Description
Oregano leaves can be eaten raw or cooked, and is an important culinary herb for Mediterranean cooking. More often used dried, the leaves are often used with chillies, garlic, onions. Herb tea can be made from teh leaves and flowering stems.
Oregano has been used as a medicinal herb for thousands of years, and has an imnpressive list of medicinal properties. It is beneficial to the digestive and respiratory systems. It is antiseptic and tonic. Often taken internally for the treatment of colds, influenza and mild feverish illnesses. It is sedative and can induce a soothing effect and aid restful sleep. Externally it is helpful for arthritis and bronchitis, and muscle aches.
The plant repels many insect pests, such as ants, so it is a good plant to grow in the vegetable area. They flowers attract bees and bumblebees to the garden.
