In Monfefo's Kitchen: Oregano

In Monfefo's Kitchen: Oregano
In Monfefo's Kitchen: Oregano

Humans are naturally social creatures at our root, with a dependency on others and the collective for survival and emotional elements of support. Feeling and being connected to others is important to our overall health and immunity, as a sense of community is directly correlated to longevity and immune support through various scientific studies. During a time where so many may feel disconnected or isolated, we want to inspire a sense of community into our Monfefo family and provide knowledge and education on how to further support your immune system and entire being during this time. We are together in these moments – connected through endless intricacies transcending physicality.

 Herbs have been used for centuries in ancient cultures for medicinal purposes, as they consist of highly concentrated levels of essential vitamins and minerals. They are made up of protective polyphenols, which are compounds with potent antioxidant, antitumorigenic, anticarcinogenic and anti-inflammatory effects. Each of these elements gives way for herbs to have a powerful healing impact on our immune system.

via The Herbal Resource

The Roots of Oregano

In Greek, Oregano means “joy of the mountain”. Its meaning is rooted in the term as the herb has long grown and flourished at high elevations in the Mediterranean. Oregano has been used in ancient cultures and European kitchens for centuries due to the culinary and medicinal properties of the herb. In ancient Greece, they would chew on the oregano leaves to cure rheumatism, toothache, indigestion, and coughing along with making creams from the leaves to treat bodily sores and aches. With the belief that the goddess Aphrodite brought them the herb, it was revered as a symbol of good luck, good health, and joy in ancient Greek culture. As the herb spread beyond the Mediterranean, it made its way into Traditional Chinese Medicine doctors’ hands. In this traditional medical system, doctors work to prevent, diagnose, and treat with a focus on mind-body balance and synergy. With herbal therapy as a pillar of the medical practice, oregano was used to relieve ailments including fever, vomiting, and diarrhea. The herb is still used to this day for the same ailments within Traditional Chinese Medicine practices.

via Steve McCurry

Preventative Health & Healing

Oregano contains high amounts of vitamins A, C, and K as well as minerals including iron, calcium, and manganese. The combination of these rich vitamins and minerals, in addition to its essential oils allows the herb’s nutrient dense makeup to provide deep and powerful nourishment to the body. Elements of oregano have been shown to provide antibacterial, antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, anti-microbial, anti-mutagenic, and anti-cancer protection.Each of these capabilities allow for the herb to not only protect and heal the body on demand, but also to support long-term illness prevention.

Oregano is an herb containing elements that synergetically operate to build the body’s natural resistance and healthy immune response. Its ability to boost the body’s innate immunological properties allows for the first line of immune defense to hold stronger against viruses, bacteria, and parasites. The high antioxidant levels of the herb support long-term health protection and management, as well as chronic illness prevention. In addition to immunity, oregano also impacts gastro-intestinal health with antibacterial and antiviral properties that have been shown to kill pathogens as strong as MRSA, E. Coli, and Listeria through research studies.

To Feel Good

Oregano is used throughout the culinary world, as its roots quickly expanded beyond the Mediterranean once its medicinal and dietary properties were discovered. As this ancient herb’s modern benefits are provided through an array of uses, oregano’s properties are most readily available and highly concentrated through an infused oregano oil or tincture. To home make oregano oil, follow the simple steps below. This nourishing oil is one that Justine Monsul, Monfefo’s Founder, keeps by her side at all times. The only ingredients needed include oregano leaves, olive oil, and a sanitized jar with a lid.

Homemade Oregano Oil:

  1. Boil water in a sauce pan. Once it has begun boiling, turn the heat off.
  2. Fill 3/4thof a jar with dry, chopped oregano leaves and then cover with olive oil. It is important to ensure that your leaves are dry in order to avoid bacteria growth.
  3. Put the filled jar in the hot water and let it sit for 5- 10 minutes. This allows for the oil to heat up and supports the oregano in releasing its natural oils.
  4. Remove the jar from the water and place beside a sunny window for 2 weeks. Shake the jar every few days.
  5. After the two weeks, strain the oil from the leaves using a cheese cloth and place into a sanitized jar. Store the oil in a dark, cool place.



Carter & The Monfefo Team 


Sources & Additional Research

American Chemical Society. "Researchers Call Herbs Rich Source of Healthy Antioxidants; Oregano Ranks Highest." ScienceDaily. ScienceDaily, 8 January 2002. <>.

Botsoglou, Evropi & Sergelidis, Daniel & Chatzopoulou, Pashalina. (2011). Antibacterial activity of oregano and thyme essential oils against Listeria monocytogenes and Escherichia coli O157:H7 in feta cheese packaged under modified atmosphere. Lwt - Food Science and Technology. 44. 1240-1244. 10.1016/j.lwt.2010.09.022.

Vattem, Lester, DeLeon, Jamison, Maitlin. “Dietary Supplementation with Two Lamiaceae Herbs-(Oregano and Sage) Modulates Innate Immunity Parameters in Lumbricus Terrestris.” US National Library of Medicine, Medknow Publications, Jan. 2013. <>.
