Oregano

In Türkiye, numerous aromatic species from the Lamiaceae family 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 edges, warm and sunny rocky areas. In Türkiye, this plant, which has been used for centuries and exported internationally, offers benefits in many fields such as medicine and gastronomy. It is found abundantly in the Aegean and Mediterranean Regions of Türkiye and can be consumed in various forms such as fresh, dried, and as oil.

Kekik – Pixabay

AREAS OF GROWTH IN TÜRKİYE

Kekik grows naturally in the Aegean and Mediterranean Regions and is known by regional names such as “İzmir Kekiği,” “Peynir Kekiği,” “Stone Kekik,” and “Bilyalı Kekik.” It thrives on grassland margins, coastal rocky areas, and atop crevices in meadows. Due to its preference for sunlight and heat, it also proliferates in rocky and mountainous regions with high temperatures.

In Türkiye, Origanum onites, commonly known as “İzmir kekiği,” belongs to the Origanum genus and has a wide distribution, particularly in southern and western Türkiye. It exhibits optimal growth in warm areas with a Mediterranean climate. This heat-loving plant is also tolerant of cold.

COMMERCIAL IMPORTANCE AND PRODUCTION

Kekik has been an exported species in Türkiye for many years. It is an economically significant plant due to its high essential oil content and the fact that Türkiye meets a large portion of its own kekik demand. 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 with a value of 15 million US dollars. The main countries importing kekik are 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.

USES

Some uses of kekik include:

• Used as an aromatic agent in heavy and fatty dishes.
• Used in perfumery and cosmetic industries; thymol is employed in the treatment of problematic skin conditions.
• Used as a natural antioxidant in food preservation.
• Used in the treatment of certain illnesses.

MEDICAL PROPERTIES

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
• Problems in the lungs and bronchi
• Cramps
• Digestive disturbances

PRECAUTIONS

• Use is not recommended for pregnant women and individuals with goiter.

• 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 consumed within the recommended dosage.