🌿 Oregano

Origanum vulgare

herbs Perennial herb Lamiaceae

☀️ Sun

Full sun; 6-8 hours daily. Flavor intensifies with more sun.

💧 Water

Allow soil to dry between waterings; drought-tolerant once established. Overwatering causes root rot.

🗺️ Zones

USDA zones 4-10 as perennial; can be grown as annual anywhere

🧪 Soil pH

6.0-8.0 (prefers alkaline, well-drained soil; tolerates poor, rocky soil)

🪴 Soil Type

Well-draining, sandy or loamy soil; pH 6.0-8.0. Tolerates poor soil. Good drainage essential.

📏 Spacing

12-18 inches apart

📐 Height

12-24 inches

⏱️ Maturity

80-90 days from seed

🍴 Edible Parts

🍽️ Leaves 🍽️ Flowers

Key:🤝 Grows well together❌ Keep apart☀️ Sun needs💧 Water🗺️ Hardiness zone

🤝 Companions (15)

🤝 Basil

Mutual pest deterrence; both aromatic herbs repel different pest species.

🤝 Beans

Oregano's strong scent masks bean plants from pests.

🤝 Bell Pepper

Oregano's strong aroma masks peppers from pests; attracts pollinators when flowering.

🤝 Cabbage/Brassicas

Repels cabbage moths and cabbage white butterflies.

🤝 Cucumber

Oregano repels cucumber beetles with its aromatic oils; low-growing ground cover.

🤝 Grapes

Traditional companion in Mediterranean vineyards; may help deter pests.

🤝 Holy Basil (Tulsi)

Oregano shares similar growing conditions with holy basil; aromatic oils complement pest deterrence.

🤝 Jalapeño Pepper

Oregano deters aphids and spider mites from peppers; both thrive in warm, well-drained soil.

🤝 Marjoram

Close relatives that thrive together with similar care needs.

🤝 Pumpkin

Oregano's aromatic oils repel squash pests; attracts beneficial insects.

🤝 Sweet Potato

Oregano's dense growth suppresses weeds around sweet potatoes; pest-repelling oils.

🤝 Tomatoes

Repels pests that attack tomatoes; improves flavor when planted nearby.

🤝 Winter Squash

Oregano repels squash bugs and attracts pollinators; Mediterranean herb companion.

⚠️ Keep Apart (1)

⚠️ Water-loving herbs

Oregano prefers drier soil; overwatering from companion plants can cause root rot.

💊 Medicinal Uses

Conditions Treated

💊 Respiratory infections (coughs, bronchitis, asthma, sore throat) 💊 Digestive disorders (indigestion, bloating, gas) 💊 Bacterial and fungal infections (strong antimicrobial) 💊 Inflammation and joint pain (anti-inflammatory) 💊 Menstrual cramps (antispasmodic) 💊 Cold and flu symptoms 💊 Parasitic infections (antiparasitic properties) 💊 Oral health (gingivitis, mouth ulcers)

Preparation Methods

Tea/Infusion: 1-2 tsp dried herb steeped 10 minutes; for coughs, colds, digestive issues
Oil of oregano: Steam-distilled essential oil; 1-3 drops in carrier oil for topical infections
Tincture: 1:5 in 45% alcohol; 1-2ml 3x daily for respiratory/digestive infections
Gargle: Strong infusion used as antimicrobial mouthwash for sore throat and oral health
Steam inhalation: Few drops of oil in hot water for respiratory congestion
Poultice: Crushed leaves applied to fungal skin infections

Active Compounds

⚗️ Carvacrol ⚗️ Thymol ⚗️ Rosmarinic acid ⚗️ Ursolic acid ⚗️ β-caryophyllene

⚠️ Safety

Oil of oregano is very potent , ALWAYS dilute before topical use. May irritate mucous membranes. Avoid medicinal doses during pregnancy (may stimulate uterine contractions). May interact with blood thinners and diabetes medications. Not for long-term internal use of essential oil.

📜 History & Folklore

🏛️ Ancient

Ancient Greeks used oregano for wounds and poisons; name means 'joy of the mountain' (oros ganos). Hippocrates used it as an antiseptic. Romans spread its use throughout Europe.

🏰 Medieval

Used in medieval European medicine as a 'warming' herb for colds and coughs. Strewn on floors as a disinfectant. Hildegard von Bingen recommended it for 'internal rottenness' and skin conditions.

🌿 Folk Medicine

Traditional Mediterranean remedy for respiratory and digestive ailments. Used as a preservative before refrigeration. Appalachian folk medicine uses oregano tea for colds, coughs, and menstrual cramps.

🛒 Buy Seeds & Plants

Baker Creek Heirloom Seeds Johnny's Selected Seeds Botanical Interests True Leaf Market Burpee Territorial Seed Company

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