ORIGANUM

Origanum – a perennial herbaceous plant of the Lamiaceae family, distinguished by its bright aroma and slightly bitter taste. Bushes usually do not exceed 50–90 cm in height; leaves are dark green, oblong or ovate, covered with soft bristly hairs, giving them a characteristic appearance.

Flowering occurs in the summer period – from July to September. Small light-purple (or pink-lilac) flowers gather in corymbose inflorescences, creating an attractive and aromatic spike. The plant prefers open ground but can also grow on forest edges, along rivers, road verges, and in gardens.

In cuisine, leaves and young shoots of Origanum are used as a seasoning for vegetable and meat dishes, as well as for canning and making tea beverages. Due to their medicinal properties, an infusion of this plant is used as an expectorant for respiratory diseases, improves appetite and digestion, and treats gynecological ailments.