The Magick and Medicine of Oregano

You can find mentions and evidence of Oregano in ancient Egypt more then 3000 years ago. It has spread across the globe and has a plethora of uses.

Oregano  (Origanum vulgare)

Folk Names: Wild marjoram, Greek oregano, Pot marjoram

Not to be confused with marjoram but it often happens. Both marjoram and Oregano have similar features when you casually look at them, however, they have a much different flavors and varying properties.

This easy to grow herb can be found on mountainsides, rocky cliffs and along foot paths. It is a small evergreen subshrub in most climates and will tolerate a hard frost. Having square stems it is part of the mint family and can be an aggressive grower in the right conditions. It has flowers ranging in color from white to a dark pink that come in clusters at the end of the stems. The leaves are compact oval leaves growing opposite each other along the stem. The stems are generally green but will become woody with age. It is recommended to harvest your oregano regularly to prevent it from overgrowing. Once stems have reached 6-8 inches you can cut them back to the ground. For the most potent flavor harvest just before it flowers, however with the later harvests we also collect the flowers which are very aromatic and delicious. Oregano propagates by seed but more so through root spreading like other mint plants. Regular harvesting helps to keep the plant where you want it, the focus will be on re-growing the cut stems and not on spreading new roots. You can use oregano fresh or dried. it is easy to dry and stores in a dry, cool, place for over a year. The flavor and potency of the leaves increases as the oregano continues to dry.

Hippocrates helped give Oregano its name coming from the word Origanum meaning “joy of the mountains” and recorded its uses for treating skin infections, stomach aches and respiratory infections. Modern science has shown that oregano has both antibiotic and antioxidant properties. Current research shows that Oregano has antibacterial properties. The tea has been shown to sooth an upset stomach and disruptive cough. Nutritionally fresh oregano contains calcium, phosphorous, potassium, folate, and vitamins A, C, and E.

In mythology it was Aphrodite who grew oregano on mount Olympus as a symbol of joy in her garden and it is still used in teas and spells to uplift the spirits. It is also said to carry the joy of love and can be used to find love and in union ceremonies. Aristotle witnessed a turtle eat oregano after eating a poisonous snake and concluded that oregano could work to counter the effects of poison. Even though this has not been proven by science it has given this little plant the title of a great collector. It is grown near the door, or entrance to the garden to protect against unwanted energies.

Oregano can be used fresh, dried, as an oil, tincture, or tea.

Magickal Attributes

Gender: Feminine and Masculine, a plant bringing both aspects together.
Planet: Venus and Mercury
Element: Air
Powers: Happiness, Health, Joy, Love, Protection, Psychic Dreams