Nothing fills the senses (and Nona’s kitchen) with warmth as much as aromatic oregano. Most often associated with Greek and Italian cooking, this spice also boasts several medicinal qualities. For example, oil of oregano has long been used to treat sore throat and respiratory illnesses. Let’s take a look at the health benefits of oregano…
1. Oregano’s Origins
You wouldn’t know it by smell alone, but oregano (or Origanum vulgare) is a genus to the mint family. This herb is native to temperate, rocky landscapes like the Turkey, Pakistan, Iran, India, Afghanistan, Italy, Morocco, Greece, Portugal, and Central Asia.
Oregano thrives in hot, dry climates with full sun exposure. This might explain the origin of the name, oregano, which comes from the Greek words “oros” (or mountain) and “ganos” (which means joy).
