Greek Oregano is the most flavorsome and without a doubt one of the best herbs in the world. Oregano grows practically everywhere in Greece and whether fresh or dried, it adds beneficial properties along with its characteristic fragrance and flavors to many dishes. Most herb lovers agree that mountain Greek Oregano is the most flavorful, and arguably the best oregano in the world. A member of the mint family, Greek Oregano is a robust and distinctive herb used in sauces and marinades since ancient times. Its leaves contain more oil glands than ordinary oregano giving it the potent and pungent flavor of the Mediterranean.

The Greek name Origanon refers to oros “mountain”, and the verb ganousthai “delight in”, because oregano prefers the higher altitudes of the Mediterranean climate. It is said that Afrodite the goddess of beauty, created oregano as a symbol of happiness. Ancient Greeks would crown newly married couples with garlands of oregano as a blessing of happiness upon the couple. The ancient Greeks were also the first to realize the wonderful healing properties of oregano. Rich in vitamin C, oregano also contains calcium, magnesium, zinc, iron, potassium, copper, manganese and vitamin A. The essential oil of Greek oregano is considered the best in the world, as recent studies have shown it to have the highest content in carvacrol and thymol, both of which have powerful antioxidant and cancer-fighting properties. It has antibiotic and antiseptic properties as well.  Oregano can relieve intestinal upsets and abdominal pain; it boosts immunity, aids in digestion, improves heart health, aids in bone health, detoxifies the body, and increases energy levels. Oregano is used to treat flu, colds, gingivitis and a sore throat, many use it as a gurgling solution.

This delicious herb has been commonly used for centuries to treat pain, asthma and fatigue. Oregano also has anti-inflammatory properties and is applied topically, oregano is an effective antiseptic because of its high thymol content. When brewed as a mild tea, oregano will even promote good sleep. If you are wondering how you can add this powerful herb into your diet, traditional Greek salads are always garnished with dried oregano, while most Greek roasts, whether it be chicken, fish, lamb or vegetables, include oregano in the recipe while baking. The Oregano of Rhodes Island in particular, thanks to the morphology of the ground and the microclimate conditions, is of top quality.