Some dishes would not be as tasty and original without spicy spices added to them. Oregano, a plant known since ancient times, has an incomparable taste and magnificent aroma. Oregano or oregano - what is it and what is it eaten with?

Oregano is a perennial herbaceous plant of the Lamiaceae family. It has small oblong-ovate leaves and small, two-lipped, pinkish-white flowers, collected in spikelets forming a panicle. This plant is common in Russia, as well as European and Mediterranean countries. It grows on mountain slopes, forest edges and clearings. Translated from Greek, the word “oregano” is interpreted as “mountain decoration”. An alternative name is Oregano.

Oregano has an amazing aroma.

By the way, oregano has long been a well-known plant; the ancient Greek physician and philosopher Hippocrates mentioned it in his works.

The main use of oregano is cooking. The dried and crushed leaves of the plant are used as a seasoning.

Useful properties of seasoning

Oregano is also used in medicine. Medicinal infusions, decoctions and teas are prepared from the leaves, stems and flowers of the plant. Oregano can also be used externally - lotions and compresses with it effectively heal wounds. Baths with the addition of oregano tone and improve well-being.

This is interesting. Legend has it that on the island of Crete, animals wounded by hunters - deer, wild goats - searched for and ate oregano (it was also called ash tree). The animals ate the grass, and the arrows soon came out of their bodies by themselves. The wounds healed, and if the arrow was poisonous, the ash tree neutralized the effect of the toxic substances. People noticed this interesting feature and began to use oregano for medicinal purposes, and soon discovered other properties of this plant.

Main beneficial properties of oregano:

  • Wound healing. To quickly tighten wounds, lotions and compresses based on herbs are suitable.
  • Antimicrobial. Infusions and decoctions of oregano neutralize the effect of harmful microorganisms that enter the body along with poor-quality food.
  • Antispasmodic. The gentle action of oregano can relieve spasms and reduce pain.
  • Painkiller. Oregano oil is used in the treatment of diseased teeth and joints.
  • Calming. By adding oregano to your food, you can get rid of nervous system disorders and improve sleep.

Oregano is also very beneficial for women. It can be taken to relieve painful periods. Oregano is also relevant for nursing mothers suffering from a lack of milk. Oregano infusions are recommended to prevent diseases of the genitourinary system. During menopause, the plant helps fight hormonal imbalances.

Oregano is also useful for gastrointestinal problems: it normalizes stool, improves the digestion process, and has a mild laxative effect.

Oregano decoction helps fight colds by eliminating cough. In general, this plant is recommended for respiratory diseases: asthma, tuberculosis, sinusitis, tonsillitis, acute pharyngitis. In such cases, not only decoctions help, but also rinses based on oregano.

Oregano compresses and applications help fight eczema, neurodermatitis and acne.

Traditional healers use the plant to treat alcoholism.

What dishes do you add spice to?

Oregano is a seasoning that has a bright bitter-spicy taste. Both fresh and dried leaves of the plant are used in cooking. In addition, the flower buds of the plant can be used in spices.

Together with basil, oregano is considered an indispensable ingredient in Mediterranean dishes.


Oregano is added to many dishes.

The original taste and aroma of oregano is used in the cooking process:

  • various spicy mixtures of herbs;
  • pickling vegetables;
  • pasta, pizza;
  • bakery products;
  • various sauces (especially tomato);
  • marinating fish;
  • baked potatoes;
  • meat based soups;
  • bean dishes;
  • scrambled eggs and omelettes;
  • homemade sausage;
  • fried and stewed meat.

What can you replace oregano with?

What can you replace oregano with? The taste of the spice is bright and unique. However, the plant has many relatives that can replace oregano in case of its absence.

Marjoram is considered to be the closest to oregano in terms of taste. Sometimes oregano oil is replaced with marjoram oil and the difference is almost unnoticeable. A good replacement option would be basil mixed with mint or parsley in tandem with dill. Cumin and thyme are a little reminiscent of oregano. You can use the Herbs de Provence mixture instead of oregano.

But! You should know that the herbs listed do not even have approximate beneficial properties that oregano has.

How and how much to add oregano

The main principle in using oregano seasoning is moderation. The strong aroma of spices added in large quantities can spoil the dish.

How to add oregano:


It is important not to overdo it with seasoning, otherwise you can ruin the dish.

Take a dry spoon and measure out the amount of spice indicated in the recipe. Do not pour the seasoning from the jar into a hot dish that is emitting steam. Rising moisture can spoil the oregano in the jar, causing the latter to stick together into a lump. Before use, fresh grass should be finely chopped and mashed by hand. This will release the unique aroma of oregano.

Advice. Sometimes the recipe does not indicate the exact amount of spice. In this case, you should first add a quarter teaspoon of seasoning to 4 servings (500 g) of meat and minced meat. Add 1 tsp to the sauce and pasta. freshly chopped or dried herbs, in salad - 0.5 tsp.

When to add oregano:

Fresh leaves are added at the end of cooking to add a bright aroma. The stew is also seasoned at the end of cooking. When cooking broth, in combination with other herbs, all plants need to be tied into a bundle and placed in a gauze bag. It is lowered into the pan, and after preparing the broth, discarded. Spice is added in advance to soft cheese, salads and fruit desserts. This gives the dish the opportunity to soak in the aroma of oregano.

Despite its obvious positive qualities, oregano spice is not recommended for use in some cases:

  • serious pathologies of the cardiovascular system;
  • acute forms of gastrointestinal diseases;
  • kidney disease;
  • individual intolerance to plant components;
  • pregnancy (excessive consumption of spices can provoke uterine contractions, resulting in miscarriage).

Do not forget that the use of oregano can affect the effect of certain medications.

Men should take into account that oregano has a strong relaxing effect, and therefore may not have the best effect on potency. Regular use of infusions and decoctions of oregano can even lead to sexual impotence.

Oregano is a perennial plant used in cooking and medicine. The bright taste and spicy aroma make oregano leaves a popular spice in many countries. Oregano seasoning is used in Italian, Belgian, Caucasian and many other cuisines.

The photo shows what this seasoning looks like.



Aroma

The smell of oregano is very strong, balsamic, very pleasant. This seasoning has a bitter, tart, slightly astringent taste. The taste and smell are perfectly preserved after drying.

History of discovery and application

Translated from Greek, oregano means “mountain joy.” The plant came to us from the mountainous regions of the Mediterranean and the Middle East. It was widely used in cooking back in Ancient Greece, and the very first mentions of the aromatic spice date back to the first century AD and are found in the works of Aristotle, the Greek military doctor Dioscorides and the famous Roman gourmet Caelius Apicius.

Currently, oregano grows wild in Europe, North America, Asia and even the Far East.

The plant does not have any special requirements for soil quality, preferring to inhabit hillsides, forest edges and similar places with open grassy soil. Widely cultivated throughout the world.

Benefit

  • Oregano is a valuable source of antioxidants due to its high content of rosmarinic acid.
  • Also, due to the large amount of essential oils, it has antimicrobial and anti-inflammatory effects.
  • Oregano oil stimulates the flow of bile, which has a beneficial effect on digestive processes.
  • Fatty acids have a beneficial effect on the cardiovascular system.

We invite you to watch a video about the benefits of oregano:

Chemical composition

The plant is simply a storehouse of vitamins, essential acids, micro- and macroelements:


Oregano essential oil, when applied to clothing and exposed areas of the body, repels mosquitoes and ticks.

Harm and contraindications

When used in minimal quantities, when the spice is used as a seasoning, the likelihood of side effects from its use is minimal. However, an overdose may cause stomach upset.

Oregano should not be consumed in the following cases::

  • if you have a known allergy to plants of the Lamiaceae family, which, in addition to oregano, also include basil, lavender, marjoram, mint and sage;
  • during pregnancy, the likelihood of miscarriage increases; nursing mothers should use the plant with caution, since its effect on the body of a young mother and newborn has not been sufficiently studied;
  • in case of bleeding disorders, you should also discard the spice two weeks before the scheduled operations in order to avoid the risk of bleeding;
  • diabetics can use the seasoning with caution; the spice can lower blood sugar levels.

How is it used in folk medicine?

For medicinal purposes, the flowers and upper leaves of the plant, which contain a maximum of useful substances, are used. Oregano decoction is used:

  • for the treatment of cough, inflammation of the throat and oral mucous membranes;
  • for ARVI, influenza, bronchitis and pneumonia - as an expectorant;
  • for diseases of the gastrointestinal tract, to relieve intestinal spasms, remove gases, stimulate the outflow of bile, improve the functioning of the pancreas;
  • for the treatment of skin diseases, diaper rash, boils, fungus, Staphylococcus aureus;
  • for nervous disorders as a sedative.

Decoctions and infusions of oregano provoke menstruation if it is delayed, but in no case should they be used without prior consultation with a doctor and appropriate examination.

Why is this herb used in cooking and where to add it?

Oregano is widely used by culinary specialists around the world both as an independent seasoning and as a component of “Italian herbs” or “herbes of Provence” mixtures. Excellent for meat, chicken, potato dishes, and is an indispensable ingredient in making pasta and pizza.

The seasoning is added to baked goods, various sauces, and is used when pickling vegetables and marinating fish.

How to prepare and dry?

Oregano is harvested during its flowering season, which occurs in July-early August.. It is better to collect in clear weather, before noon, when the plants dry out from the morning dew.

Oregano bushes can be tall, but it is recommended to harvest only the top third of the plant's stem with flowers and leaves. The branches are cut with a knife or sickle, without damaging the roots if possible. The cut branches are dried in the attic or in the open air under a canopy, protected from direct sunlight. Readiness occurs when the stems become brittle and the leaves crumble easily.

Dried oregano is light green in color.. Then the leaves and flowers are separated from the rough branches and stored in tightly sealed glass jars.

We invite you to watch a video on how to prepare oregano seasoning at home:

What can be replaced?

If the success of an entire dish depends on the presence of oregano, but the necessary spice is not at hand, spices with a similar taste and smell will come to the rescue:

  • marjoram;
  • basil mixed in equal proportions with mint;
  • a mix of Provençal herbs, which by definition includes oregano;
  • thyme or thyme.

This aromatic and healthy spice deservedly takes pride of place in the cuisine of the Mediterranean countries, conquering the whole world with its unique aroma and excellent taste.

Useful video

We invite you to watch a video about the properties of oregano seasoning and its use in cooking:

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Dried oregano (oregano)– one of the most aromatic spicy spices in the whole world (see photo). Its homeland is considered to be the Mediterranean countries and Southern Europe. This spice was first added to food in Greece. The Greeks were also the first to discover its medicinal properties. Ancient Greek healer such as Hippocrates used dried oregano for antiseptic purposes.

In the Middle Ages, when nothing was known about most amazing spices, dried oregano was used to flavor many dishes. Later in England they began to create snuff based on this product, and women used the spice as dry perfume. In the Middle East, dry oregano was widely used in folk medicine.

There are quite a few types of oregano. However, only four varieties of this plant can be used as a ground dried spice:

  • Greek oregano – has a pungent aroma and taste;
  • Oregano - has a less intense odor;
  • Italian oregano is a hybrid of oregano (oregano) and a plant such as sweet marjoram;
  • Mexican oregano - despite the fact that this is a completely different plant, it is still called by this name, has a rich aroma and is widely used in Mexican cuisine.

An interesting fact is that in all cuisines of the world, dried oregano is supposed to be combined with garlic, since these two spices go perfectly together.

How to select and store?

Today you can choose dried oregano in any supermarket, pharmacy or specialized seasoning department. This product is usually sold in bags and glass jars, and this seasoning is sometimes sold by weight.

To purchase natural dried oregano, we recommend that you pay attention to the table below. In it we will talk about all the technical requirements that this spice must meet in accordance with the current GOST.

In addition, you can stock up on high-quality spices if you dry oregano with your own hands. In addition, you don’t need any special skills to do this: it’s incredibly simple! To do this, collect fresh branches of the plant into small bunches, tie them with thread, hang them in a dry room and leave until completely dry. After this, pick the dried leaves from the branches and chop them. If necessary, you can leave the oregano leaves whole. In this form they can also be used for cooking.

Store dried oregano at home in a hermetically sealed glass container.. The storage area should be dark and dry. By providing the seasoning with such conditions, you can prepare it for the winter, since the shelf life of dry oregano is six months.

Application

Dried oregano has been put to good use in ancient times, and to this day there are many ways to use it.

In cooking

In cooking, oregano is used as a seasoning that can be used to enhance even the most ordinary dishes. As a separate spice, oregano is used in canning, as well as in the preparation of marinades and some hot drinks.

Very often, this product is combined with other herbs, creating ready-to-use spicy mixtures. Oregano goes perfectly with the following spices:

  • anise;
  • basil;
  • marjoram;
  • rosemary;
  • thyme;
  • fennel;
  • black pepper;
  • tarragon.

Many people immediately associate oregano with Italy due to its Mediterranean origin. In Italian cuisine, this product is added to pizza, sauces, pastas, as well as all kinds of salads, hot and cold appetizers.

Oregano is ideal for hot sandwiches, bean and chicken dishes, as well as tomato soups and more. This spice also goes well with vegetables, especially tomatoes, potatoes and zucchini.

In Greece, it is customary to bake fish with oregano, and this spice is always added to the famous Greek salad. In Mexico, they cannot imagine bean and mushroom dishes without dried oregano.

Some chefs include this spice in pies fillings. In this case, it is most often combined with cottage cheese, eggs and meat. This spice is also used in making sushi and rolls.

This product can also be added to kvass and beer. This gives drinks a special aroma and increases their shelf life.

Dried oregano is usually used at the end of cooking. If you add it right away, it will almost completely lose its taste and aroma.

In medicine

Due to its beneficial properties, ground oregano is widely used in medicine. Based on it, many healing agents are created that help with various ailments. Such natural medicines include various decoctions, infusions, extracts, as well as liniments and oils. We invite you to pay attention to the table below. In it we will tell you in detail in what cases and how it is recommended to use dried oregano.

Purpose

with dysfunction of the nervous system, as well as with severe headaches

Dry oregano (large spoon) pour boiling water (standard glass). Then put the mixture aside for a quarter of an hour and pass it through a bandage folded in several layers. It is necessary to consume the healing infusion three times a day, thirty minutes before meals (half a glass).

for making a soothing bath

Stir two hundred grams of dried oregano in boiling water (three liters). After this, heat the product in a water bath for fifteen minutes. Then cool the tincture slightly and pour it into a bathtub filled with water.

to relieve stomach colic and cramps

Dissolve dried oregano (two tablespoons) in warm water (a glass). Next, keep the ingredients in a water bath for fifteen minutes, and then set aside for half an hour and strain thoroughly through a sieve or cheesecloth. Add boiled water to the finished decoction so that a full glass of medicinal liquid comes out. Take the medicine twice a day, half a glass.

for ENT diseases

In one bowl, mix herbs such as dry oregano and coltsfoot (two teaspoons each). Add ground marshmallow root (four teaspoons) there. Next, take a small spoon of the resulting herbal mixture and fill it with hot water in the amount of one glass. Place the tincture in a suitable place for infusion, and after forty minutes pass through a fine sieve. Drink the healing liquid half a glass three times a day.

To treat inflamed skin

Pour ground dried oregano with so much hot water that you end up with a homogeneous thick mixture. Apply the resulting mass to the sore spot and bandage it. It is advisable to change the product at least four times a day.

during menopause

Take crushed oregano and dry thyme (fifty grams each), pour pure alcohol in a volume of one hundred milliliters. Infuse the product for seven days, and then take a small spoon three times a day. The course of treatment is a month.

for a cold

Stir oregano, St. John's wort and oak bark (one hundred grams each) in two liters of boiling water. Leave the medicine for a day to infuse, and then drink one glass three times a day.

for hypertension

In one container, mix one hundred grams of dry oregano and two hundred milliliters of pure alcohol. Place the infusion in a convenient place for twenty-four hours. You need to take the finished product once a day, one tablespoon at a time.

at high pressure

Mix dry oregano and fireweed tea (one hundred grams each). Add to them millennial flowers and soapwort grass (fifty grams each). Also add one hundred grams of oak bark to the mixture. Pour two liters of boiling water into the ingredients, and then leave the medicinal preparation for a day. The finished medicine should be consumed three times a day, two standard glasses.

Dried oregano is incredibly useful in the field of gynecology. With the help of this crushed plant, diseases such as endometritis and dysmenorrhea, as well as amenorrhea and many other gynecological diseases can be cured.

In cosmetology

In cosmetology, oregano, unfortunately, is not in great demand, and absolutely in vain. Thanks to the content of substances such as carvacrol and thymol, this plant is excellent for the care of young skin. Using dried oregano you can quickly relieve inflammation and get rid of acne. In the table below you will find only proven and most affordable recipes for the face with this product.

Name

steam facial cleansing (for oily skin)

Add three large tablespoons of dried oregano to five hundred milliliters of water. Place the resulting mixture on the fire, boil and cook for five minutes. Afterwards, cool the product slightly and steam your facial skin over the broth (at least ten minutes), having previously wrapped your head in something warm.

cosmetic natural ice (to tighten pores and remove blackheads)

Cool the broth left after cleansing your face, pour into molds and freeze. Rub your face with medicated ice three times a day.

oregano infusion tonic (to enrich the skin with nutrients)

Dissolve dry oregano (four small spoons) in boiling water (one and a half cups). Next, take the product to a dark place for one hundred and twenty minutes, and then filter and use as intended. Dip a cotton pad into the infused liquid and wet your face and neck. Carry out this procedure at least twice a day.

mask for facial skin prone to inflammation

Steam dried oregano (2 tbsp) and grind into a homogeneous mass. Combine the resulting slurry with chicken protein and gently apply to the face area. After thirty minutes, rinse off the product with lukewarm water.

cream for dry skin

Place dried oregano (a tablespoon) and one hundred milliliters of olive oil in a half-liter glass container. Next, leave the mixture in a cool place for the whole day, and then heat it in a water bath for two hours. After this, filter the liquid and return it to the water bath. In another bowl, melt natural beeswax (2 tbsp) and pour into the container with healing oil. Cool the finished cream, and after sixty minutes use it for its intended purpose. The shelf life of this cosmetic product is six months.

Dried oregano leaves are also effective in relieving tired and swollen feet. In this case, it is recommended to prepare a relaxing foot bath with cool liquid. To do this, combine oregano (2 tablespoons) and boiling water (a glass) in a deep container. Set the tincture aside for forty minutes, and then fill it with cool, clean water. Keep your feet in the container until you feel relief.

The beneficial properties of dried oregano also extend to hair. Thanks to its astringent content, this herb stimulates blood flow to the hair follicles, and also revitalizes the hair structure and adds volume. Below we will tell you how to make natural and effective hair products from such an aromatic spice as oregano.

Name

oregano decoction for hair

Boil a glass of water, add dry oregano (4 teaspoons) to it. Warm the resulting mixture slightly, then remove from the heat and leave for forty-five minutes to infuse. Cool the resulting herbal decoction and use it as a homemade hair rinse.

This herbal medicine makes hair shiny and voluminous. This procedure also aromatizes the curls and protects them from ultraviolet rays. Oregano decoction also relieves dandruff and split ends. In this case, the curls need to be rinsed for two to three months.

oregano infusion for hair

Pour oregano (two small spoons) into a glass of boiling water, leave for half an hour and pass through gauze. Rinse your hair with this tincture after washing.

Normalizes the fat balance of the scalp, reduces hair loss, and also accelerates hair growth.

mask for dry hair

Heat the olive oil slightly (two hundred milliliters). Pour linden flowers and oregano into it (two large spoons each). Heat the mixture again, transfer it to a well-closed container and put it in the refrigerator for ten days. Then rub the mask through a sieve and apply evenly to your hair. Wrap your head in a warm towel, and after two hours, wash off the mask with regular shampoo. Carry out this cosmetic procedure twice a week. The course of treatment is ninety days.

Moisturizes hair and restores its structure.

mask against hair loss

Take a ready-made decoction of oregano (fifty milliliters) and combine with honey and aloe juice (a tablespoon each). Distribute the mixture over your hair and scalp, then cover with something warm and leave for sixty minutes. Use this mask twice a week. The course of treatment is two months.

Strengthens hair and improves its structure.

Many nutritionists recommend including dried oregano in your diet for weight loss. This spicy spice can be added without hesitation even to low-calorie dishes. The thing is that oregano speeds up digestion and at the same time prevents fat deposition.

How to replace dried oregano (oregano)?

First of all, you can replace dried oregano (oregano) with the closest relative of this seasoning - marjoram. The taste qualities of these two herbs are incredibly similar, so the spices are interchangeable.

To prepare first courses, you can use thyme or basil instead of this product. If these spices are added to salads and cold appetizers, it is recommended to supplement them with chopped fresh mint to obtain a taste as close as possible to oregano. When making potato dishes, an ideal substitute for oregano would be a mixture of Provençal herbs. Also in this case, cilantro mixed with dill (proportion 1:1) is perfect. Sometimes oregano is replaced with dry cumin, but it is recommended to use this spice in an amount of no more than one pinch.

Thanks to such a rich list of spices that can be used to replace dried oregano, you can prepare a lot of delicious dishes without experiencing any difficulties.

Benefits, harms and contraindications

The benefit of dried oregano lies in the content of medicinal essential oils, thanks to which the seasoning has a special spicy taste and rich aroma. These oils contain an incredible amount of beneficial components..

  • Thymol has an antiseptic and analgesic effect.
  • Sesquiterpenes have an anthelmintic effect.
  • Carvacrol has antioxidant and anti-inflammatory effects.

In addition, dried oregano contains a vital list of vitamins: A, B, C, E and K. This spice also includes tannins, which cleanse the body of toxins and waste. Choline, present in oregano, restores the nervous system and normalizes fat metabolism.

Ground oregano also contains other beneficial substances:

  • geranyl acetate;
  • bitter substances;
  • rosmarinic acid;
  • terpenes;
  • flavonoids;
  • cymol.

Thanks to such a rich list of components, this seasoning has a strengthening effect, as well as a stimulating, expectorant, diaphoretic, diuretic, immunomodulatory and sedative.

Dried oregano very rarely causes harm to the body. However, for some people this product has contraindications. It is strictly forbidden to eat oregano during pregnancy. Otherwise, a miscarriage may be caused. It is also recommended to avoid using this spice if you are allergic to basil, mint, sage and lavender. In other cases, dried oregano is absolutely harmless to the body, both for adults and children.

Information on the beneficial properties of this unique spice can also be found in the video below.

Dried oregano is a surprisingly popular spice with a pleasant balsamic aroma and a slightly bitter aftertaste!

Oregano (Origanumvulgáre, lat.) or oregano is a perennial herbaceous plant from the genus Oregano of the Lamiaceae family.

This unpretentious plant is common in the Mediterranean and many other countries in Europe and the Middle East. In Russia, oregano grows everywhere (with the exception of the Far North): in open grassy areas, on hillsides, in forest edges, clearings, and among bushes. Oregano is cultivated in many countries. Of course, wild and cultivated plants will differ in taste, aroma and properties.

This herb contains many substances necessary for the body, and therefore is widely used in medicine. Oregano has many beneficial properties, including anti-inflammatory, tonic, antioxidant, antihistamine, soothing, antibiotic and others. Oregano is also widely used in the perfume and cosmetics industry. The taste of oregano is very characteristic, slightly bitter, not too spicy, the aroma is light and pleasant.

Naturally, oregano is widely used as a spice in cooking. The leaves are used both fresh and dried. This spice stimulates the appetite and improves digestion.

It is important to know exactly where oregano is added so as not to spoil the taste of the dish. This seasoning is widely used in many culinary traditions; it goes well with a large number of other spices, especially black pepper, rosemary, basil, marjoram, tarragon, and thyme.

Oregano, as a seasoning, is included in various spicy mixtures for preparing meat dishes, omelettes, and fillings. Dried oregano is added to some sauces and gravies. In some regions of Italy, oregano spice is used in making pizza. In many European countries, it is customary to add dry oregano to dishes made from champignons (and some other mushrooms) - with this seasoning they acquire a particularly delicate, spicy-spicy taste and characteristic aroma.

In the Caucasus, Ukraine and Belarus, oregano is added to brines and marinades when preparing pickles from mushrooms and vegetables (for example, cucumbers). In Siberia, oregano seasoning is added to curd, egg or meat fillings for pies.

In Russia, oregano is traditionally used to brew herbal tea. This tea is widely used in folk medicine for various ailments, to improve health and just for pleasure.

Oregano seasoning should not be stored for too long - it loses its beneficial properties, taste and aroma. It is better to store dry oregano in a tightly closed non-plastic container, out of direct access to sunlight.

Recipes with oregano

Russian tea made from oregano (aka oregano)

Ingredients:

  • dry crushed oregano – 2-3 teaspoons;
  • boiling water – 250-300 ml;
  • natural honey – 1 teaspoon.

Preparation

Place the dry grass in a teapot or other suitable container. Pour boiling water over it, cover with a lid (or saucer) and let it brew for 30-40 minutes. Strain and add honey. Stir. Take 100 ml before bed.

Medicinal tea made from oregano and lemon balm

Irina Kamshilina

Cooking for someone is much more pleasant than cooking for yourself))

Content

Among the many spices of Mediterranean cuisine, there is a tart spice. Its taste is bitter, but surprisingly warm - it cannot be confused with anything else. Thanks to its special piquancy, you can achieve an unforgettable taste without adding any more spices. The plant has found application not only in culinary arts, but also in folk medicine.

What is oregano

People knew how to prepare a dish with forest mint back in ancient times. The first description of this plant is given in a source from the 1st century AD. “The Joy of the Mountains” - this is how oregano began to be called in Greek at that time. The name was associated with the special aroma of species growing in the mountains, which have a piquant taste that could please even the most discerning gourmet.

We need to figure it out: oregano – what is it? The spice looks like a herbaceous perennial bush with small inflorescences, reaching a height of more than half a meter; it looks like thyme. It begins to bloom no earlier than the second year of life. In cooking, fresh flowers or leaves are used, which are added to dishes and drinks, but the dried stem is stored longer. The main difference from other seasonings, for example, marjoram, is its pronounced taste. Store dry oregano in a hermetically sealed container.

Oregano - beneficial properties

For all its usefulness, this culinary ingredient, both fresh and dried, has contraindications. These include stomach diseases: chronic gastritis, as well as ulcers. If an expectant mother is invited to dinner, you will also have to think about how to replace forest mint or how to prepare a dish without spices: consuming it during pregnancy can lead to miscarriage. Even healthy people are not recommended to overuse the spice. Men should be especially careful, because excess seasoning can lead to decreased erection.

Oregano – seasoning

Fresh and dried oregano is used in cooking; the seasoning is in great demand. Dishes where this spice is added are varied. In Italy it is called “herb for mushrooms” and is combined with meat, fish, potatoes, mushrooms and even desserts. Ice cream with forest mint is very tasty, the refreshing effect increases. You can add dried spice to a ham sandwich. Combined with lemon, garlic and olive oil, dried oregano is a suitable ingredient for a marinade. The spice is used to prepare salads and sauces – it’s also very tasty.

Oregano - uses

The key to the usefulness of oregano spice is careful use, in which all substances are preserved. When preparing dishes with it, you need to follow some rules so that it turns out both healthy and tasty. You need to add forest mint shortly before the end of cooking and in small quantities. This spice goes well with many well-known seasonings - basil, thyme. The same herbs can be used when you have to decide what to replace forest mint with and how to prepare something from Italian cuisine without it, although it is difficult to imagine Mediterranean cooking without oregano.