(For sale in the Herbs section of the shop)
Eggarton Cottages, Eggarton Lane, Godmersham, Kent, CT4 7DY
Tel/Fax: 01227 730242
(For sale in the Herbs section of the shop)
It was believed in ancient times to be an antidote to poison because Aristotle claimed a tortoise would eat it after eating a snake! Legend has it that Aphrodite, Greek goddess of love, found the herb at the bottom of the ocean and took it to the top of a mountain to get the sun. So it has been associated with sun, warmth and love ever since. It was used to crown newly-weds and was given to mourners at funerals. Growing Oregano on a grave meant that a happy afterlife was ensured for the deceased.
In the Mediterranean, shepherd would graze sheep and goats on oregano because they believed it would add spice to their meat. In Chinese herbalism, Oregano is used to reduce fever, vomiting, jaundice, diarrhoea and itchy skin. Used as a disinfectant by ancient Egyptians. Ancient Greeks used it for convulsions. Grow in the garden to protect from evil. Used as a strewing herb in the Middle Ages.
If you plan to dry oregano, pick the leaves before the flowers open. In winter, pot the plant and bring indoors to carry on cultivating its leaves.
It has many culinary uses, particularly in pizzas and Italian pasta dishes, and is used as an antiseptic, tonic and digestive herb.
Plant out in May. Cut back hard in summer to encourage leaf growth. Grows well in stony soil.
*This sheet is provided for information only and is in no way a prescription for use. Please seek the advice of a qualified herbalist before using*
Oregano is a herb that is attractive to bees and butterflies, having tiny white flowers in summer. It likes well-drained soil and sunshine. Name comes from the Greek "oros" meaning mountain, and "ganos" meaning joy/beauty (joy of the mountains).