Oregano is a fragrant herb commonly used in cooking and traditional medicine. It belongs to the mint family and is native to the Mediterranean region. The plant has small, oval leaves that are green and slightly fuzzy. Oregano is known for its strong, aromatic flavor, which is slightly bitter and peppery. It is a staple in Italian, Greek, and Mexican cuisines, often used to season sauces, meats, and vegetables. In addition to its culinary uses, oregano has been valued for its potential health benefits. It contains compounds like thymol and carvacrol, which are believed to have antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, and antimicrobial properties. Oregano can be used fresh or dried, with dried oregano being more potent and commonly found in spice racks around the world.