What is Oregano Leaf? Uses and uses of Oregano leaves

Oregano leaves, also known as spicy marjoram, have a more spicy, pungent and bitter aroma than the normal marjoram we often use. This is a famous spice in European cuisine , to help enhance the flavor of dishes such as tomato sauce, pizza, grilled chicken, .. or to decorate the surface of cakes. Although used a lot in luxurious European dishes, this is a very ordinary and wild plant. Let’s learn more about oregano with Tnhelearning.edu.vn.

What is oregano leaf?

Origin of oregano leaves

Oregano belongs to the same family as mint, which is a group of soft-bodied plants . The tree is covered with a thin outer layer of villi, 30-40 cm tall, with flowers growing in small purple clusters.

According to Greek mythology, oregano is the tree that Venus used to bestow upon mankind. The word “oregano” is derived from the word “Oros” which means “mountain”, “Ganos” which means “joy”. Literally translated as The Mountain of Joys.

What is oregano leaf?

In terms of living areas, oregano trees are present at an altitude of 0 – 3,400 m, distributed mainly in fallow areas, hills, sunny terrain, river banks or forests . Oregano is available in India, Laos, Cambodia, Malaysia, Myanmar, Mongolia, Russia, Japan, Thailand, China (except Xinjiang, Qinghai) and Vietnam.

Characteristics of oregano leaves

Oregano is actually a very familiar herb that folk often call spicy oregano – a perennial herb of the mint family . They are small, oblong, soft, smooth leaves, the surface is covered with a layer of hairs.

This is a very easy plant to grow, suitable for many types of climates, as long as it is dry and sunny, they can grow well, so it can be grown in Vietnam.

Therefore, you can also grow your own oregano right at home , which is both safe and convenient to use when needed.

Reference : An Xa tree and its use to treat liver diseases

Uses of oregano leaves

Inhibits the growth of bacteria

A 2013 study, published in the journal the Science of Food and Agriculture concluded that Oregano could be an alternative to synthetic chemicals in the industry, containing antioxidant and antibacterial properties . It also has the ability to inhibit the growth of seven strains of bacteria.

Prevent cancer

Oregano essential oil can aid in anti-tumor support of metastatic human cancer cells because the carvacrol component in Oregano leaves is known for its ability to slow down cell growth , which has been proven through research. by researchers from the Universidad Nacional de Cordoba in Argentina.

Moreover, essential oils also contain phenol , a substance that helps to enhance strong antioxidant capacity , remove dead cells, damaged cells, free radicals that damage the body. Because of its powerful effect in preventing cancer, the medical field is expecting a lot from this essential oil with the desire to help millions of patients who are facing cancer to be healthier.

Treatment of sore throat and flu

Oregano essential oil is used to treat coughs very effectively

Oregano oil can stimulate the loosening and removal of mucus buildup in the throat , soothing the lungs when coughing attacks occur. Therefore, this essential oil is used to treat coughs, sore throats, sinusitis, respiratory diseases are quite effective.

The immune-boosting effect of Oregano essential oil is also recognized by the medical industry because of its ability to stimulate the body to produce white blood cells , which have the function of improving the natural immune system, from which the body people can increase resistance to common viruses such as flu, mumps, measles, chickenpox, … as well as other virus-related diseases.

Improve digestive health

In 2011, the journal Medicinal Food published a study evaluating the antibacterial activity of Oregano , which helps fight five different types of harmful bacteria , has the ability to promote digestive health , prevent poisoning. lethal food.

In addition, Oregano Essential Oil when combined with food to absorb into the body can eliminate some types of parasites in our digestive system such as intestinal worms. That’s why many people use Oregano Essential Oil to help keep the gut healthy, stimulate the intestines to secrete enzymes and nutrients , and promote the digestive system to work efficiently and productively.

Anti-inflammatory and soothing redness

Oregano essential oil can repel insects

Oregano essential oil can be considered as a natural antibiotic because of its anti-inflammatory and antibacterial properties , soothing inflammation, redness, and irritated skin . This essential oil has those effects because it contains carvacrol and thymol, two substances that have antioxidant effects to treat infections, fight bacteria.

Used topically , it can also repel insects, lice, lice, mosquitoes and fleas . So you can use this essential oil to repel insects instead of chemical insect sprays that are harmful to health.

Menstrual conditioning

Oregano essential oil supports menstrual regulation, preventing premature menopause.

For women, each menstrual period is extremely troublesome when it makes them irritable, uncomfortable even stomachache. Oregano essential oil can eliminate these side effects and help women’s periods become more comfortable and smooth . It also helps regulate menstruation and prevents premature menopause.

Treat acne and beautify skin

In addition to the above effects, it is impossible not to mention the beauty ability of Oregano Essential Oil. Thanks to its strong anti-inflammatory as well as anti-aging properties, essential oils can be used to treat acne, helping to keep the skin youthful.

The application of oregano leaves in life

In the cuisine

Oregano leaves have a very specific flavor, so they are used in many culinary applications, most notably the pizza of Italian cuisine.

Oregano leaves are used a lot in Italian cuisine

Not only pizza but other savory cakes and ketchup are also added with oregano leaves to create a distinctive aroma.

Instead of being cooked, oregano leaves can also be eaten raw by adding them to salads to create a flavor that only this leaf can produce.

In the medical field

As you know, oregano is a plant in the mint family and has many medical applications such as:

• Oregano essential oil can be used to gargle when you have a sore throat. In addition, it also helps relieve headaches, treat colds and treat warts.

• Oregano leaves also support well in the treatment of flatulence, irritable bowel.

• When making cosmetics, many people can bathe with oregano leaves to clean the disinfectants in the laboratory.

• Due to its characteristic aroma, oregano leaf essential oil is widely used to produce perfumes or deodorants.

• In particular, the substance Carvacrol in Oregano leaves has anti-tumor effects of metastatic human breast cancer cells.

Where to buy oregano leaves?

Oregano leaves are marketed in 2 types: dried oregano leaves and fresh oregano leaves . In foreign countries, it is easy to find oregano leaves, but in Vietnam, you need to visit big supermarkets or shops specializing in Western spices to get them, usually the average price is about 12,000 VND / 10 grams .

Delicious dishes with Oregano leaves

You can use fresh oregano leaves to decorate the surface of cakes such as creme brulee, panna cotta, … or to create a highlight for your cocktail or juice glass . Or process into many different delicious dishes with oregano leaves.

Delicious dishes with Oregano leaves

You can also mix salads, meats together with fresh oregano , which will contribute to the flavor of the dish, moreover, the essential oil from the leaves helps the dish to have a unique and more attractive taste.

As for grilled dishes, you should add dried oregano to the marinade so that the barbecue has a rich taste, attractive aroma and no longer greasy smell.

Add dried oregano to the marinade to make the meat more flavorful

Dried oregano is also used to sprinkle on pizza, tomato sauce of spaghetti to bring up a warm aroma, the flavor helps to round the dish.

Besides using in cooking, you can also use oregano leaf oil to clean the air and kill bacteria.

Preserving Oregano leaves

Preserving Oregano leaves

Preserving fresh oregano leaves

You put fresh leaves in a plastic bag and store in the refrigerator , it can be kept for about 3 days. If you want to keep the oregano leaves longer, you should separate the leaves from the stem, put them in a vacuum bag and keep in the freezer .

Or you can chop oregano leaves, then puree a little water and put in the freezer tray.

Store dried oregano leaves

Storing oregano leaves in a sealed glass bag or jar will help retain the full scent of the leaves, in a dry place.

In conclusion, hope that the article has provided enough information about oregano with its uses and uses, so that you can prepare more delicious dishes with this new and unique spice.

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