Oregano, also known as ‘pot marjoram’ is native to the Mediterranean region. This perennial plant grows to over 2ft (60 cm) tall and has oval grayish-green leaves. This herb is commonly used in Italian and Mediterranean cooking and its medicinal properties have been used for centuries.

Ideal Location – Oregano prefers a sunny location with light well-drained sandy soil, although hardy herb can tolerate most soils. Oregano does well as an indoor plant or in containers.

Cultivation- Oregano needs only a moderately fertile soil to thrive in, though drainage and friability are important. Plant outdoors 12 in. (30 cm) apart after all danger of frost has passed. Plants are easily propagated from seed, stem cuttings, or mature root division. If you are planting from seeds they will germinate in 8-14 days.

Weeds should be kept under control. Mulching with hay helps keep plants clean outdoors. When flowers appear, oregano is ready to be harvested, although continuous picking of leaves during growth prevents flowering. About six weeks after planting, trim oregano shoots to within 1in. (2.5 cm) of the center that will stimulate lush, bushy growth. Replace plants every 3 yrs or so as these plants tend to get woody with age.

Culinary Uses- oregano is well known as the "pizza herb", and is widely used in Mexican, Mediterranean, and Italian cookery. Both fresh and dried oregano can be used. The dried herb is also used in many other processed foods such as alcoholic beverages, meat and meat products, condiments and relishes, snack foods and milk products.

Other uses- oils from oregano are used as a food flavor and also as a fragrance component in soaps, detergents and perfumes. It has been used medicinally as a Tea made for indigestion, bloating, flatulence, coughs, urinary problems, bronchial problems, headaches, swollen glands, and to promote menstruation.

It has also been used in the past to relieve fevers, diarrhea, vomiting, and jaundice. Oregano can be made into a paste. This paste can then be used for pain from rheumatism, swelling, itching, aching muscles, and sores.