Dried oregano contains tanning agents and ascorbic acid (mg %): florets- 166, leaves - 565 and stems - 58. Essential oil obtained from the plant is clear or yellowish color. Has a sharp flavor, good scent. Main essential oil component (%): thymol - 50, carvacrol, bicyclic and tricyclic sesquiterpenes - 12.5, geranyl acetate - 2.6-5.
Dried oregano essential oil is used as external medicine for tooth ache, in Indian medicine it used as stimulating and analeptic. It is also used in bowel atonia, stomach spasms, gastritis, liver inflammation, hepatitis, insomnia, nervous disorder, whooping cough and also as expectorant drug. Leafs and flowers of oregano is added in bathing at scrofula and different rashes.
In folk medicine dried oregano applied in rheumatism, paralysis, epilepsy, intestinal pains, as well as sudorific and diuretic. In homeopathy it is recommended for hypertension and atherosclerosis.
Dried oregano essential oils employed in perfumery and cosmetology for scenting soaps, colognes, tooth pastes and lipsticks.
Oregano is a part of many spice blends, which used in making of pates, meat and liver stuffing, sausages.
It is added to grilled, stewed and baked meat, mixed in sauces and dressings. Italians use it in preparing pizza and many other traditional dishes. Cooks in some European countries make dishes from champignon using oregano that has distinct delicate taste and aroma.
In Uzbekistan, Belarus and Caucasus dried oregano added in pickling cucumbers and mushrooms. In Siberia it is added in preparing special filing for pies, where oregano is mixed with cottage cheese, meat and eggs. Oregano match with many other spices but especially good with black pepper, basil and rosemary.
