Oregano

In Türkiye, numerous aromatic Lamiaceae family plants are identified and used as “kekik,” but those containing thymol/carvacrol-type essential oils are specifically recognized as kekik. It is generally a plant that grows naturally in grassland field edges, warm and sunny rocky areas. In Türkiye, this plant, which has been used for a long time and is exported, has benefits in many fields such as medicine and gastronomy. It is found abundantly in the Aegean and Mediterranean Regions and can be consumed in various forms such as tea, spice, and oil.

^Kekik- Pixabay

Kekik grows naturally in the Aegean and Mediterranean Regions and is known locally by regional names such as “İzmir kekik,” “Peynir kekik,” “Taş kekik,” and “Bilyalı kekik.” It thrives on grassland field edges, forest borders, and atop ant hills. Due to its preference for sunlight and heat, it also proliferates in rocky and mountainous areas with high soil temperatures.

In Türkiye, Origanum onites, generally known as “İzmir kekik,” belongs to the Origanum genus and has a wide distribution, particularly in the southern and western parts of the country. It thrives best in warm areas with a Mediterranean climate. This heat-loving plant is also tolerant of cold.

Kekik is a significant plant in Türkiye that has been exported for many years. Due to its high essential oil content and Türkiye’s ability to supply a large portion of the world’s kekik demand, it is an economically important plant. According to data up to 2007, 80 percent of exported kekik was of the Origanum type. In 2007, Türkiye’s raw kekik exports amounted to approximately 6,000 tons, valued at 15 million US dollars. The main countries importing kekik are the USA, Canada, France, Poland, and the United Kingdom. Both vegetative and generative propagation of Origanum species is possible, and they can be easily cultivated from seed. In Türkiye, kekik production reached 14,724 tons in 2016.

Some uses of kekik include:

• Used as an aromatic agent in heavy and fatty dishes.
• Used in perfumery and cosmetic industries for treating skin conditions with thymol.
• Used as a natural antioxidant in food preservation.
• Used in the treatment of certain diseases.

Kekik is one of Türkiye’s most important medicinal plants, with the following medical applications:

• Anemia
• Bad breath
• Cough and upper respiratory tract inflammation
• Lumbago
• Rheumatism
• Tooth and stomach pain
• Certain gynecological conditions
• Scabies
• Lung and bronchial disorders
• Cramps
• Digestive system disturbances

• Pregnant women and individuals with goiter are advised not to use it.

• It should not be boiled to prevent loss of thymol oil.

• Excessive internal use of kekik oil may increase thyroid gland activity.

No known side effects have been reported when used within the recommended dosage.