
|
| Common Names: |
Wild Marjoram, Mountain Mint
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| Key Name: |
Common Oregano
|
| Parts Used: |
Leaves, flowers, stems
|
| Sister Plants: |
Thymus vulgaris, Origanum majorana, Salvia officinalis
|
| Comments: |
Perennial herb attractive to pollinators; thrives in sunny, well-drained areas
|
Taxonomy |
| Kingdom |
Viridiplantae |
Phylum |
Streptophyta |
| Class |
Magnoliopsida |
Order |
Lamiales |
| Family |
Lamiaceae |
Genus |
Origanum |
| Species |
vulgare |
NCBI Tax ID |
39352
|
| Organism |
|
|
Characteristics |
| Identifying Character: |
Perennial (1-2 ft), woody base, erect hairy stems, oval Leaves, purple or pink flower spikes (0.5 in), blooming summer
|
| Stem: |
Erect, 1-2 ft, woody at base, green
|
| Leaves: |
Oval, 0.5-1.5 inches, hairy, dark green
|
| Flowers: |
Purple or pink flower spikes, 0.5 in, in clusters, blooming June-August
|
| Fruit: |
Small nutlets, 1-2 mm, brown
|
| Taste: |
Aromatic, slightly Bitter (Leaves), mild (flowers)
|
| Odour: |
Strong, spicy scent from Leaves
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| Root: |
Woody taproot with shallow roots
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| Image: |
(image unavailable)
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Distribution |
| Distribution: |
Native to the Mediterranean, naturalized worldwide
|
| Cultivation: |
Plant in full Sun, well-drained soil; propagate by cuttings or division in spring; space 12-18 inches apart; water sparingly, tolerates drought
|
| Harvest: |
Leaves/Flowers: Summer (June-August); Stems: Fall
|
Medical |
| Therapeutic Action: |
Antiseptic, Carminative, Expectorant, Antispasmodic
|
| Medical Uses: |
Used for respiratory infections, Digestive issues, Colds, and as a mild Antiseptic; Leaves for tea or poultices
|
| Constituents: |
Carvacrol, Thymol, rosmarinic acid, flavonoids (flavonoids)">flavonoids
|
| Solvents: |
Water, alcohol (Tincture), oil (distillation)
|
| Dosage: |
infusion: 1 tsp dried Leaves in hot water, 1-2 times daily; Oil: 1-2 drops in water
|
| Administration: |
Internal: infusion or oil; External: Poultice or oil
|
| Formulas: |
|
| Contra Indications: |
May cause Allergic reactions; avoid in large doses during Pregnancy; consult healthcare provider
|
| Preparation: |
infusion: Steep 1 tsp dried Leaves in hot water 10 min; Oil: Steam distill Leaves
|
| Chinese: |
No documented use in Traditional Chinese Medicine
|
| Veterinary: |
Used for respiratory or Digestive support in livestock
|
| Homeopathic: |
No known homeopathic use documented
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Pollination and Pollinators |
| Apis: |
No
|
| Pollinator: |
1
|
| Pollen: |
Yes
|
| Pollen Notes: |
Pollen attracts bees, some self-pollination
|
| Nectar: |
Yes
|
| Nectar Notes: |
Nectar-rich, attracts bees, butterflies, late-season pollinators
|
Other |
| Non-Medical Uses: |
ornamental, essential oil, pest repellent
|
| Culinary Uses: |
Leaves in teas, seasonings, or oils
|
| History: |
Used in Mediterranean and European herbal medicine since ancient times; valued in culinary traditions
|
| Reference: |
Plants For A Future; USDA NRCS
|
| URL: |
https://www.pfaf.org/user/Plant.aspx?LatinName=Origanum+vulgare
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| Share: |
Private
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