Oregano has been appreciated since ancient times for the therapeutic qualities of its flowering tops and leaves. It possesses pain-relieving properties and is useful as an antiseptic, antispasmodic, emmenagogue, expectorant, stomachic, tonic, and mild disinfectant. It regulates menstruation, and is useful against aerophagia, diarrhea, stiff neck, neuralgia, loss of appetite, and muscle pain. It stimulates the secretion of gastric juices and relieves toothaches. It helps combat indigestion, sore throats, rheumatism, and coughs. It also has a stimulating effect on the nervous system and, for external use, a small cushion of freshly picked and briefly heated flowering tops is applied to the affected area to heal rheumatic and muscular pain. It contains: tannin, phenols, carvacrol, thymol, alpha-terpinene, limonene, borneol, geranyl acetate, caryophyllene; flavonoids (apigenin), vitamins A and C.
It is used in toothpastes and mouthwashes. Its essential oil is used to treat and protect fingernails and toenails.
It is also used in products that combat cellulite. Oregano was once used to dye wool reddish-brown. Oregano pairs very well with meat, summer salads, and, of course, authentic Neapolitan pizza.
It is also an essential ingredient in Greek salad.