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Mexican oregano is a culinary herb native to Mexico. Although it tastes like regular oregano, the two types are not related. The fragrant leaves are used in traditional Mexican cooking, where they impart a strong earthy flavor. Traditionally, the leaves were made into an herbal tea used to treat minor respiratory problems. In the garden, this aromatic herb attracts butterflies and other pollinators with aromatic white flowers.
Although they have the same name and impart a similar flavor when used in cooking, Mexican oregano and common oregano are not related. Mexican oregano belongs to the Verbenaceae family of plants, while common oregano belongs to the mint family. Mexican oregano can be found under the species name Lippia graveolens, while the common oregano species is Origanum vulgare.
Originally from Mexico, this species of oregano is a plant sensitive to frost. It can be grown outdoors year-round in areas where winter temperatures rarely drop below 20 to 30°F (about -6 to -1°C). In cooler climates, this oregano can be grown in a container and kept indoors or in a greenhouse over the winter. When wintering plants indoors, they should be kept at 50°F (about 10°C).
Mexican oregano, planted in the ground or in a pot, grows best when it receives six or more hours of sunlight per day. It does not require a lot of water or fertilizer to grow well. In pots, the soil can dry out slightly between waterings. When planted in the garden, this drought-tolerant grass only requires water during periods of excessive heat and dry weather.
Delicate, fragrant white flowers bloom year-round in frost-free climates and on greenhouse-grown plants. The flowers are a rich source of nectar for butterflies, bees and other pollinating insects. Birds are attracted to the nutritious seeds and numerous wildlife nest in large bushes, making this fragrant plant a good candidate for a wildlife garden.
The leaves can be harvested year-round for use in traditional Mexican dishes and any culinary creation where a strong, earthy oregano flavor is desired. It enhances meat, fish, and tomato sauce dishes and can be used when recipes call for the similar Mexican herb epazote. The leaves can be used fresh from the plant or dried and stored for later use.
As an herbal tea, Mexican oregano is said to help relieve minor respiratory problems. But it is not necessary to suffer from any disease to enjoy the rich flavor of this tea. The preparation is simple: all that is needed is boiling water and a tablespoon of dried or fresh herbs.