OREGANO - THE WONDER HERB
Oregano is time-honored in almost every way, beginning with its age and origination, to its medicinal and meal purposes. We can look back over 3,000 years during Greek and Roman times when the herb was used to cure a number of health-related issues like coughs, colds, asthma, tonsilitis and toe fungus.
Of course, I’m happy to share with you that the name oregano can be credited to the Greeks. Oregano is a combination of the Greek words “oros” and “ganos” which together mean “joy of the mountains.” Incidentally, oregano is believed to have originated on the mountainsides of Greece and other Mediterranean countries making its name quite appropriate.
The natural oregano, I captured in the photo to the left, was growing wild and emitting a gorgeous aroma from a sprawling patch high in the mountains of Armenistis, Ikaria. Fresh and organic foods supply the greatest desideratum of home-cooked meals, and for this reason I enjoy nurturing multiple herbs in my backyard garden. However, the human diet is the not the only aspect of life benefiting from oregano.
Historically, it is noted that Aristotle used oregano for snake bites. One day he noticed that after tortoises ate snakes they would immediately eat the leaves from an oregano plant. It is also used as a massage oil and antiseptic.
Hippocrates, my beloved ancient physician, known as the “father of western medicine,” used oregano on a regular basis to protect against respiratory and gastrointestinal issues.
So, how did oregano make its way to America? During the first half of the 20th-century soldiers coming home from World War I had developed a taste for the herb after tasting it throughout Europe. With the pizza boom of the 1940s and 1950s, oregano found its way into American homes, and was used for a host of internal purposes.
One such use was for hot drinks. Oregano was often steeped in hot water to create tea. With the addition of some honey, this was ancient Greek’s cure for coughs, colds, and asthma.
KEFI RELIEF FOR CANKER SORES
According to Amchara, the herb oregano is a potent antibacterial with its polyphenol called carvacrol. This ingredient aids in the curing of canker sores.
Instructions
Dilute 1 drop of oregano oil with 4 drops of Kefi L!fe extra virgin olive oil
Put the Kefi blend on the end of your finger and apply to your mouth ulcer.
ALTERNATE SUGGESTION:
Use as a gargle by adding four drops of oregano oil to a 1/4 c water.
Swoosh mixture around your mouth, then spit out.