Also known as Coleus Amboinicus, it's old name, this herb has medicinal properties found in oreganum vulgare, which is the source of oregano essential oil that is commercially distributed.
Plectranthus amboinicus is commonly mistaken as oreganum vulgare since both have very similar medicinal properties, scent, and plant structure, though the latter has smaller leaves.
Also known as Indian borage, mexican mint, and Cuban oregano, among other names, plectranthus amboinicus has high level of carvacrol and thymol, elements responsible for its medicinal use. At home I grow this plant as it is very easy to grow, needs less water, and thrives under extreme heat.
How To Use
You harvest the leaves of this plant by cutting the stem and hanging them to dry under the sun or air dry them until the leaves turn dark.
Using the fresh leaves is also another way to get the benefits of this herb. However, it is recommended to dry the leaves as this will allow the essential oil to concentrate on the dried leaves. Essential is the primary delivery medium of carvacrol and thymol.
Preparation
Boil 2 cups of water or according to your needs and simply drop some dried leaves. Simmer for about 5 minutes or until water turns dark, indicating that the essential oil and elements are infused into the water.
Dosage
Half-cup of the prepared tea will help with fever, cough, digestive disorders, and serves as mouthwash as this is anti-bacterial.
As a topical medication, infuse the dried leaves with coconut virgin oil or olive oil. Use this infusion to relieve rashes, fungal infections, insect bites, and other bacterial skin problems.
For more information about this plant, refer to the following link:
https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/27043511
Hope you will find this post useful and minimize the use of synthetic drugs.
Cheers!
Follow @cjclaro to learn more on this topic.
I have seen this herb, In our place the juice of fresh leaves are being used to get relief from cough and cold. But this information is new for me, I will try this. Very good post @cjclaro. Upvoted and Resteemed.
Yes, @onlineprds, I also use this for cough and colds but I find the dried leaves more effective and aromatic than the fresh ones. Thanks for the upvote and resteem. ;-)
Thanks once again for your advice. I will try dried leaves, dried leaves will have more benefit as we can get it any season, time instant.
You can store dried leaves for a longer period of time, too ;-)
As a Greek, oregano is definitely a staple in our cuisine. When family comes home from Greece I make sure they bring me some good oregano.
The good stuff is so spicy that you can't use too much. It's like eating oil of oregano.
One of my favorite dishes, purely a family recipe, it's to boil oregano with salt and olive oil, and to use this to poach some eggs. SO good :)
I got to try that salt and olive oil. and how do you mean "poach" some eggs? sounds intriguing ;-)
Basically you boil the water with the oregano, the olive oil and the salt. "Poaching" is the way you cook it. After it boils, turn heat to medium . Get a big spoon, swirl the water until it makes a little vortex and then you put the eggs in the middle. Then you have a little soup, and take it off the heat so your eggs don't overcook.
Usually when people poach eggs they don't keep them in the liquid, they will only use it to cook them.
But for this recipe it's all about the whole thing :)
@cjclaro Good work!!!
Work is only good when we get the result we expect to achieve. And I believe I am halfway there.
Personally, I think all herbs are amazing to use not only medicinally but also for culinary purposes.... but you are quite right in what you have said. Oregano is without question on the top of the list.
I sprinkle the oregano powder on my fried rice and the smell.is just amazing. Yes, oregano is great for culinary purposes.
it sure is! :)
Totally agree ;-)
Excelent. We have a some plants in the back yard :) Now we hawe how to prepare it.
hanks for sharing, bro
You are most welcome, my friend. Let me know how it goes.
Of course, bro. I have learned a lot with you.
Greeting from Venezuela.
I am so glad for this info. I was going to buy the Vulagrae variety and start from seed. I wanted the very best cold pressed oil for my pantry. As fate would have it, a new friend gave us this Cuban Oregano. It is a fragrant plant and vigorous grower. Any cutting places in soil roots in days and only need 2 or 3 light mistings per day. You will love this plant. I know I do. Gotta go press some oil. Bye.
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Thanks for visiting. Will check your blog asap.