Common Name : Wild Marjoram, Syrian Marjoram, Hyssop

Arabic Name : زعتر بري

Plant Family : Labiatae / Lamiaceae.

Sadly, there are many misleading products that use the name Za’atar in referral to the main ingredient in the mix. While Za’atar is used to describe both the herb and the condiment, the herb is the most important. If it is not truly authentic, the mix is not the true. There are many herbs referred to as Za’atar which can create confusion for many consumers such as Za’atar farisi, "Persian za'atar", "za'atar rumi" (Roman hyssop), and "Za’atar franji" (European hyssop). In addition to the various specimens, there are many strains within the same variety of thymes or oreganos.  For example; some strains are imported and commercially grown due to high production rates to meet the demand. Apart from all that, our extra spicy, dark green, and aromatic dry Za’atar Baladi leaves are made of sun dried native Palestinian wild oregano (Majorana syriaca).  The seeds of this wild ancient strain are collected from the Palestinian mountains and locally grown by farmers to ensure the sustainability of this cultural heritage.

Boosts Immunity

A study published in the Journal of Food Biochemistry and conducted by Dr. Giovanna Cervato and his team of researchers from the University of Milan, Italy, found that the two most important components of oregano are rosmarinic acid and thymol. Both of these act as powerful antioxidants that have been closely linked to reducing oxidative stress in the body. Thus, adding oregano to your diet may help improve your immune health!

Anti-cancer Potential

According to a study conducted by researchers at the College of Korean Medicine, β-caryophyllene oxide, a sesquiterpene, present in the essential oils of certain plants including oregano, may have potential as a part of anti-cancer treatments. Experiments suggested that this component of oregano inhibited cancer cell growth, according to research published in the journal Molecular Carcinogenesis in 2014.

Antibacterial Activity

Oregano has clear antibacterial properties. These properties as previously mentioned are due to the presence of thymol and carvacrol, according to a stated report published by a team of researchers from the Department of Food Science, University of Massachusetts, United States, in Process Biochemistry Journal. These important organic compounds can help defend the body against a wide range of bacteria that can affect the skin, gut, and other parts of the body. Oregano is also a slightly stimulating agent, which can increase the production of white blood cells and speed up the metabolism, resulting in the faster recovery of common illnesses.

Aids in Digestion

Oregano is high in fiber with a half-gram per teaspoon, so despite its small size, it can have a major impact on your digestive system. Fiber is an essential element of a healthy digestive system, as it can increase the bulk of your stool and stimulate peristaltic motion, which moves food through the digestive tract and excretes it efficiently. [9] Also, fiber helps maintain the health of the gut and increases nutrient uptake, so the food you eat does more for you!

Improves Heart Health

A 2006 study published in the Asia Pacific Journal of Clinical Nutrition states that oregano is a natural form of omega-3 fatty acids, the beneficial type of cholesterol that improves your heart health. Furthermore, omega-3 fatty acids help rebalance your cholesterol levels and reduce inflammation in the cardiovascular system, thereby helping to prevent atherosclerosis, heart attacks, and strokes. 

Antioxidant Potential

According to a 2017 study published in the Plants Journal by a team of Mexican researchers, herbs like oregano contain flavonoids and phenolic acids that help to alleviate inflammation-related diseases, respiratory and digestive disorders, headaches, rheumatism, diabetes, and others. 

Increases Energy Levels

Thanks to B-vitamins and its unique organic components present in oregano, it may help boost metabolism, making the body feel rejuvenated and energized. The increase in circulation, due to the presence of iron and increased levels of hemoglobin, helps to fully oxygenate the cells and muscles of the body, thereby increasing energy and strength.