Oregano, especially wild oil of oregano, enjoys a renewed popularity during cold and flu season, but interestingly enough, it has actually been around for many, many years. There is actually a fascinating history of oregano that that most people don’t even know…until now!
Oregano dates back before ancient Greek time
For over 4,000 years of man’s history, the ancient herb Oregano has been used by healers worldwide to treat a wide variety of ailments, and to strengthen our ability to fight off illness. It has powerful bacteria and fungi killing properties, as well as being used as a painkiller and anti-inflammatory. During Greek and Roman times, it was one of the most commonly used herbs for health and medicinal purposes. The word “oregano” is a derivation from Greek words ‘Oros’ meaning mounting, and ‘Ganos’ meaning joy. Therefore the word oregano means ‘the mountain of joy’. According to Greek mythology, oregano was created by goddess Aphrodite as a symbol of happiness. Because of this, the Greeks believed using oregano in marriage ceremony would provide joy and usage of oregano in funerals would convey peace to the dead.
The Romans introduced oregano to Europe
After the Romans conquered the Greek, the adopted oregano because they enjoyed the taste and how easy is was to cultivate. Their love of the herb helped spread its use all throughout Europe and Northern Africa. It was used to spice meats, fish, and even as a flavoring for wine.
Oregano for medicinal purposes in the dark age
The people of the dark age cast about for medicinal properties in whatever form they could find. They would chew the oregano leaves as a cure for rheumatism, toothache, indigestion, and as a cough suppressant. Aristotle is responsible for the use of oregano for snake bites. He noticed that after tortoises ate snakes they would immediately eat the leaves from an oregano plant. Hippocrates also had a part in making oregano a well-known medical herb. He used oregano on a regular basis to protect against respiratory and gastrointestinal issues and was one of the first to recognize its antiseptic properties.
Wild Oil of Oregano and its health benefits
True oregano grows wild in Mediterranean regions such as Greece. The wild oregano is the source of potent oil of oregano. In The Cure is in the Cupboard, Cass Ingram, D.O., wrote a book that is dedicated to unveiling the health benefits of oregano and oil of oregano. He notes that “wild oregano is a veritable a natural mineral treasure-house, containing a density of minerals that would rival virtually any food.” Several more recent studies have discussed the health benefits of oil of oregano including its ability to reduce infection as effectively as traditional antibiotics. Oil of Oregano has been credited with reversing digestive issues, boosting the immune system, and cleansing the body of fungi, yeasts, bacteria and viruses.
From the Greens to Hippocrates to some of today’s top scientists and researchers, oregano continues to enjoy an interesting and fascinating history. Curious about oil of oregano? Learn more about Future Pharm’s Wild Oil of Oregano with rosemary.
