The long-lived shrubby herbaceous plant vranil grass (Origanum vulgare) or wild oregano is extremely popular in Italian and Greek cuisine. In Greek, its name means "joy of the mountains" because it captivates with its characteristic aromatic, slightly bitter taste of leaves. The strength of the aroma varies, if the good quality taste is so strong that it almost numbs the tongue.
Vranil grass is highly valued by the people because of its nutritional, antioxidant and other beneficial properties. Although it is typically a Mediterranean plant, it is very widespread in Serbia. It usually thrives on dry slopes and meadows, forest slopes, thickets.
It blooms from the end of June to October, depending on the altitude of the habitat, and the flowers are purple inflorescences at the top of the stem, with a pleasant smell and attractive appearance. Wild oregano is similar in composition and action to thyme, so it can be used in the same way. Medicinal parts are the tops of twigs in the flower, which are dried and used as medicine and spice.
It contains larger amounts of extremely important essential oils such as carvacrol, thymol, limonene, pinene, ocimen and caryophyllene. The plant is also rich in polyphenolic flavonoids, antioxidants, vitamin A, carotene, lutein, zea-xanthine and cryptoxanthin. It is also called miraculous because of the abundance of minerals: potassium, calcium, manganese, copper, iron and magnesium.
Potassium is an extremely important component of cells and body fluids, it regulates the work of the heart and blood pressure. Manganese and copper are responsible for antioxidant enzymes in the body, while iron helps prevent anemia. Magnesium and calcium are important for bone health.
The leaves and flowers of wild oregano have an antiseptic effect, and they also help against cramps and bloating because they prevent the pressure of the diaphragm on the lungs. The plant is also a cholagogue because it stimulates bile secretion, sweating, and expectoration. The essence of the plant when taken orally, cures colds, flu, fever, stomach problems, painful menstruation.
The ingredient thymol has antibacterial and antifungal properties. Vranilovka essential oil contains as much as 50 percent thymol, which is why it is an extremely powerful, natural remedy against bacteria. It is a rich treasure trove of vitamin C, which helps the body develop resistance to infections, and encourages the expulsion of harmful free radicals.
BENEFICIAL TEA
In addition to treating various diseases, tea is also used to strengthen the body. Research has confirmed that it can effectively eliminate Escherichia coli, candida, but also various viruses and parasites that endanger health. It is extremely effective in respiratory infections, bronchitis and asthma, inflammation of the intestinal mucosa.
Due to the pleasant taste, it is drunk for pleasure, without any special health reason. Externally, it is used to treat inflammatory and other processes on the skin, such as eczema, rashes, warts, psoriasis ...
It is prepared by pouring a tablespoon of dried sprigs of wild oregano with 250 ml of boiling water, cover and leave to stand for 30 minutes. Then strain and drink three times a day before meals, preferably unsweetened.
I use it often!