Oregano (uh·reh·guh·now)
A Fall and Winter herbal friend has plenty of Greek Lore connected to its alchemical capabilities. In addition, there is a resurgence of humans everywhere realizing how much value oregano adds to your cuisine and will ward off imbalances in the body and return you to JOY.
Culinary
Oregano is a popular herb used on bread, pastas, seafood, meat, poultry, sauces, dressings and salads. The leaves are used in culinary dishes in the dried and fresh varieties.
Oregano Tea: 1 Tbsp Dried Oregano and A Cup of Hot Water. Steep for 5-10 minutes. then add a teaspoon of local honey.
Tastes are Astringent and slightly bitter.
Medicinal Uses
It was used in ancient Mediterranean societies to treat digestive and respiratory problems. It is also used to treat colds, fevers, the flu, and indigestion (2). In Mexico, the leaves and flowers from the oregano plant are used to brew a tea to promote menstruation and relieves cramps. The oregano tea is also taken to treat a sore throat or bronchitis (2). Wild oregano oil has been and still is used today as a powerful immune boosting substance (antiviral, antimicrobial, antibacterial, and anti fungal) (3) (A 2011 Antiviral Study with Mexican Oregano)
Ancient Greeks believed that oregano could also be used as a poison antidote. They used it to treat skin irritations and infections, dropsy, convulsions, and as an antidote for narcotic poisons.
Oregano has been used in the treatment of several ailments such as diarrhea, stomach upset and nausea. Oregano also anti-inflammatory properties so you will see it used in the treatment of arthritis, muscle and joint pain and soreness.
Greek Lore
Originated in Greece, the story is told that this herb was created by the Goddess Aphrodite.
“She wanted it to be a symbol of joy growing in her garden. The word “oregano” comes from the Greek words oros, for “mountain,” and ganos, for “joy” meaning “ joy of the mountains”.”
Greek Alchemical Uses for Oregano
Good Luck
Purify the home
Offered as a form of respect at a grave
At funeral offered to provide peace to the departed.
Assist in having sweet dreams. (worn around the neck at night)
Wedding Wreath offered as a blessing of joy and happiness
Herbal medicine, Hippocrates prescribed to soothe respiratory illness and aide digestive issues.
Spiced Nuts with Seasoned Olives
8-10
servings8
minutes10-12
minutesIngredients
1 C Almonds
1 C Walnuts
1 C Cashews
Himalayan Salt
Ground Black Pepper
1/4 tsp. Cayenne Pepper
1/4 tsp. Ground Cumin
1/4 tsp. Thyme
1/4 tsp. Parsley
1/4 tap. Basil
1/4 tsp. Oregano
1/4 C Coconut Sugar
1/8 C Water
3 Tbsp. Butter, salted
Directions
Directions Step
Directions Step
Preheat the oven to 350 F degrees. Combine nuts into a large bowl, add salt, pepper, cayenne pepper, ground cumin, thyme, and parsley.
Directions Step
Heat in a saucepan over medium heat, sugar, water, butter. Cook until butter is melted and sugar is dissolved.
Place on a parchment paper lined baking sheet. Bake the nuts for 8 minutes.
Then, pour mixture over the seasoned nuts.
Bake for another 5-8 minutes.
Cool on the sheet and then transfer to a glass storage container or serving bowl.
Seasoned Olives
8-10
servings5
minutes5
minutesIngredients
1 1/2 tsp. Oregano
2 (3- by 1/2-inch) strips lemon zest (from one lemon)
2 dried bay leaves
1 1jar mixed unpitted olives (such as Castelvetrano, Cerignola, and/or Alfonso)
3 cloves garlic, chopped
Cracked pepper to taste
Directions
Pour Olives and juice into a medium bowl.
Add lemon zest, bay leaves, olives, oregano, and garlic, stirring gently. Let Set.
Transfer to a serving bowl or into jars for gifts. Include the juice. Make the night before to enhance the flavors. Store in the refrigerator.
