Oregano

In ancient Greece, oregano was associated with joy — its name means 'joy of the mountain' from the Greek 'oros' (mountain) and 'ganos' (joy). Hippocrates used it as an antiseptic and for respiratory and digestive problems. Aristotle observed that tortoises who ate a snake would immediately eat oregano as an antidote, leading to it being classified as the 'antidote herb.' Roman soldiers carried it to all corners of their empire.

Tradition: Mediterranean

Origin: Mediterranean