OREGANO
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                                    CULTIVATION:
     Oregano  is  an  erect  hairy  aromatic  perennial,  frequently  bushy, on
     horizontal root stock. It grows to about 1 foot in height. The flowers are
     rose-purple, sometimes pink to whitish.

     Oregano  needs  full sun, and midday  shade. It prefers well drained, dry,
     alkaline,  and  nutrient rich soil. Unlike  most other herbs from the same
     family, oregano has a stronger flavor when grown in rich soil.

     Sow  seeds in spring. Germination time is about 14 days, and plant matures
     in  about  45 days. Grows in zone  4-10. Divide plant in spring or autumn.
     Take  root or stem cuttings from late spring to midsummer. Fertilize every
     year  with balanced plant food. Thin  or transplant to 12-18 inches apart.
     Cut  back  oregano  by  two-thirds before  they  die  down  for winter. If
     location  is  not  to windy, leave  seed-heads  for  bird food. Pick young
     leaves  anytime.  If  leaves are to  be  used  for preserving, gather just
     before flowers open. Freeze or dry leaves.


                                  CULINARY  USES:
     Oregano  has  a strong distinctive savory flavor,  and it drys well. It is
     excellent  with pizza and other Italian  dishes. Rub oregano into roasting
     meat.. It also blends well with chili and garlic.

     Oregano  stems  give food a faint marjoram  flavor when laying them on the
     barbecue.


                                  MEDICAL   USES:
     Oregano  is  useful  specifically  for  gastro-intestinal  or  respiratory
     disorders,  particularly  coughs associated  with  upper respiratory tract
     infection and colic or indigestion.

     Oregano  is  also used as a weak  sedative and has some benefit in nervous
     headaches  or  irritability. Oregano contains a  volatile  oil high in two
     chemicals called Carvacrol and Thymol. They help loosen phlegm and make it
     easier to cough.

     For  a  warm,  aromatic, spicy infusion  to  help settle the stomach after
     meals  or  help treat a cold, use 1-2  teaspoons  of dried herb per cup of
     boiling  water. Steep 10 minutes. Drink up to 3 cups a day. Oregano may be
     used  externally  in  bath, inhalants,  or  poultices  where an antiseptic
     action is required.

     Like most culinary spices, oregano helps sooth the smooth muscle lining of
     the  digestive  tract, making it an  antispasmodic. It may also help expel
     parasitic  intestinal worms.

                                      WARNING:
     Generally regarded as safe, for healthy nonpregnant, nonnursing adults.

                                    OTHER USES:
     Oregano leaves can be used in potpourris and scent pillows.

                                  COSMETIC  USES:
     The oil and herb are used in the cosmetic industry.