Ah, oregano. It's the herb that gives pizza a bit of seasoning with just a hint of warmth and spiciness. But is oregano only enjoyable on pizza pie? Of course not!

Italians and Greeks use oregano often in their cooking to flavor tomato-based sauces, meats, and salads. That's because oregano is native to the Mediterranean region - near to both Italy and Greece - as well as Europe and Asia. Oregano, a cousin of marjoram, comes from a species of plant known as the origanum, which is a perennial herb with purple flowers. The herb can be used fresh or dried, but it offers the most flavor in the dried form.

Oregano has been used for centuries, not just for cooking purposes, but also because it provides a number of health benefits. Some cultures use it for its pain relieving effects and it has antiseptic and antispasmodic properties as well. Thus, it can be applied to wounds for cleansing and also to muscles to relieve spasms. Those who experience stomach upset or digestive issues have found oregano to be a helpful herb for relieving their discomfort. In the Philippines, mothers give their children a tonic made with oregano to quiet coughs. Recently, some studies have suggested that the oil in oregano can help fight the deadly MRSA infection.

The essential oil within oregano is used for aromatherapy. Inhaling the fragrance provides natural healing benefits and boosts the immune system, but because the oil can irritate skin, only a few drops are necessary at any given time.

When using oregano for cooking, you can opt for either fresh or dried, depending upon your preference. If you like to use the herb fresh, select a bouquet of it with unopened flowers. It is best stored in a cool place in the refrigerator. Snap off pieces as needed and the herb should keep for about a week in this manner. It can also be placed in the freezer for longer periods. Want to make your own dried oregano? It's simple. Just suspend a bouquet of oregano in a dry, dark, and ventilated area for about two weeks.

Italians love to season their mozzarella and tomato salads with a drizzle of olive oil and oregano, but the herb is most often found atop a Neapolitan pizza. It is also tasty when used as a seasoning for lamb and grilled chicken and butchers add it as an ingredient to give sausage a bit of a kick.

Here's a great and simple way to use your bounty of oregano - should you find yourself with some of this fragrant herb. Add a branch of it to a new bottle of extra virgin olive oil. Within a matter of days, you will have an amazingly scented bottle of nectar that will be a perfect complement to most anything - from your tossed salad to a dish of pasta to a loaf of crusty bread. It also makes a wonderful gift for that novice chef in your life.

For a rustic, yet spicy taste to your favorite meat dishes and sauces, simply add some of the dried herb during your meal preparation. Top your pizza with a bit as well, and you'll be reminded of why the Italians and Greeks have been seasoning their cuisines with it for centuries.