Content in this section summarizes historical and cultural records. It is not medical advice.
Do not use plants for self-treatment. Safety, efficacy, and appropriate use are not established here.
Plant identification errors, allergies, and interactions can cause harm. Consult qualified professionals for health questions.
Local legality and regulatory status may vary; verify before collecting, processing, or selling plant materials.

In the Mediterranean, Origanum onites L. (commonly called Cretan oregano) has a long recorded use as a medicinal infusion. Papadopoulos and Koutsou, 2010, observed that the fresh leaves are boiled in water for 10–15 minutes to make a decoction taken for cough and sore throat among the people of Crete. Baydar, 2005, documented that in Anatolia the dried aerial parts are steeped in hot water for 5–7 minutes to produce a tea consumed after meals to soothe stomach cramps and improve digestion. Kalogeropoulos, 2009, described a traditional poultice of crushed fresh leaves applied directly to minor wounds and insect bites on the island of Samos, noting its use for its antimicrobial and anti‑inflammatory effects.

One practical way to harness these reported actions is a mild tea. Measure 2 g of dried Origanum onites leaves (or about one tablespoon) and place them in a cup. Pour 200 ml of freshly boiled water over the herb, cover, and let it steep for 8–10 minutes. Strain and drink the infusion warm, up to two to three cups per day. The same herb can also be made into a 1:5 (w/v) tincture: place 20 g of dried leaves in 100 ml of 45 % ethanol, keep the mixture in a dark bottle at room temperature for 14 days, shaking daily, then filter. Typical dosage of the tincture is 1–2 ml taken two to three times daily. Safety: the plant contains potent phenols such as carvacrol and thymol, which can irritate the gastrointestinal mucosa; pregnant and nursing women should avoid the tea, and the total daily intake of the tincture should not exceed 6 ml.

The traditional effects are supported by a well‑characterised phytochemical profile. Origanum onites is rich in the monoterpenic phenols carvacrol and thymol, together with p‑cymene, γ‑terpinene, and phenolic acids such as rosmarinic and caffeic acid. These constituents display antimicrobial, antioxidant, and anti‑inflammatory activity, which plausibly explain the observed relief of respiratory and digestive complaints as well as the wound‑healing properties of the poultice.

Modern research continues to validate these uses; the essential oil of O. onites shows broad‑spectrum antibacterial activity in vitro, and commercial dried herb and essential‑oil preparations are readily available in Mediterranean specialty markets and online herbal shops, reflecting an enduring place in both everyday cuisine and folk therapeutics.

General Uses Top

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Common products:
• Dried herb (leaf and flowering tops); used as a culinary spice/herb.
• Essential oil (hydrodistillation of aerial parts); used as a flavor and fragrance material.

Food and beverages (non-medicinal):
• Seasoning in Mediterranean savory dishes (meat, poultry, legumes, sauces).
• Flavoring in processed foods, condiments, and baked goods; ingredient lists use the herb or its extracts.
• Flavor component in liqueurs and bitters where oregano notes are desired.
• Food preservation: in vitro screening reports show antimicrobial activity; food applications rely on flavor profile rather than claimed preservation effects.

Fragrance and cosmetics:
• Essential oil used in soaps, perfumes, and cosmetic fragrances at typical aroma levels; classified for hazard communication and safety data sheets under ISO 11014-1 (SDS for chemicals).

Properties relevant to use:
• Essential oil typically high in monoterpene phenols (carvacrol dominant), imparting sharp, herbaceous-spice odor; composition widely reported as carvacrol-rich (e.g., 60–88% depending on origin and chemotype).
• Carvacrol-rich composition contributes warm-spice aroma and robust odor impact.
• Leaves contain dried matter suitable for spice production; mechanical separation removes stems and foreign matter.
• Thymol-type variants reported, with differing odor profiles while retaining monoterpene-phenolic character.

Sustainability and sourcing:
• Native to the eastern Mediterranean; commercial material sourced from wild harvest and cultivated plots.
• International trade commonly follows Hazard Communication Standard (HCLAS/ISO 11014-1) for essential oil documentation and safety.

Synonyms Top

Scientific name	Authority	First published in
Majorana cretica	Mill.	Gard. Dict. Abr. ed. 4 829. 1754 (1754)
Majorana onites	Benth.	Labiat. Gen. Spec. : 339 (1834)
Majorana orega	Briq.	Nat. Pflanzenfam. 4(3a): 307 (1896)
Majorana oreja	Walp.	Repert. Bot. Syst. 3: 697 (1844)
Majorana smyrnaea	(L.) T.Nees	Pl. Offic. , Suppl.: 1 (1831)
Onites tomentosus	Raf.	Fl. Tellur. 3: 86 (1837)
Origanum album	Salisb.	Prodr. Stirp. Chap. Allerton : 85 (1796)
Origanum heracleoticum	W.D.J.Koch	Deutschl. Fl. , ed. 3, 4: 305 (1833)
Origanum orega	Vogel	Linnaea 15: 78 (1841)
Origanum pallidum	Desf.	Tabl. École Bot. , ed. 3: 395 (1829)
Origanum smyrnaeum	L.	Sp. Pl. : 589 (1753)
Origanum tragoriganum	Zucc. ex Steud.	Nomencl. Bot. , ed. 2, 2: 227 (1841)
Schizocalyx smyrnaeus	(L.) Scheele	Flora 26: 575. 1843
Majorana cretica var. silvestris	Alef.	Landw. Fl. : 119 (1866)

Common names Top

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Filter by language:

Language	Common/alternative name
English	pot marjoram
Arabic	مردقوش تركي
German	türkischer oregano
Persian	اریگانوم اونیتس
Ukrainian	Орегано турецьке
Ukrainian	Материнка турецька
Chinese	盆栽马郁兰
Chinese	盆栽馬鬱蘭

Subspecies (abbr. subsp./ssp.) Top

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Varieties (abbr. var.) Top

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Subvarieties (abbr. subvar.) Top

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Forms (abbr. f.) Top

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Germination/Propagation Top

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No germination or propagation data was added yet.

Distribution (via POWO/KEW) Top

Legend for the distribution data:

- Doubtful data

- Extinct

- Introduced

- Native

Africa click to expand
- Northern Africa
  - Tunisia

Asia-temperate click to expand
- Western Asia
  - Cyprus
  - East Aegean Islands
  - Turkey

Europe click to expand
- Southeastern Europe
  - Greece
  - Kriti
  - Sicilia

Links to other databases Top

Suggest others/fix!

Database	ID/link to page
World Flora Online	wfo-0000260691
USDA Plants	ORON2
Tropicos	17603755
INPN	610992
Flora of Italy	4615
KEW	urn:lsid:ipni.org:names:453331-1
The Plant List	kew-143884
Open Tree Of Life	826387
Observations.org	136601
NCBI Taxonomy	452416
NBN Atlas	NBNSYS0200002747
IPNI	453331-1
iNaturalist	360189
GBIF	2926613
Freebase	/m/0nhh20q
EPPO	ORION
EOL	483862
USDA GRIN	405610
Wikipedia	Origanum_onites

Genomes (via NCBI) Top

No reference genome is available on NCBI yet. We are constantly monitoring for new data.

Scientific Literature Top

Below are displayed the latest 15 articles published in PMC (PubMed Central®) and other sources (DOI number only)!
If you wish to see all the related articles click here.

Title

Authors

Publication

Released

IDs

Green Extraction Approach for Isolation of Bioactive Compounds in Wild Thyme (Thymus serpyllum L.) Herbal Dust—Chemical Profile, Antioxidant and Antimicrobial Activity and Comparison with Conventional Techniques

Mrkonjić Ž, Kaplan M, Milošević S, Božović D, Sknepnek A, Miletić D, Lazarević Mrkonjić I, Rakić D, Zeković Z, Pavlić B

Plants (Basel)

20-Mar-2024

PMCID:	PMC10975124
doi:	10.3390/plants13060897
PMID:	38592878

Glycerol Extraction of Bioactive Compounds from Thanaka (Hesperethusa crenulata) Bark through LCMS Profiling and Their Antioxidant Properties

Lim MW, Quan Tang Y, Aroua MK, Gew LT

ACS Omega

14-Mar-2024

PMCID:	PMC10976408
doi:	10.1021/acsomega.4c00041
PMID:	38559928

Exploring Plant Extracts as a Novel Frontier in Antimicrobial Innovation: Plant Extracts and Antimicrobials

Venanzoni R, Flores GA, Angelini P

Microorganisms

27-Feb-2024

PMCID:	PMC10974721
doi:	10.3390/microorganisms12030483
PMID:	38543534

Larvicidal and repellent effects of essential oils on the brown dog tick (Rhipicephalus sanguineus Sensu lato) with description of new larval repellent activity test method

Koc S, Gultekin ZN, Kahraman S, Cengiz A, Polat B, Caliskan C, Tufan-Cetin O, Cetin H

Exp Appl Acarol

13-Feb-2024

PMCID:	PMC10927870
doi:	10.1007/s10493-023-00892-2
PMID:	38351234

Detection of Adulterated Oregano Samples Using Untargeted Headspace–Gas Chromatography–Ion Mobility Spectrometry Analysis

Rocamora-Rivera B, Arroyo-Manzanares N, Viñas P

Foods

07-Feb-2024

PMCID:	PMC10888469
doi:	10.3390/foods13040516
PMID:	38397493

Carvacrol as a Stimulant of the Expression of Key Genes of the Ginsenoside Biosynthesis Pathway and Its Effect on the Production of Ginseng Saponins in Panax quinquefolium Hairy Root Cultures

Kochan E, Sienkiewicz M, Szmajda-Krygier D, Balcerczak E, Szymańska G

Int J Mol Sci

11-Jan-2024

PMCID:	PMC10815547
doi:	10.3390/ijms25020909
PMID:	38255986

Abstracts from the 56th European Society of Human Genetics (ESHG) Conference: Hybrid Posters

N/A

Eur J Hum Genet

04-Jan-2024

PMCID:	PMC10772074
doi:	10.1038/s41431-023-01482-x

Assessment of the Anti-Amyloidogenic Properties of Essential Oils and Their Constituents in Cells Using a Whole-Cell Recombinant Biosensor

Stylianopoulou E, Daviti A, Giourou V, Gerasimidi E, Nikolaou A, Kourkoutas Y, Grigoriou ME, Paleologou KE, Skavdis G

Brain Sci

29-Dec-2023

PMCID:	PMC10812981
doi:	10.3390/brainsci14010035
PMID:	38248250

Which Plant Species for Green Roofs in the Mediterranean Environment?

Leotta L, Toscano S, Romano D

Plants (Basel)

27-Nov-2023

PMCID:	PMC10708222
doi:	10.3390/plants12233985
PMID:	38068621

Diet of Broilers with Essential Oil from Citrus sinensis and Xylopia aromatica Fruits

Christofoli M, da Silva WJ, da Silva NF, Bonifácio NP, Souza CS, Silva FG, Pereira PS, Minafra CS

Animals (Basel)

26-Oct-2023

PMCID:	PMC10647859
doi:	10.3390/ani13213326
PMID:	37958081

Plant-Associated Neoscytalidium dimidiatum—Taxonomy, Host Range, Epidemiology, Virulence, and Management Strategies: A Comprehensive Review

Derviş S, Özer G

J Fungi (Basel)

26-Oct-2023

PMCID:	PMC10672476
doi:	10.3390/jof9111048
PMID:	37998855

Growth Performance and Disease Resistance against Vibrio parahaemolyticus of Whiteleg Shrimp (Litopenaeus vannamei) Fed Essential Oil Blend (Phyto AquaBiotic)

Hoa TT, Fagnon MS, Thy DT, Chabrillat T, Trung NB, Kerros S

Animals (Basel)

25-Oct-2023

PMCID:	PMC10649422
doi:	10.3390/ani13213320
PMID:	37958074

Enhanced Natural Strength: Lamiaceae Essential Oils and Nanotechnology in In Vitro and In Vivo Medical Research

Kowalczyk T, Merecz-Sadowska A, Ghorbanpour M, Szemraj J, Piekarski J, Bijak M, Śliwiński T, Zajdel R, Sitarek P

Int J Mol Sci

17-Oct-2023

PMCID:	PMC10607815
doi:	10.3390/ijms242015279
PMID:	37894959

Red sacaca essential oil-loaded nanostructured lipid carriers optimized by factorial design: cytotoxicity and cellular reactive oxygen species levels

Chura SS, Memória KA, Lopes AT, Pelissari FM, Da Silveira JV, Bezerra JD, Chaves FC, Rodrigues AP, Faria JA, Carneiro G

Front Pharmacol

11-Oct-2023

PMCID:	PMC10598706
doi:	10.3389/fphar.2023.1176629
PMID:	37886132

Climate Change Dependence in Ex Situ Conservation of Wild Medicinal Plants in Crete, Greece

Bariotakis M, Georgescu L, Laina D, Koufaki M, Souma M, Douklias S, Giannakakis KA, Chouli KN, Paoli L, Loppi S, Karousou R, Smykal P, Castanas E, Pirintsos SA

Biology (Basel)

11-Oct-2023

PMCID:	PMC10604457
doi:	10.3390/biology12101327
PMID:	37887037

Phytochemical Profile Top

Add a new one!

Below are displayed the proven (via scientific papers) natural compounds!
You can also contribute to this by clicking here.

Name	PubChem ID	Canonical SMILES	MW	Found in	Proof
> Hydrocarbons / Unsaturated hydrocarbons / Branched unsaturated hydrocarbons
Gamma-Terpinene	7461	Click to see	136.23	unknown	https://doi.org/10.1007/BF02860163
> Lipids and lipid-like molecules / Prenol lipids / Monoterpenoids / Acyclic monoterpenoids
Linalool	6549	Click to see	154.25	unknown	https://doi.org/10.1080/10412905.1993.9698294 https://doi.org/10.1007/BF02860163
Linalyl Acetate	8294	Click to see	196.29	unknown	https://doi.org/10.1007/BF02860163
Myrcene	31253	Click to see	136.23	unknown	https://doi.org/10.1007/BF02860163
> Lipids and lipid-like molecules / Prenol lipids / Monoterpenoids / Aromatic monoterpenoids
Carvacrol	10364	Click to see CC1=C(C=C(C=C1)C(C)C)O	150.22	unknown	https://doi.org/10.1078/094471103322004785 https://doi.org/10.1007/BF02860163 https://doi.org/10.1016/J.PHYMED.2007.11.022
P-Cymene	7463	Click to see	134.22	unknown	https://doi.org/10.1007/BF02860163
Thymol	6989	Click to see	150.22	unknown	https://doi.org/10.1007/BF02860163
Thymol acetate	68252	Click to see CC1=CC(=C(C=C1)C(C)C)OC(=O)C	192.25	unknown	https://doi.org/10.1016/0305-1978(93)90031-L
> Lipids and lipid-like molecules / Prenol lipids / Monoterpenoids / Bicyclic monoterpenoids
(+-)-alpha-Pinene	6654	Click to see	136.23	unknown	https://doi.org/10.1007/BF02860163 https://doi.org/10.1016/0305-1978(93)90031-L
alpha Thujene	6451618	Click to see	136.23	unknown	https://doi.org/10.1016/0305-1978(93)90031-L https://doi.org/10.1007/BF02860163
alpha-Thujene	17868	Click to see	136.23	unknown	https://doi.org/10.1007/BF02860163 https://doi.org/10.1016/0305-1978(93)90031-L
Beta-Pinene	14896	Click to see	136.23	unknown	https://doi.org/10.1007/BF02860163
Borneol	64685	Click to see	154.25	unknown	https://doi.org/10.1007/BF02860163 https://doi.org/10.1016/0305-1978(93)90031-L
Camphene	6616	Click to see	136.23	unknown	https://doi.org/10.1016/0305-1978(93)90031-L https://doi.org/10.1007/BF02860163
CID 44630107	44630107	Click to see CC1(C2CCC1(C(C2)O)C)C	154.25	unknown	https://doi.org/10.1007/BF02860163 https://doi.org/10.1016/0305-1978(93)90031-L
cis-Thujanol	3034320	Click to see	154.25	unknown	https://doi.org/10.1007/BF02860163
Npc301181	6432367	Click to see	154.25	unknown	https://doi.org/10.1007/BF02860163
> Lipids and lipid-like molecules / Prenol lipids / Monoterpenoids / Menthane monoterpenoids
4-Terpineol, (+/-)-	11230	Click to see CC1=CCC(CC1)(C(C)C)O	154.25	unknown	https://doi.org/10.1007/BF02860163
alpha-PHELLANDRENE	7460	Click to see	136.23	unknown	https://doi.org/10.1016/0305-1978(93)90031-L https://doi.org/10.1007/BF02860163
Alpha-Terpinene	7462	Click to see	136.23	unknown	https://doi.org/10.1007/BF02860163 https://doi.org/10.1016/0305-1978(93)90031-L
Alpha-Terpineol	17100	Click to see	154.25	unknown	https://doi.org/10.1007/BF02860163 https://doi.org/10.1016/0305-1978(93)90031-L
Beta-Phellandrene	11142	Click to see CC(C)C1CCC(=C)C=C1	136.23	unknown	https://doi.org/10.1016/0305-1978(93)90031-L https://doi.org/10.1007/BF02860163
Carvone, (+)-	16724	Click to see CC1=CCC(CC1=O)C(=C)C	150.22	unknown	https://doi.org/10.1016/0305-1978(93)90031-L
Limonene, (+/-)-	22311	Click to see CC1=CCC(CC1)C(=C)C	136.23	unknown	https://doi.org/10.1007/BF02860163 https://doi.org/10.1016/0305-1978(93)90031-L
Terpinolene	11463	Click to see	136.23	unknown	https://doi.org/10.1016/0305-1978(93)90031-L
> Lipids and lipid-like molecules / Prenol lipids / Sesquiterpenoids
(R)-beta-bisabolene	68128	Click to see CC1=CCC(CC1)C(=C)CCC=C(C)C	204.35	unknown	https://doi.org/10.1007/BF02860163
Beta-Bisabolene	10104370	Click to see	204.35	unknown	https://doi.org/10.1007/BF02860163
Beta-Muurolene	25203009	Click to see	204.35	unknown	https://doi.org/10.1007/BF02860163
Caryophyllene	5281515	Click to see CC1=CCCC(=C)C2CC(C2CC1)(C)C	204.35	unknown	https://doi.org/10.1007/BF02860163
> Lipids and lipid-like molecules / Prenol lipids / Sesquiterpenoids / Aromadendrane sesquiterpenoids / 5,10-cycloaromadendrane sesquiterpenoids
(1aS,4aS,7S,7aR,7bS)-1,1,7-trimethyl-4-methylidene-1a,2,3,4a,5,6,7a,7b-octahydrocyclopropa[h]azulen-7-ol	97032059	Click to see	220.35	unknown	https://doi.org/10.1016/0305-1978(93)90031-L
(7aR)-1,1,7-trimethyl-4-methylidene-1a,2,3,4a,5,6,7a,7b-octahydrocyclopropa[h]azulen-7-ol	5321422	Click to see	220.35	unknown	https://doi.org/10.1016/0305-1978(93)90031-L

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Origanum onites

Table of Contents

Details Top

Ethnobotanical Use Top

General Uses Top

Synonyms Top

Common names Top

Subspecies (abbr. subsp./ssp.) Top

Varieties (abbr. var.) Top

Subvarieties (abbr. subvar.) Top

Forms (abbr. f.) Top

Germination/Propagation Top

Distribution (via POWO/KEW) Top

Links to other databases Top

Genomes (via NCBI) Top

Scientific Literature Top

Phytochemical Profile Top

Gallery Top

Contributors Top

Collections Top