Oregano

Botanical Name

Origanum vulgare Linn.

Family Name

Lamiaceae

Identification No.: SDACH/HG/217

Vernacular Names

• English: Oregano, Wild Marjoram
• Hindi: Sathra, Banajwain
• Marathi: Oregano
• Tamil:Oregano Volagare

Habitat & Distribution

Native to Mediterranean regions. Widely cultivated in Europe, North America, and parts of India (especially in temperate hill areas).

Morphology

• Plant: Perennial herb with woody stems
• Leaves: Opposite, ovate, aromatic with serrated edges
• Flowers: Purple-pink, small, arranged in clusters
• Stem: Reddish, hairy, branched

Varieties

• Origanum vulgare subsp. hirtum (Greek oregano)
• Origanum majorana (Sweet marjoram)

Substitute/Adulterant

Can be confused with Thymus vulgaris or Coleus amboinicus in some commercial settings.

Phytochemicals

Carvacrol, thymol, rosmarinic acid, flavonoids, p-cymene, γ-terpinene, tannins

Raspanchaka

• Rasa: Katu, Tikta
• Guna: Laghu, Tikshna
• Virya: Ushna
• Vipaka: Katu
• Prabhava: Krimighna, Shwasahara
• Doshashamaka: Kapha-Vatahara

Karma

• Krimighna
• Shwasahara
• Deepana
• Pachana
• Vranashodhaka
• Jvarahara

Amayika Prayoga / Therapeutic Uses

External

• Essential oil used for muscle pain, sprains, and fungal infections
• Antiseptic applications for wounds

Internal

• Used in respiratory conditions like asthma, cough, and bronchitis
• Acts as a carminative and digestive stimulant
• Helpful in parasitic infections and mild fevers
• Supports liver function and immunity

Part Used

Leaves and flowering tops

Dose

• Churna: 0.5–1 g
• Infusion: 50–100 ml
• Essential oil: 1–2 drops (diluted in carrier oil)

Yoga / Formulations

Used in modern herbal teas, digestive formulations, lozenges, and respiratory remedies. Integrated into polyherbal cough syrups and expectorants.

IUCN Status

Least Concern (LC)

Research Updates

• Antimicrobial effectiveness: Origanum vulgare essential oil exhibits strong antimicrobial activity, especially against antibiotic-resistant strains like Staphylococcus aureus and Candida albicans.
• Antioxidant capacity: Rich in carvacrol and thymol, oregano has been found to significantly reduce oxidative stress and prevent lipid peroxidation.
• Respiratory and digestive benefits: Clinical studies support its traditional use in treating respiratory infections, flatulence, and bloating due to its anti-inflammatory and antispasmodic effects.