Oregano Leaf (Origanum onites) is one of the most well known and popular culinary herbs in the world, and perhaps much like those that gather around the dishes made with it, Oregano comes from a huge family! There are dozens of known Oregano species that have been given hundreds of scientific names over the years, thriving in warm climates across the globe from Eurasia to Mexico. Origanum onites, or Greek Oregano, is native to Greece and the Mediterranean region, and now mostly cultivated in Turkey. It is from the most highly valued family of Oregano plants, the Lamiaceae, or mint family.

This little evergreen shrub with its long stems, tiny leaves and delicate pinkish purple flowers clings to rocky hillsides along the sea in search of the sun; it not only protects the soil from erosion, but decorates the landscape with life and color. Because of this and its flavor and health benefits, Oregano has been associated with joy and happiness throughout its 50,000 year history with us; its name is believed to come from the Greek words, orei ("mountain") and ganos ("brightness, joy"). The essential oils in Oregano thrive on sunlight, present in higher concentrations in plants that are grown in full sun. These sunny essential oils, including thymol and carvacrol, are packed with antioxidants, making Oregano not only a delicious and lively culinary spice, but an excellent choice for boosting immunity too. Dried Oregano leaf can be used whole or gently crushed in soups, stews and sauces or it can be steeped as tea for a daily cup of sunshine.