I picked most of my Oregano last night due to the dropping temperatures. It is a member of the mint family with characteristic flowers in pink or lavender. It is a bushy plant with opposite, oval shaped leaves and the square stem shared with other mints. The stem may be woody. Usually grows to 8 to 10 inches tall. Oregano is ruled by Venus and the element of air and associated with Aphrodite. It is used for for happiness, tranquility, luck, health, protection and letting go of a loved one. It can also be used in spells to deepen existing love. When worn on the head during sleep, it is said to promote psychic dreams. Oregano symbolizes joy. Use it for rituals celebrating joyful occasions, or in spells to bring joy into ones life. A cup of oregano tea can be used to soothe stomach upset, colic and many digestive complaints, nervous complaints and coughs. It also helps prevent seasickness. It can also be used to help regulate the menstrual cycle. Drink some in the days leading up to when your period is due. As with all herbs used for menstrual issues, oregano should never be used by pregnant women. Oregano contains natural antihistamines. For those with hives, or other allergy problems, try drinking a cup of tea made from equal parts oregano, tarragon, basil, chamomile and fennel daily. If you have hay fever, leave out the chamomile. Drink this with a meal. Oregano added to an herbal bath will relax sore muscles and help you unwind after a stressful day A tea used as a mouthwash or rubbed into the gums is good for toothaches. Add to massage oils for muscle aches. Oregano is a powerful antibiotic and antifungal; highly affective against Candida History and Folklore The name Oregano comes from the Greek meaning joy of the mountains. It grows wild on the hillsides of Greece and shepherds used to encourage their sheep to eat it, so as to improve the flavor of the meat. It has been grown in the Mediterranean for centuries, and became popular in the US after WWII. Ancient Greeks believed that oregano was a useful poison antidote and used it in poultices to treat skin irritations and infections. If oregano grew on a grave, it was an indication that the departed was happy in the afterlife. Couples were crowned with wreaths of oregano at weddings in both ancient Greece and Rome to ensure their future joy. Traditional Chinese healers have also used oregano for generations to treat a variety of complaints. In Shakespearean times, oregano was used for just about anything. Ladies carried it to mask unpleasant odors. It was also used in a potion to enable them to see their future husband on St. Lukes day. It has been used for centuries in many places in love potions. Growing oregano near your home is supposed to protect it from evil forces. It has also been carried as a charm for the same purpose.
Posted on: Sat, 04 Oct 2014 19:13:03 +0000