Wild Oregano - Origanum vulgare
Wild oregano, Origanum vulgare, or wild Greek oregano is native to the Mediterranean region. In addition to being tasty it is medicinal and very invasive.
Origanum vulgare contains saponins, alkaloids, coumarins, sterol, terpenes, flavonoids and tannins. These substances are antioxidative, antibacterial, antispasmodic, diuretic, antimicrobial, and anti-inflammatory. Studies have shown that wild oregano may help prevent urinary tract stones.1
It is antimicrobial against Salmonella Enteritidis, Salmonella Thyphimurium, Staphylococcus aureus, methicillin resistant Staphylococcus aureus, Escherichia coli and Bacillus cereus.2
It has traditionally been used for viral infection, respiratory difficulties/asthma, urinary tract problems, toothache, diarrhea, fungal skin conditions, and more.
Tincture dosing: 1-2 ml, 1-3x day. Take two hours before or after mineral supplements.
Possible side effects: Allergic dermatitis.
Contraindications: May lower blood sugar. Do not combine with blood sugar lowering medications without consulting your physician. May affect blood clotting. Do not take it for two weeks before or after surgery.
1Khan, A., Bashir, S., Khan, S.R. et al. Antiurolithic activity of Origanum vulgare is mediated through multiple pathways. BMC Complement Altern Med 11, 96 (2011). https://doi.org/10.1186/1472-6882-11-96
2 Marija Boskovic, Nemanja Zdravkovic, Jelena Ivanovic, Jelena Janjic, Jasna Djordjevic, Marija Starcevic, Milan Z. Baltic, Antimicrobial Activity of Thyme (Tymus vulgaris) and Oregano (Origanum vulgare) Essential Oils against Some Food-borne Microorganisms, Procedia Food Science, Volume 5, 2