Stories about oregano oil are not limited to the Mediterranean region. Chinese folklore contains stories about the surreal results of using the oil in a bath or when it was inhaled. The Chinese used it to relax and calm the nerves when the stress of a poor rice crop threatened their livelihood. The Greeks considered it the oil of goddesses. They believed that Venus created it, and Aphrodite loved to use it.
The Greeks used it as an antidote for poison and they weren’t afraid to use it internally as well as externally to get rid of infections, skin irritations, dropsy, and convulsions. The oil brought good luck to the Greeks so the bride and groom were crowned with an oregano wreath. The Greeks and the Romans wore it on the head during sleep to experience psychic dreams about the future. Oregano was a symbol of joy and the ancients believed it banished sadness.
Most societies grew oregano near the house to cast off evil spirits, and it was carried in a small satchel to bring good health as well as good luck. That belief is still a strong one today. Oregano is scattered around the inside of the house and planted around the house for protection in several different cultures.
When Shakespeare was alive the oil and the herb were used for several things. The oil cured skin irritations and the leaves brought good luck. The old wives tale, “if you anoint yourself with oregano before sleeping, you will dream of your future spouse,” was a popular thought in those days, and the 17th century publication Gerard’s Herbal planted the notion that, “Organy cureth them that have been poisoned by drinking Opium, or the juice of Black Poppy or Hemlock, especially if it be given with Wine and Raisons of the Sunne.” That advice was also taken at face value.
Old Farmers Said Oregano Repelled Snakes
Farmers used it through the years to sweeten the milk of cows and goats, and they threw on the ground around the house to repel snakes. When 18th century England discovered that oregano oil was a great remedy for coughs and asthma several new cough potions were developed and sold as cold remedies. The English relieve toothaches with the oil, and 19th century Italians thought it was so important they put the leaves as well as the oil in new recipes.
Old Italy used the oil to flavor food as well, and so did Spain, Portugal and Mexico. How oregano got to Mexico is still somewhat of a mystery, but most people believe the Spanish brought it with them.
The scent of oregano oil immediately prompts an emotional response of some sort. Aphrodite thought the scent was an ingredient in love, and based on the popularity of the oil she was way ahead of her time.
