Oregano

Origanum vulgareL.

Oregano: from the latin origanu(m), and the greek origanon, of foreign origin. Certain authos believe the words derive from the greek oros and ganào, which mean respectively "mountain" and "ornament". That is, plants which are a mountain ornament, due to Oregano’s natural diffusion on the Mediterranean mountainsides.

Culinary use

"A carnabuggia quand'a le secca a se sfreguggia" (Dry oregano is used by crumbling it between the fingers), is an old Savonese idiomatic expression.
When we think of Oregano, surely the first culinary preparation which springs to mind is the pizza Napoletana, without forgetting to mention the Sardenario Sanremese.
The aroma of Oregano, one of the so-called Herbes de Provence, is indispensable in tomato, potato and vegetable salads, particularly in the typical Condigiun Ligure and the Caprese; in the Hungarian goulash and with carne alla pizzaiola; in soups; in some sauces; on potatoes and eggs with butter; on boiled cod and octopus; on anchovies etc.

Medicinal properties

It seems the ancient Greeks used Oregano to cure wounds. Pliny declares it a remedy against spider bites and scorpion stings. Cato believes Oregano wine mixed with incense and honey advises may cure dyspepsia and difficulty with urination.

Cosmetic use

The flowering tops of Oregano macerated in eau de Cologne refresh and tone the skin; they impart beneficial effects when used in the bath and in footbath water by relaxing and deodorizing; with Oregano and other herbs one may prepare a lotion "certainly" effective against hair loss (this alone would suffice to disproportionately extend its cultivation).