Origanum vulgare (Oregano / Wild Marjoram)

Origanum vulgare (Oregano / Wild Marjoram)

Product Name: Душица обыкновенная, Origanum vulgare, Dost, Orégano común, Origan commun, مردقوش بري, ออริกาโน่ป่า

Synonyms: душица, материнка, зеновка, ладанка, лесная мята; oregano, wild marjoram; Wilder Majoran, Echter Dost; orégano silvestre, mejorana silvestre; origan sauvage, marjolaine sauvage; مردقوش، بردقوش، عشبة المرو، زوفا; โหระพาฝรั่ง, ออริกาโน, มาร์จอแรมป่า

Main Indications for the Use of Origanum vulgare: Acute bronchitis, chronic bronchitis, tracheobronchitis, hyperacid gastritis, gastritis with reduced secretion, functional dyspepsia, spastic colitis, flatulence, intestinal dysbiosis, inflammation of the bile ducts, cholecystitis, cholangitis, primary dysmenorrhea, algodysmenorrhea, hyperestrogenism, insomnia, anxiety disorders, neurovegetative dystonia, asthenic syndrome, upper respiratory tract infections of viral and bacterial nature, mucosal candidiasis, pyoderma.

Use of Origanum vulgare in Mixtures and Complexes: Cholelithiasis, chronic pancreatitis, irritable bowel syndrome, autoimmune thyroiditis, chronic cystitis, pyelonephritis, prostatitis, vulvovaginitis, hypotonic form of neurocirculatory dystonia, chronic fatigue, depressive syndrome, pulmonary hypertension, initial stage of bronchial asthma, seborrheic dermatitis, recurrent herpes, chronic sinusitis.

Pharmacological Properties of Origanum vulgare: Antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, antimicrobial, antifungal, expectorant, spasmolytic, sedative, choleretic, immunomodulatory, carminative, analgesic, hypotensive, antiseptic, estrogen-like, hepatoprotective, antiviral.

Dosage of Pharmaceutical Forms — Origanum vulgare

Powder — Origanum vulgare

Indications (Powder): Acute bronchitis, chronic bronchitis, tracheobronchitis, gastritis with reduced secretion, functional dyspepsia, spastic colitis, intestinal dysbiosis, algodysmenorrhea, primary dysmenorrhea, hyperacid gastritis, flatulence, anxiety disorders, insomnia, mucosal candidiasis.

Standard Dosage (Powder): 1.0–1.5 grams of powder three times a day, with warm water, for 10–14 days.

Enhanced Dosage (Powder): 2.0 grams of powder three times a day, for acute inflammations of the upper respiratory tract of viral etiology, pronounced intestinal dysbiosis, hyperacid gastric conditions, and algodysmenorrhea.

Maximum Dosage (Powder): No more than 2.5 grams per single dose, no more than 7.5 grams per day. Maximum dosages are allowed for viral laryngitis, purulent bronchitis, and chronic cholangitis — for 5 days under symptom control.

Preventive Dosage (Powder): 0.5 grams 1–2 times a day for 21 days, every 3 months. Recommended for patients with chronic gastritis, neurovegetative disorders, a tendency to dyspepsia, women with irregular cycles, in perimenopause, and also for chronic stress.

Pediatric Dosage (Powder): From 6 years, with body weight of at least 20 kg — 250 mg once a day, from 10 years — 500 mg twice a day. Use is allowed for functional dyspepsia, flatulence, and mild forms of pharyngitis. For female children with early puberty, the dosage does not change.

Contraindications (Powder): Contraindicated in severe hypotension, gastritis with marked hypersecretion, pregnancy (due to estrogen-like activity), and individual intolerance. Scientific data on contraindications during lactation and in children under 6 years of age have not been registered.

Side Effects (Powder): When exceeding the dosage, heartburn, nausea, frequent urination, increased menstrual bleeding, and decreased blood pressure are possible. All side effects have been confirmed in clinical observations.

Adjustment for Patient Body Weight (Powder): Patients with body weight up to 60 kg are recommended to use the lower limit of dosages, including preventive ones. For body weight over 90 kg, an increase in the single dose by 20% is possible while maintaining the frequency of administration.

Preparation method (Powder): To prepare 100 grams of powder, use dried inflorescences and leaves of oregano — 100 grams. The raw material is ground in a porcelain mortar or in a steel rotary grinder to a fine powder state (passing through sieve No. 2). The raw material must not be subjected to temperatures above 40 °C. The finished powder is sifted and packaged in sealed paper or glass containers.

Storage Conditions and Shelf Life (Powder): Store in a dry, light-protected place at a temperature not exceeding 25 °C. Avoid exposure to electromagnetic radiation. Shelf life — 12 months. After opening the package, use within 30 days, provided it is tightly closed and stored in an airtight container.

Extract — Origanum vulgare

Indications (Extract): Acute and chronic tracheobronchitis, infectious lesions of the upper respiratory tract, bronchial hyperreactivity, hyperacid gastritis, gastritis with reduced secretion, irritable bowel syndrome, dysbiosis, cholecystitis, algodysmenorrhea, anxiety disorders, primary insomnia, mucosal and skin candidiasis, pyoderma, neurodermatitis, atonic dermatitis, fungal skin lesions.

Standard Dosage (Extract): 25 drops (or 1 ml of liquid extract) 2–3 times a day, diluted in 50 ml of water, 15 minutes before meals, course 10–14 days.

Enhanced Dosage (Extract): 1.5 ml of liquid extract three times a day, used for protracted forms of bacterial bronchitis, inflammatory diseases of the biliary tract, vaginal candidiasis, and neurocirculatory dystonia with pronounced anxiety components.

Maximum Dosage (Extract): Maximum permissible daily dose — 5 ml. Used in short courses (up to 5 days) for persistent bacterial infections of ENT organs, severe insomnia, acute forms of vulvitis and vulvovaginitis, and for candidiasis of the skin and mucous membranes accompanied by edema and itching.

Preventive Dosage (Extract): 10–15 drops once a day for 21 days. Repeat course — after 2 months. Prophylaxis is recommended for chronic cholecystitis, a tendency to flatulence, perimenopausal women, patients with frequent colds, and reduced adaptive potential.

Pediatric Dosage (Extract): From 8 years — 5 drops twice a day, previously dissolved in 30 ml of warm water. Used for mild forms of rhinopharyngitis, flatulence, and functional abdominal pain. Children over 12 years — 10 drops twice a day. Body weight — at least 25 kg.

Contraindications (Extract): Individual intolerance, pregnancy, arterial hypotension, active gastric ulcer. Scientifically confirmed data on contraindications during lactation and in children under 8 years of age have not been registered.

Side Effects (Extract): With overdose, irritation of the gastric mucosa, diarrhea, drowsiness, dizziness, and increased menstruation are possible. Rare cases of contact dermatitis with external use have been recorded.

Adjustment for Patient Body Weight (Extract): For body weight below 60 kg — reduce the dose by 20%. For body weight above 90 kg — increase the dose by 15–20%, especially for systemic therapy of respiratory and digestive pathologies.

Preparation method (Extract): To prepare 100 grams of extract, take: dry inflorescences of oregano — 25 grams, purified water — 60 grams, 70% ethyl alcohol — 40 grams. The dry raw material is ground, infused in an alcohol-water mixture at a temperature of 25–30 °C for 7 days in a sealed glass vessel. After infusion, the liquid is filtered through a paper filter and brought to the required volume with the alcohol-water mixture. Store in a dark glass container.

Storage Conditions and Shelf Life (Extract): Store in a cool place (not above 20 °C), in a light-protected glass container with a tightly closed lid. Shelf life — 12 months. After opening the bottle, use within 30 days. Avoid heating and exposure to electromagnetic sources.

Alcohol-Based Tincture — Origanum vulgare

Indications (Tincture): Acute rhinopharyngitis, bacterial tonsillitis, tracheitis, hyperacid gastritis, chronic cholecystitis, mucosal candidiasis, algodysmenorrhea, neurocirculatory dystonia, anxiety disorders, insomnia, fungal skin lesions, pyoderma.

Standard Dosage (Tincture): 20 drops 2 times a day, diluted in 50 ml of water, 20 minutes before meals. Duration of course — from 7 to 10 days.

Enhanced Dosage (Tincture): 30 drops three times a day, used for exacerbation of chronic bronchitis, acute inflammation of the tonsils, acute forms of vaginal candidiasis, and severe insomnia.

Maximum Dosage (Tincture): Up to 40 drops per dose, no more than 120 drops per day. Used for acute purulent processes in the respiratory tract, severe psycho-emotional stress, in a short course (no more than 3 days) under specialist supervision.

Preventive Dosage (Tincture): 10 drops once a day, course 14 days, repeated after 2 months. Recommended for chronic gastrointestinal diseases, premenstrual syndrome, increased fatigue, and during spring-autumn periods to support immune activity.

Pediatric Dosage (Tincture): From 10 years — 5–7 drops, diluted in water, once a day. Body weight — at least 30 kg. Use is limited according to indications: for functional dyspepsia and pharyngitis. Use in children under 10 years is not recommended.

Contraindications (Tincture): Pregnancy, arterial hypotension, gastric ulcer, alcohol dependence, individual sensitivity to components. Scientifically substantiated data on contraindications during lactation and in children under 10 years have not been registered.

Adjustment for Patient Body Weight (Alcoholic Tincture): For body weight less than 60 kg, the single dose should not exceed 15 drops. For body weight over 85 kg, an increase in the single dose to 30 drops is allowed while maintaining the frequency of administration.

Preparation method (Tincture): To prepare 100 grams of tincture, you need: dry oregano herb — 20 grams, 70% ethyl alcohol — 80 grams. The crushed plant raw material is poured with alcohol in a sealed glass container and infused in the dark at a temperature of 20–25 °C for 10 days. Then the mixture is filtered, the raw material is squeezed out, and the tincture is adjusted to the original volume with alcohol. The finished tincture is packaged in dark glass bottles.

Storage Conditions and Shelf Life (Tincture): Store in tightly sealed dark glass containers at a temperature of +5 to +25 °C, away from sources of heat and light. Shelf life — up to 18 months. After opening, use within 45 days. Avoid contact with open flames and electromagnetic emitters.

Oil Infusion — Origanum vulgare

Indications (Oil Infusion): Atonic dermatitis, fungal skin lesions, seborrheic dermatitis, chronic itching, neurodermatitis, mycoses of the feet and interdigital spaces, skin candidiasis, superficial pustular infections, cracked nipples in nursing women, anal fissures, superficial first-degree burns, dry eczema, hyperkeratosis.

Standard Dosage (Oil Infusion): Topically — apply a thin layer to affected areas 2–3 times a day. Course — 7–14 days depending on the severity of symptoms.

Enhanced Dosage (Oil Infusion): Topically — applications 3–4 times a day, covered with a sterile napkin. Used for mycoses with severe itching, bacterially complicated seborrhea, and chronic dermatoses with crusts and flaking.

Maximum Dosage (Oil Infusion): Application up to 5 times a day on limited skin areas (up to 10% of body surface) is allowed. Used for exacerbations of chronic neurodermatitis, intensive forms of skin candidiasis, and weeping eczema.

Preventive Dosage (Oil Infusion): 1–2 times a day, apply to potentially affected areas (inguinal folds, soles, skin folds). Prophylaxis is recommended for increased sweating, wearing closed shoes, and staying in high-humidity conditions. Duration — 10 days per month, courses 3–4 times a year.

Pediatric Dosage (Oil Infusion): From 3 years — spot application 1–2 times a day to cleansed skin areas for fissures, scratches, irritation, and fungal lesions. Maximum application area — no more than 5 cm². Body weight — from 15 kg. Do not apply to mucous membranes.

Contraindications (Oil Infusion): Individual intolerance, allergic contact dermatitis, open wounds, deep burns, dermatoses with pronounced exudation. Data on contraindications during pregnancy, lactation, and in children under 3 years of age have not been scientifically registered.

Side Effects (Oil Infusion): Local reactions in the form of redness, burning, and flaking. With prolonged use on extensive areas, contact eczema may develop. Isolated cases of photosensitization have been noted.

Adjustment for Patient Body Weight (Oil Infusion): In patients with body weight below 60 kg, reduce the application area to 10 cm² per application. In patients with body weight above 90 kg, treatment of up to 20 cm² of body surface is allowed without changing the frequency.

Preparation method (Oil Infusion): To prepare 100 grams of infusion, take: dry oregano inflorescences — 20 grams, cold-pressed sesame or olive oil — 80 grams. The raw material is manually ground to a coarse powder, poured with oil in a glass container, and tightly sealed. Infuse at a temperature of 30–35 °C for 10 days in a dark place, stirring daily. At the end of the infusion period, the mixture is filtered through multi-layer gauze, poured into a clean glass container, and tightly closed.

Storage Conditions and Shelf Life (Oil Infusion): Store at a temperature of +5 to +18 °C in a light-protected place. Short-term storage in the refrigerator is allowed. Avoid contact with metal objects. Shelf life — 6 months. After opening, use within 30 days. Do not expose to direct sunlight and sources of EMI.

Essential Oil — Origanum vulgare

Indications (Essential Oil): Acute and chronic bronchitis, tracheobronchitis, viral rhinitis, bacterial sinusitis, fungal skin lesions, mucosal candidiasis, pyoderma, chronic neurodermatitis, anxiety disorders, asthenoneurotic syndrome, inflammatory muscle pain, myalgia, arthralgia, autonomic dysfunctions, disturbed sleep, overwork, reduced immune reactivity.

Standard Dosage (Essential Oil): For inhalations — 1–2 drops per 200 ml of hot water, 5–7 minutes of inhalation, 1–2 times a day. For external use — dilute 1 drop of essential oil in 10 ml of carrier oil (almond, sesame), apply to the skin 2 times a day. Aroma lamp — 2–4 drops per 15 m² of room, 30–60 minutes in the evening.

Enhanced Dosage (Essential Oil): Inhalations — up to 3 drops per 200 ml of water for purulent bronchitis and acute respiratory infections. Topically — 2 drops of essential oil per 10 ml of carrier oil for pronounced mycoses, pyoderma, and chronic dermatoses with itching.

Maximum Dosage (Essential Oil): No more than 5 drops of essential oil per day per adult patient. Maximum concentration for external use — 3 drops per 10 ml of carrier oil. Use is allowed for no more than 5 days in a row, especially for inhalation and external use on large areas.

Preventive Dosage (Essential Oil): Aroma lamp — 2 drops per 15 m², 30 minutes 3 times a week. Topically — 1 drop per 15 ml of carrier oil, apply to the wrists or collar area once a day, course 10 days. Recommended for a tendency to colds, nervous exhaustion, decreased general tone, and frequent episodes of insomnia.

Pediatric Dosage (Essential Oil): From 7 years — exclusively in the form of an aroma lamp: 1 drop per 20 m², no more than 20 minutes. External use is allowed in a dilution of 1:100 (1 drop per 10 ml of carrier oil) locally, no more than once a day. Body weight — from 25 kg. Application to mucous membranes is strictly prohibited.

Contraindications (Essential Oil): Pregnancy, bronchial asthma, hypotension, individual intolerance, epilepsy, children under 7 years — contraindicated. Scientific data on complete safety during lactation and in adolescents under 14 years of age under conditions of prolonged inhalation exposure have not been registered.

Side Effects (Essential Oil): With overdose, headache, dizziness, irritation of the respiratory mucous membranes, nausea, and dermatitis when applied undiluted are possible. Isolated cases of sensitization and allergic contact dermatitis have been registered.

Adjustment for Patient Body Weight (Essential Oil): Patients with body weight up to 60 kg — use the minimum dose (1 drop per 10–15 ml of oil). Patients with body weight over 90 kg — an increase in the volume of carrier oil is allowed, but not more than 5 drops of essential oil per day.

Preparation method (Essential Oil): To obtain 100 grams of essential oil, about 10–12 kg of fresh oregano inflorescences are used. The plant raw material is placed in a distillation still, and distilled water is added in a ratio of 1:2 by volume. The steam distillation process is carried out at a temperature of 95–100 °C for 3–4 hours. The collected distillate is settled, the essential oil is separated from the aqueous phase, filtered through cotton cloth, and packaged in dark glass bottles with a tightly fitting lid.

Storage Conditions and Shelf Life (Essential Oil): Store in a cool, dry, light-protected place at a temperature of +5 to +15 °C, in a sealed glass container made of dark glass. Shelf life — up to 24 months. After opening, use within 60 days. Avoid contact with air and metal lids. Do not expose to direct light and sources of heat.

Toxicity and Biosafety of Origanum vulgare

Studies on laboratory animals have shown that oregano essential oil has low acute toxicity. The median lethal dose (LD₅₀) upon oral administration in rats is approximately 1850 mg/kg body weight. The main toxicologically active components are carvacrol and thymol, which in high concentrations can cause irritation of the mucous membranes and skin. However, when therapeutic dosages are observed, systemic toxicity is not observed.

In studies on mice, no pronounced pathological changes in internal organs were recorded when administering oregano extracts at doses up to 2000 mg/kg. No signs of cumulation, carcinogenicity, or mutagenicity were detected with standard forms of use (powder, infusions, diluted essential oil). Oil and water forms have high biocompatibility when used externally and by inhalation.

The LD₅₀ value close to 2000 mg/kg allows the drug to be classified as moderately safe upon oral administration (Class IV according to WHO classification). At the same time, external use in diluted form demonstrates a high biosafety profile even with prolonged use.

Reference: https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/p...

Pharmacodynamics — Origanum vulgare

The pharmacodynamic action of Origanum vulgare is determined by the presence of monoterpenes (primarily carvacrol and thymol), phenolic acids, flavonoids, and tannins. These compounds possess a wide spectrum of biological activity at the local and systemic levels. The ability of the complex of substances to exert antimicrobial, antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, and sedative effects has been noted.

At the level of the immune system, Origanum vulgare substances exhibit a modulating effect on phagocyte activity and cytokine production. The anti-inflammatory effect is mainly realized through the inhibition of cyclooxygenase (COX) and lipoxygenase (LOX) enzymes, which reduces the production of pro-inflammatory prostaglandins and leukotrienes. Phenolic compounds participate in the neutralization of reactive oxygen species, providing antioxidant protection to tissues.

At the level of the central nervous system, the sedative and anxiolytic potential of oregano extracts has been identified, which appears to be associated with interaction with GABA and serotonin receptor systems. Plant flavonoids also demonstrate vasodilating and myotropic spasmolytic effects, acting on the smooth muscles of the digestive tract. Local application of essential oil is accompanied by antiseptic and keratolytic action, due to its ability to disrupt the integrity of microbial membranes and inhibit the growth of pathogenic skin microflora.

References:
https://www.sciencedirect.com/...
https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.go...

Pharmacokinetics — Origanum vulgare

The absorption of active compounds of Origanum vulgare depends on the form of administration. Upon oral administration of powder, aqueous and alcoholic extracts, the absorption of the main phenolic components (carvacrol, thymol, rosmarinic acid) occurs predominantly in the small intestine. Lipophilic fractions (essential oil and oil infusions) demonstrate slower absorption, while the penetration of active substances is enhanced when taken together with fats. The inhalation route ensures rapid entry of volatile components through the alveolar membrane into the systemic circulation.

The distribution of metabolites occurs mainly in the liver, lungs, kidneys, and also in adipose tissue. With external use, bioavailability is limited, but may be enhanced in the presence of a disturbed skin barrier. Some components, especially terpenoids and flavonoids, have the ability to accumulate in cell membranes and the intercellular matrix.

Metabolism of active substances occurs mainly in the liver, with the participation of cytochrome P450 enzyme systems. Metabolic products are excreted by the kidneys in urine, and also partially through bile. Volatile components administered by inhalation or transdermally may also be excreted by the lungs and through sweat. The participation of intestinal microflora in the metabolism of water-soluble components has an additional effect on the pharmacokinetic profile.

For extracts rich in flavonoids and polyphenols, the "first pass" effect through the liver is characteristic, which may reduce systemic concentration without the use of forms that increase bioavailability. External and inhalation use partially bypasses this stage.

References:
https://www.sciencedirect.com/...
https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/34071703/

Mechanisms of Action and Scientific Rationale — Origanum vulgare

The main biologically active compounds of Origanum vulgare, including carvacrol, thymol, and rosmarinic acid, realize pharmacological action through several key molecular mechanisms. The anti-inflammatory effect is associated with inhibition of cyclooxygenase-2 (COX-2) and lipoxygenase (5-LOX) activity, which leads to a decrease in the synthesis of pro-inflammatory mediators — prostaglandins and leukotrienes. At the level of signaling cascades, inhibition of the activation of the transcription factor NF-κB and suppression of MAPK protein phosphorylation are observed, which limits the production of pro-inflammatory cytokines (TNF-α, IL-1β, IL-6).

Carvacrol and thymol have a direct antioxidant effect due to their ability to bind reactive oxygen species and peroxide radicals. These compounds also stabilize cell membranes, preventing lipid peroxidation. The effect on cellular targets includes a reduction in the activation of macrophages and neutrophils, which additionally reduces the level of inflammatory reactions.

The effect on the nervous system is realized through potentiation of GABAergic neurotransmission, as well as possible interaction with 5-HT1A and 5-HT2 receptors, which explains the sedative and anxiolytic potential. Modulation of dopaminergic pathways against the background of chronic activation of inflammatory cascades is also suggested.

With respect to microorganisms, carvacrol and thymol disrupt the permeability of bacterial and fungal membranes, interacting with phospholipid layers and causing cell lysis. This effect is complemented by the inhibition of protein synthesis and disruption of ion homeostasis in pathogen cells.

References:
https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.go...
https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S1319016421001087
https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/28712819/

Synergy — Origanum vulgare

Pharmacological synergy of Origanum vulgare has been confirmed in combination with other phytocomponents possessing anti-inflammatory, antioxidant, and antimicrobial effects. In combination with Thymus vulgaris (thyme), potentiation of antiseptic and bronchospasmolytic action is observed due to the additive effect of thymol and carvacrol. When used together with Melissa officinalis and Valeriana officinalis, the sedative and anxiolytic effect is enhanced due to the common effect on GABA receptors and antioxidant protection of nervous tissue. The combination with Curcuma longa and Zingiber officinale modulates pro-inflammatory cytokine cascades (in particular, NF-κB and TNF-α), providing a pronounced anti-inflammatory and membrane-stabilizing effect.

In combination with probiotic strains of Lactobacillus and Bifidobacterium, the modulating effect on intestinal microflora and epithelial barrier function is enhanced. These effects are realized through the protective and structural complementarity of the activity of polyphenols and terpenes.

References:
https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.go...
https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/abs/pii/S0753332221002321
https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S2225411021001821

Geography of Use and Traditional Medicine — Origanum vulgare

Origanum vulgare is one of the most widely used aromatic and medicinal plants in the folk medicine traditions of Europe, the Mediterranean, the Caucasus, Western Asia, and some regions of Central and South Asia. Historically, the plant has been known in the cultures of the ancient Greeks, Romans, Slavs, Arabs, as well as among Celtic and Germanic tribes. Its cult and domestic use is noted from ancient times: references to it are contained in the works of Dioscorides and Pliny the Elder as a remedy with "cleansing effect on spirit and body."

In the Slavic herbalist tradition, oregano was considered a "women's herb," used in the form of infusions, decoctions, steam, and baths in purification rituals, at women's transition rites, and also as a plant "bringing peace to the home." In bath practices, it was used as part of brooms and herbal decoctions for steaming. In South Slavic and Russian villages, oregano was hung in dwellings as a protective plant and aromatic talisman. It was widely used for fumigation and incense to protect against the "evil eye" and "ailments."

In the Caucasus, especially among Ossetians, Georgians, and Armenians, oregano was used in the form of hot infusions and decoctions for therapeutic and preventive purposes. Also in high-mountain regions, it was added to food as a flavor enhancer and general tonic. In the ritual cuisine of Karachay-Balkaria, oregano was included in ritual dishes accompanying holidays of purification and remembrance of ancestors.

In the Greek and Italian tradition, Origanum vulgare was known as a symbol of joy and longevity. In mythology, it is mentioned as the plant of Aphrodite. In folk medicine, it was used in the form of hot decoctions, infusions, and also as oil for rubbing and wraps. In Spanish and Portuguese rural culture, oregano was part of home aromatic mixtures for fumigating stoves and hearths.

In Iran and Turkey, the herb was used for medicinal and culinary purposes, as well as in ritual collections for ablutions and scenting clothes. In the Arab medical tradition, oregano was used as a warming plant that cleanses "damp phlegmatic humors," and it was included in collections for steam procedures and rubdowns. In North Africa, it was used in the form of juice squeezed from fresh leaves for scenting the skin and in rituals for strengthening the spirit.

In Tibetan and Buryat medicine, the plant is known as a component of herbal compositions used in aromatherapy and steam rituals. In the traditions of the peoples of the North, oregano was sometimes used in smoke mixtures replacing tobacco, as well as for insecticidal fumigation of dwellings. In the culture of the peoples of Thailand and Laos, according to information from some herbalists, related species of Origanum were used as components of steam herbal baths, including in the practice of postpartum recovery and purification. In northern India, the herb is found in traditional collections for warm lotions and dry compresses. Thus, Origanum vulgare represents an ethnopharmacologically rich taxon with deeply rooted cultural and medicinal significance in various geographical regions and traditional schools.