Oregano

Also known as : WILD MARJORAM, Mountain Mint, Rigani

Scientific Name : Origanum vulgare

Identification : Bright green opposite oval leaves that are slightly hairy. A crawling plant that is related to mint. Produces tiny purple flowers

Properties : amenorrhoea, stimulant, pungently aromatic, anti-asthmatic, anti-bacterial, anti-fungal, anti-oxidant, antiseptic, carminative, expectorant, Lowers blood pressure, Contain Carvacrol which has anti-tumour properties, boosts metabolism

Uses: Reduces anxiety, Boosts the immune system, Yeast and Fungal infections, Skin problems, Cancer, Heart health, Weight loss, Chest infections, Stomach disorders, throat and mouth problems, Culinary (Works best with Chilli, garlic, tomato or onions)

Try It : Spell to help people overcome the loss of a loved one. Mourning is important but sometimes we need a little spell help to move on. It also settles the stomach and helps with a headache.

Method 1 - Spell tea;

1 tsp Dried Oregano (although you can buy is from a store it is more potent if your grown and dry your own).

½ tsp Lemon and ½ tsp Honey (or substitute sweeten)

Place the herb in a small pot and add 1 cup or hot water (Not a full boil)

Allow to steep for 4 mins and sieve into a cup.

Stir in the Lemon and Honey stirring windshins to banish the negative emotions.

Method 2 - Fresh Herb;

Simply pinch fresh Oregano between your fingers breath in deeply think of the person and them let it drop, releasing your breath and the person.

Warnings: Always mix with a carrier oil, neat it will irritate the skin. Do not ingest the oil. Do not take when pregnant.

Parts used: Aerial parts and essential oil

Magic: A strong magical herb. Used in love spells to build the bond, Tranquillity spells, Courage building, It was traditionally grown in the cottage gardens to protect from black magic and hexes.

Planet : Mercury and Venus

Element : Air and Earth

Deities : Venus

Folklore and History: The earliest use recorded is the Assyrians over 5000 years ago. The best variety is the Greek where the name comes from Oros Ganos “Joy of the mountains”. If you see Oregano growing on a grave it was believed to indicate that the person was enjoying the afterlife. Both the Ancient Greeks and Pagans used Oregano in their wedding ceremonies (Greek as a wreath on the head, Pagans in the hand tying). The famous Hippocrates used oregano as an antiseptic and for stomach conditions. Oregano is one of the rare herbs that tastes better dried than it does fresh.

Plant Tips : It grows will in the shade. Rich soils and recent flowering will reduce the potency. It like a Ph of 6.8. Replace the plants every four years to prevent them getting too straggly. Warning : Like all Marjoram’s it likes to hybridise with other species, if you purchase seeds and the results seem bland and flavourless then it’s likely to not be true Origanum vulgare.

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Close up you can see the tiny hairs on the leaves that help to identify this herb.