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.
