560/OREGANOlong and 4 to 25 mm wide, ovate, entire-margined or slightly
crenate, glabrous or pubescent, translucent-punctate and
petiolate.Characteristics: The plant has an aromatic scent, similar to
Origanum majorana.Habitat: The plant is common throughout Asia, Europe and
northern Africa.Production: Oregano consists of the above-ground parts of
Origanum vulgare. It is harvested 5 cm above the ground
during the flowering season and dried carefully on the field
or under a roofed loft.Other Names: Mountain Mint, Origano, Wild Marjoram,
Winter Marjoram, WintersweetACTIONS AND PHARMACOLOGY
COMPOUNDS
Volatile oil (0.15-1.0%): chief components carvacrol (share
40-70%), gamma-terpinene (8-10%), p-cymene (5-10%),
additionally alpha-pinene, myrcene, thymol. There are also
strains with thymol, linalool + terpinene-4-ol, linalool,
caryophyllene +germacren D, or germacren D as chief
componentsFlavonoids: including naringinCaffeic acid derivatives: in particular, rosmaric acid (5%)EFFECTS
The essential oil, which contains carvacrol, is antimicrobial
in vitro.INDICATIONS AND USAGE
Unproven Uses: Oregano herb is used for respiratory
disorders^such "as coughs, inflammation of the bronchial
mucous membranes and as an expectorantT In folk medicine,
it is used for coughs, dyspepsia, painful menstruation,
rheumatoid arthritis, scrofulosis, urinary tract disorders and
as a diaphoretic.Chinese Medicine: In China, Oregano is used for colds,
fever, vomiting, dysentery, jaundice and malnutrition for
children.Homeopathy Uses: Oregano is used to increase sexual
excitability.PRECAUTIONS AND ADVERSE REACTIONS
No health hazards or side effects are known in conjunction
with the proper administration of designated therapeutic
dosages.DOSAGE
Mode of Administration: Oregano infusions and powders are
used as teas, gargles and bath additives.
Preparation: For internal use, pour 250 ml boiling water
over 1 heaped teaspoonful and strain after 10 minutes; the
tea can be sweetened with honey. The unsweetened infusion
is used as gargle and mouthwash. To use as a bath additive,
pour 1 1 of water over 100 g drug, strain after 10 minutes and
add to a full bath.
Daily Dosage: Tea: 1 cup several times a day. Powder: 0.5 to
1 dessertspoon 2 to 3 times daily with food.
Homeopathic Dosage: 5 to 10 drops, 1 tablet or 5 to 10
globules 1 to 3 times daily or 1 ml injection solution sc twice
weekly (HAB34).
Storage: Store Oregano where it is protected from moisture
and light.
LITERATURE
Afshaypuor S et al., Volatile constituents of Origanum vulgare
ssp.t viride (syn. O. heracleoticum) from Iran. In: PM 63(2): 179-
180.' 1997.
Afshaypuor S, Essential oil constituents of wild marjoram from
Iran. In: PM 62, Abstracts of the 44th Ann Congress of GA,
- Hansel R, Keller K, Rimpler H, Schneider G (Hrsg.), Hagers
Handbuch der Pharmazeuuschen Praxis, 5. Aufl., Bde 4-6
(Drogen), Springer Verlag Berlin, Heidelberg, New York, 1992-
- Hansel R, Keller K, Rimpler H, Schneider G (Hrsg.), Hagers
Madaus G, Lehrbuch der Biologischen Arzneimittel, Bde 1-3,
Nachdruck, Georg Olms Verlag Hildesheim 1979.
Steinegger E, Hansel R, Pharmakognosie, 5. Aufl., Springer
Verlag Heidelberg 1992.
Oriental Arborvitae^
Thuja orientalis
DESCRIPTION
Medicinal Parts: The medicinal parts are the dried leaves
and leafy branches.
Flower and Fruit: The inflorescence forms cones with
horned cone scales. The male cones are apical and globose
with 3 to 6 stamens. The female cones are small, ovoid to
globose with 3 pairs of scales, the upper one sterile, the
middle one with 1 ovule and the lower one with three. The
seeds are ovoid to elliptical and have no wings.
Leaves, Stem and Root: Oriental arborvitae is a diclinous,
monoecious, evergreen tree, which grows up to 10 m high.
The leaves are decussately arranged, scale-like, imbricate,
appressed to the branches, thick and acute. The edge leaves
are pressed together and keeled. The surface leaves are
ovate-rhomboid, grooved on the back, needle-like when
young and acutely splayed. The branches are vertical,