by Rex Trulove

Created on: July 01, 2007

Oregano, or wild Marjoram, is an easy to grow perennial herb that is widely used in cooking. The roots are creeping, and it spreads fairly easily. The plant can grow up to 1-2 feet tall, and the leaves are variable in size, depending on the growing conditions and type of Oregano that is grown.

Like many herbs, Oregano can be grown from seed, planted 1/2" deep and about 8" apart, or it can simply be purchased from a garden supply store, which saves effort.

The entire plant is fragrant, though usually the leaves are the parts used for cooking. When air dried, the flavor and fragrance are retained, which makes it especially good for seasoning. It is no wonder that this native plant of Greece figures extensively in Greek cooking. The plant, though, is hardy and able to withstand a wide range of climates, as will Marjoram.

As one might imagine, Oregano and Marjoram have very similar flavors, grow in much the same conditions, and are used in much the same way. They prefer warm soil that is kept relatively dry, with occasional deep watering. Harvesting is usually done several times a year, and the leaves can be arranged on a window screen in a single layer and allowed to air dry out of direct sunlight. The dried leaves can be stored in a jar with a tight fitting lid, or in a zip-lock bag. Dried leaves last well for about a year, if kept out of sunlight and not allowed to gather moisture.

Clipping the tops of the growing plants encourage the plant to bush out, which produces more leaves. The reddish purple flowers have been used to yield a purple dye, which has worked well for coloring such things as wool.

Interestingly enough, cattle do not like eating Oregano, but both sheep and goats seem to enjoy it almost as much as humans.

Both Oregano and Marjoram can be used in the same foods, though Oregano is used more heavily in cheese, eggs, fish, Italian dishes, meats, sauces, soups, stews, and with vegetables.

Oregano and Marjoram have a very long history of medicinal use, and some species were known as Amaracus by Greek writers. Oregano is a stimulant, carminative, diaphoretic and is slightly tonic in nature. It has been used to treat measles, as it produces a mild perspiration. It has also been used to treat colic. Medicinally, it is most often taken as a warm tea (1 teaspoon of dried leaves, or 1 tablespoon fresh leaves, to a cup of water). Oregano is also useful in pillows to promote a fresh aromatic scent and a relaxed slumber. It can be added to a bath water for a fresh scent, as well. Chewing fresh leaves can also freshen the breath.

Bunches of the stems with leaves can be tied together and hung to dry that way, which also produces an agreeable aroma to the house.

When I'm asked what herbs I recommend for growing in pots, flowerbeds, or gardens, Oregano is always one of the recommendations. It is useful, good smelling, easy to grow, and hardy, withstanding even harsher climates, such as those often found in the northern states in the U.S. It overwinters well, and while the plant dies back in winter, sometimes severely, in a semi-sheltered location such as in flowerbeds close to the house, it usually comes up in the spring, strong and healthy. All things considered, this is a must for the herb garden.

Learn more about this author, Rex Trulove.
Click here to send this author comments or questions.