Many of us have heard of animal totems. Plant totems are just as significant. All humans, animals and plants are alive-we are life! As we go about in our days, we are rhythmically sharing our energy with the environment around us. When we start to pay more attention to the nature that shares our moments, we may begin to recognize that a certain plant or plants keep showing up for us.
One of my plant totems has been Origanum vulgare, culinary oregano, also known as wild marjoram. For a while, I had no clue what oregano even looked like, or that it had been growing along the small slopes surrounding my previous home off where my daughter was born in an isolated and wooded area. It took me a while to pinpoint that it was, in fact, oregano. I was not very familiar with it, and it would take years later for me to realize that I needed to commune with this plant on a deeper level.
An antiseptic, specifically impactful at treating bacterial and fungal infections, oregano helps to support the human immune, digestive and communication systems. Oregano’s flowers are harvested in late summer, and medicinally can be used in diluted oils, essential oils, in poultices and salves, as well as popularly dried and tossed into meals. A dear loved one regularly ingests a gentle formula of oregano oil and when asked what it helps with, an eager, “everything!” is expressed. No wonder that the ancient Greeks “considered [oregano] a cure for all.”
On an energetic level, I believe this equates to oregano supporting the human root, solar plexus and throat chakras when used in essential, culinary and medicinal ways. Oregano’s red stem embodies root chakra support, which provides strength for the physical body to thrive and the thoughts to ground; the happy, pink flowers show themselves during the sunniest time of the year and eager for as much sun as possible, symbolizes the vitality of solar plexus sun energy. This promotes the fulfillment of free expression and being. Last but not least, the wild and tasty taste of oregano stimulates the throat chakra, reminding us of the truth of our lives and who we are. Not to mention, a social plant, promoting a healthy variety of insects to flourish in it.
As with anything, informed consent and discussing with a trusted and licensed healthcare provider is a good idea, especially if using oregano in more concentrated amounts. When researching oregano, I have found that it is best to avoid if pregnant and to typically avoid internally ingesting essential oils of any kind, including oregano.
When planting in the first moments of a garden bed, oregano was the first herb to settle in my yard. Observing as she grew throughout spring and summer, it was a privilege to witness the ever-so-patient transformation into pretty flowers. The most popular herb among many different bugs, especially the bees, it was the place to be! The two small plants yielded plenty of oregano for the rest of the year. Self-sufficiency is one of my main values, and I am another step closer towards my personal sustainability goals. I will never have to purchase oregano in the store again, as long as I keep taking care of this special plant totem of mine!
Wishing you all a curious time with reflecting upon your personal plant totems!
Article written by Val Artamonova, BSN, RN, CHPN
References:
The Herb Bible by Peter McHoy & Pamela Westland
The Encyclopedia of Herbal Medicine by Andrew Chevallier, FNIMH