Oregano Lore

Oregano

Origanum spp.

Botanical Background:

Member of the mint family; 42 species native to the Mediterranean or Eurasia. Most found only wild, especially in Cyprus, southern Turkey, western Syria, and Lebanon.

Description:

Perennial or shrubby plants range in height from 2-3 inches to 3 feet or more. Aromatic leaves; small purple, pink or white flowers highly attractive to bees and butterflies.

Hardiness:

Common oregano {O. vulgare} and its subspecies and varieties are hardy to Zone 5 or 6. Sweet marjoram {O. majorana}, Turkish oregano {O. onites} and other tender species usually are grown as annuals.

Site:

Full sun; well-drained soil; neutral to alkaline pH.

Harvest Tips:

For use in cooking, cut branches back by half just before bloom.

Many oregano’s originate in the area around the eastern Mediterranean Sea. For maximum flavor when growing oregano, mimic the plant’s native conditions, such as the rocky…

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Sweet Marjoram {Origanum majorana}

Crooked Bear Creek Organic Herbs

Also, Known As:

Amaracus
Annual Marjoram
Knotted Marjoram
Sweet Marjoram

Sweet marjoram (botanical name Origanum majorana) is one of the more delicately flavored cousins of oregano. Sweet marjoram is a soft perennially growing herb that is actually cultivated in the form of an annual in the gardens in the northern hemisphere. This herb is considered to have its origin in North Africa, India, and the Middle East and usually grows up to a height of 25 cm to 60 cm (10 inches to 24 inches). Sweet marjoram is an attractive plant with a somewhat luxuriant, expensive habit that makes it a gorgeous hanging plant and is perfect for rock gardens and borders.

Sweet marjoram grows copiously; they are small, spherical, and woolly-haired and have greyish-green leaves that grow opposite to each other. The herb has a sugary, spicy aroma and essence.

The stem of this herb is square having a purple…

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Plant Profile: Prickly Ash — Crooked Bear Creek Organic Herbs

Zanthoxylum americanum Also, Known As: Angelica Tree Prickly Ash Suterberry Toothache Tree The prickly ash or the Zanthoxylum americanum is a tall shrub that may also be described as a small tree and usually grows up to a height of twenty feet. The shrub is distinguished by its barbed stalks and branches. The leaves of […]

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Plant Profile: Sheep Sorrel — Crooked Bear Creek Organic Herbs

A Rich Source of Vitamin C, E, Beta-Carotene, and Other Carotenoids Sheep sorrel (Rumex acetosella) is a herb that many Americans consider to be just a common weed, particularly in areas where blueberries grow. However, its medicinal uses have been known for quite some time. In fact, it has recently received extra attention for its […]

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Plant Profile: Chaparral ~ Crooked Bear Creek Organic Herbs

One of the most powerful antioxidants in nature. If you’ve ever been to the Southwest, you’ve probably seen chaparral at some point. Indigenous to the Southwest area of the USA and the desert areas of Mexico, chaparral may be one of the most potent herbal antioxidants. Native Americans have used leaves from the chaparral plant […]

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What Is ‘Wormwood’ and The Health Benefits of Wormwood — Crooked Bear Creek Organic Herbs

Wormwood {Artemisia absinthium} Also, Known As: Absinthe Absinthium Ajenjo Common Wormwood Green Ginger Madderwort Old woman Wormwood Primarily native to Europe, wormwood is a perennial shrub-like herb that has greyish-white colored stems wrapped with delicate and glossy hairs. Wormwood normally grows up to a height between one and three feet and bears leaves that are […]

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What Is ‘Southernwood?’ — Crooked Bear Creek Organic Herbs

Southernwood {Artemisia abrotanum} Also, Known As: Southernwood Southernwood (botanical name, Artemisia abrotanum) is a shrub-like plant that grows perennially to a height of three feet (one meter) and possesses a potent aroma. The stems of this shrub are woody while it bears fluffy leaves that have a silver-green hue. The flowers of this plant are yellowish […]

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Medicinal Hops for Health Benefits — Crooked Bear Creek Organic Herbs

While we know it best for the bitter flavor it imparts to beer, we celebrate hops as an increasingly valuable herbal medicine – and as the 2018 International Herb of the Year. Step into a hop field and you will witness a gorgeous feat of herbal engineering. Whether flourishing in towering lush columns or luxuriously […]

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Plant Profile: Eucalyptus {Eucalyptus globulus}

Crooked Bear Creek Organic Herbs

Also, Known As:

Blue Gum
Blue Gum Tree
Eucalyptus
Fever Tree

The familiar tree known as the eucalyptus is indigenous to Australia. This popular quick growth tree is now cultivated in many other countries. The tree is one of the quickest growing tree species around; it is also among the world’s biggest and tallest trees. The eucalyptus grows successfully in many places with varied soils and climate. When fully grown, some sub-species of this tree can cross two hundred fifty feet in height. The eucalyptus is an efficient dry land tree, putting out a vast network of roots underground to probe for water. The efficient ability of the eucalyptus at scrounging water from the soil has been applied to great effect in draining marshy and waterlogged areas in land reclamation programs. This characteristic of the tree has proven to be of the greatest help in the complete reclamation of water bogged malarial…

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Home Remedies for Pneumonia?

Crooked Bear Creek Organic Herbs

Pneumonia is an inflammatory disorder of the lungs caused by an infection of the airways. It is a serious condition, and home remedies cannot be used to treat it. However, they can help ease the symptoms.

Pneumonia infections can be critical and may even be life-threatening in some cases. It is essential to visit a doctor for a diagnosis, as well as to monitor symptoms and avoid any complications.

Using a blend of medical treatments and home remedies may help many people manage their symptoms more easily.

Fast facts on pneumonia:

Infections by viruses, fungi, bacteria, and other harmful organisms cause pneumonia.
Many of the germs that can cause pneumonia are common in the environment.
Healthy lifestyle choices may help reduce the risk of developing pneumonia.