Maya Traditions Journal > Plant of the month – Cuban Oregano

oregano

Cuban Oregano – Plectranthus amboinicus

In the Western world we love oregano to flavor our pizza and pasta, but here in Guatemala, Mayans use oregano medicinally. In tea, it is used to treat respiratory ailments like a cough, or sore throat. It´s also used for more chronic issues like bronchitis and asthma.

The oregano highlighted here from our medicinal garden in Panajachel is Cuban Oregano. It´s a little fuzzy and thick-leafed. The leaves grow almost to the size of your palm, and has a taste very similar to the more common Origanum vulgare.

So next time you feel a tickle in your throat, or are home sick with a bad cough, make yourself a hot cup of oregano tea. And drink another one every six hours until you feel better.

Natural medicine does work, but it takes discipline, patience, and belief in the power of plants.

Visit our Organic Medicinal Plant Garden in Panajachel to learn more about it.

Tachajij awi´ y Chwa´q chik! (In Kaqchikel, our local Mayan language)
“Take care of yourself and till next time”

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