This article introduces you to herbs and spices that start with O. Not many of them are popular. Most of them do not have any proven nutritional benefits, while others are very useful in treating different health ailments.
Below are the herbs and spices you should know about.
Herbs that start with O (uses, health benefits, and where to buy them)
Starting with the list of letters O, I’ll tell you what they can be used for and how they can help your health.
- Octopus agave (Agave vilmoriniana)
- Orange crownshaft palm (Areca vestiaria)
- Orange bulbine (Bulbine frutescens)
- Orange cestrum (Cestrum aurantiacum)
- Orange tulip ginger (Costus productus)
- Obscure morning glory (Ipomoea obscura)
- Orange medinilla (Medinilla scortechinii)
- Olive (Olea europaea)
- Oval-leaved pondweed (Pontederia vaginalis)
- Orange milkwood (Tabernaemontana aurantiaca)
- Orange turnera (Turnera aurantiaca)
- Oval leaf mistletoe (Viscum ovalifolium).
Read on to learn more about these herbs.
1. OCTOPUS AGAVE
Octopus agave is scientifically known as Agave vilmoriniana. The herb is native to the southwestern United States, South America, and Mexico. The stalk, leaves, sap, and flowers are the most used parts of the agave plant (also called agave nectar).
Uses of octopus agave
The nectar is used as a sweetener, a substitute for common sugar.
Health benefits of octopus agave
- Octopus agave assists in blood sugar regulation.
- It acts as a supplement to increase bone mineral density.
- Octopus agave contains minerals that boost the immune system of the body.
- It contains antibacterial and antimicrobial properties that may reduce inflammation.
- Antioxidants in the nectar improve hair and skin health.
Where can you buy octopus agave?
Octopus agave is sold by Whole Foods Market, Amazon, Etsy, Naturehills.com, and eBay.
2. ORANGE CROWNSHAFT PALM
The orange crownshaft palm is scientifically known as Areca vestiaria. The herb is a palm native and is native to the eastern parts of the Indonesian rainforest. The color of the upper trunk of an orange crownshaft varies from red to orange.
Uses of orange crownshaft
The fruit is boiled with water and used by the people of Sulawesi as a male contraceptive.
Health benefits of orange crownshaft
- Orange crownshaft is effective for relieving and enhancing the healing rate of chickenpox.
- It can be consumed during the summer to keep the body hydrated.
- The orange crownshaft replaces nutrients and minerals in the body and deals with tiredness, oxidative stress, and painful urination.
- Traditionally, most stomach ailments are cured with orange crownshaft as it is also a good laxative.
- Antioxidants and anti-inflammatory properties in orange crownshaft make it effective for the treatment of skin inflammation, vomiting, and nausea.
Where can you buy orange crownshaft?
You can purchase an orange crownshaft from Amazon, Alamy, eBay, and Homedepot.
3. ORANGE BULBINE
The scientific name for the orange bulbine is Bulbine frutescens. It is a perennial plant with orange flowers.
Uses of orange bulbine
In some regions, men consume orange bulbine to increase their muscle mass and improve their sexual urge.
Health benefits of orange bulbine
- Traditionally, it is used as first aid for bee stings, blisters, burns, cuts, chapped fingertips and lips, insect bites, cold sores, and acne.
- The orange bulbine plant reduces sunburn, relieves skin cancer and itches.
- It acts as a hemostatic and an antiseptic agent.
- It is taken to improve testosterone. As an aphrodisiac plant, it aids sexual performance and fertility.
- Roots of orange bulbine can be taken orally for diarrhea, vomiting, arthritis, seizures, and diabetes.
Where can i buy orange bulbine?
Amazon, Walmart Supercenter, Instacart, Etsy all sell orange bulbine.
4. ORANGE CESTRUM
Orange cestrum is scientifically known as Cestrum aurantiacum. It is a flowering shrub that is native to Mexico, North and South America.
Uses of orange cestrum
It is used as an ornamental plant.
Where can i buy orange cestrum?
Purchase orange cestrum from Etsy, Amazon, Almostedenplants.com, Monrovia.com, eBay.
5. ORANGE TULIP GINGER
Orange tulip ginger is scientifically known as Costus curvibracteatus. It is commonly called dwarf orange ginger or spiral ginger. The evergreen perennial plant belongs to the Zingiberaceae family and is native to southeastern Asia, India, China, and Queensland.
Uses of orange tulip ginger
It is used as an ingredient in the manufacturing of cosmetics. It is also traditionally used for postnatal care, to cure rheumatism, cough, fever, syphilis, and tuberculosis.
Health benefits of orange tulip ginger
- The rhizome is considered an antidote for snake bites and dog bites.
- Leaves are used to treat ear and eye infections, skin infections, intestinal worms, bronchitis, and relieve irritation and soreness.
- It serves as an appetite stimulant.
- Indians from Assam use orange tulip ginger to control fertility.
- In Bangladesh, orange tulip ginger is used as a cure for diabetes.
Where can you buy orange tulip ginger?
You can purchase orange tulip ginger from WholeFoods Market, Walmart Supercenter, Etsy, Amazon, Davesgarden.com, etc.
6. OBSCURE MORNING GLORY
Obscura morning glory is scientifically known as Ipomoea obscura. It belongs to the Convolvulaceae family. The seed is the most used part of the herb.
Uses of obscure morning glory
It is used by pharmacists as a deobstruent, laxative, anthelmintic, blood purifier, and diuretic.
Health benefits of obscure morning glory
- It can be taken as a supplement to cure stomach upsets.
- Researches have shown that it boosts the brain’s functionality.
- It provides relief and reduces cough and swelling.
- An excellent antibacterial source.
- Aids in the fight against oxidative stress.
Where can you buy obscure morning glory?
Amazon, Etsy, Walmart Supercenter, and eBay all sell obscure morning glory.
7. ORANGE MEDINILLA
Orange medinilla is scientifically known as Medinilla scortechinii. The tropical flowering herb is from the family of melastomataceae and is native to the Philippines. It has different varieties, which include the Flamenco, Piccolini, Dolce Vita, and Lambada.
Uses of orange medinilla
It is used mainly for its aesthetic purposes.
Where can you buy orange medinilla?
Orange medinilla can be purchased from Etsy, Amazon, Davesgarden.com, or top tropical gardens.
8. OLIVE LEAF
The botanical name for olive is Olea europaea. It can be classified as a drupe with cherries, peaches, almonds, pistachios, and mangoes. The leaves have been used for years in different countries like Morocco, Tunisia, Greece, etc. for their medicinal purposes.
Uses of olive leaf
The extracts are used in making essential oils for hair growth, skin care, and cosmetics.
Health benefits of olive leaf
- Oleuropein is a substance in the leaf that is both an antioxidant and a pain reliever.
- Extracts from the leaves are used in curing atherosclerosis, herpes and some cases of heart disease.
- It is given to patients with high diastolic and systolic blood pressure.
- Olive leaf can help reduce hyperinsulinemia, blood sugar, plasma malondialdehyde and hyperglycaemia.
- When used properly, it can aid weight control and loss.
- It may limit the growth of cancerous cells.
Where can you buy olive leaf?
Amazon, Agro-market24, and Walmart Supercenter all sell olive leaf, extracts, and oil.
9. ORRIS ROOT
Iris germanica and Iris pallida are what we particularly refer to as the orris roots. It is commonly known as the Queen Elizabeth root.
Uses of orris root
It was once used in Western herbal medicine as mainly a fixative and as a base note in perfumery. Basically, the root is used to make medicines, generally combined with other herbs, and can be found in homeopathic dilution.
Health benefits of orris root
- The herbs are very effective as they possess antibacterial, antimicrobial, and germicidal properties; hence, they are reliable for the treatment of skin conditions.
- They aid in the maintenance of the central nervous system of the body and assist in pulse transmission in the body.
- This herb is a good hair treatment herb.
- Orris is good for the treatment of lung conditions and provides relief from uncomfortable respiratory ailments.
- This herb also contains anti-inflammatory properties, making it helpful for certain body conditions like joint inflammation and pain reduction in these areas.
Where can you buy orris root?
They are available at the Dragon Herbarium, Botanic Universe, and San Francisco Herb.
10. OREGANO
The oregano herb belongs to the mint family, Lamiaceae. Scientifically known as Origanum vulgare L., this plant is native to the Mediterranean region and has now spread over vast areas, having been naturalized in the temperate northern hemisphere.
Uses of oregano
This plant is often used as a culinary herb, added to several dishes due to the flavor of its leaves. They may also be eaten either roasted, fried, or grilled with meat, vegetables, or fish.
The health benefits of oregano
- This plant herb is a rich source of antioxidants, which aids the prevention of damage caused by free radicals in the body.
- Research conducted in a test tube has shown that oregano, along with its compounds, has antibacterial properties.
- The presence of an antioxidant present in oregano also shows it to be a potential inhibitor of cancer cell growth in the body.
- Compounds in oregano like carvacrol and thymol help to decrease viral activity in the body.
- These powerful antioxidants may also have anti-inflammatory properties.
Where can you buy oregano?
This herb is available on Amazon, Seaofherb, Bulsupplement.com, or any other herbal online store you find.
11. OLIDA
Eucalyptus olida is a small to medium-sized tree cultivar, restricted to the New South Wales area. They belong to the Myrtaceae family and have a relatively larger branch size with a thick, rough, fibrous, and also flaky bark on their trunk. They also possess smooth white or gray bark that is shed in long ribbons from the branches.
Uses of olida
The leaves of this herbaceous plant are often distilled for their essential oil, which is an important addition in perfumery or may be used as flavoring. The leaves may be used as a dried spice product in the preparation of bushfood meals.
The health benefits of olida
- The leaves of this plant are rich in antioxidants and may be used to counter free radicals in the body.
- They also contain eucalyptol, which has been linked with nasal decongestion, decreased cough frequency, and cold-related issues.
- The leafy extract is suitable for the treatment of dry skin. More research is needed to prove this claim.
- Inhalation of oil extracted from this plant may reduce pain.
- They are suitable for healthy teeth.
12. OAK BARK
Quercus alba is obtained from a tree belonging to the fagaceae family. The wilted oak cultivars are native to the North American continent. The oak bark is often gotten from the inner bark round growth identified as gall, which takes its position on the tree.
Uses of oak bark
After being dried, this bark may be ground into powder and used for both topical and oral purposes. They have been utilized for medicinal purposes throughout history.
Health benefits of oak bark
- One of the dominant health benefits of this herb has been the treatment of certain inflammatory conditions like hemorrhoids and bleeding gums.
- This plant’s bark may also be used to soothe skin irritation.
- Oak bark is thought to provide healing benefits for diarrhea.
- ELLagitannins and roburins, compounds in oak bark, tend to provide antioxidant benefits .
Where can you buy oak bark?
This plant herb is available on Amazon, Etsy.com, Herbco, Australherbs, etc.
13. OREGON GRAPE ROOT
Mahonia aquifolium is a flowering herb belonging to the Berberidaceae family. This flowering herb is an evergreen shrub native to the western part of North America. Irrespective of its name, it is important to know that this Oregon grape does not produce grapes.
Uses of oregon grape root
The root of this plant is mostly used for medicinal purposes, often intended for both topical and oral use.
Health benefits of oregon grape root
- They may be useful for the treatment of several skin conditions, like atopic dermatitis and psoriasis.
- This plant herb contains antibacterial properties.
- Oregon grape root may be used for the treatment of different stomach abnormalities.
- Because of their anti-inflammatory effect, they are useful for easing heartburn.
Where can you buy oregon grape root?
The herb can be purchased from St.Francisherbfarm.com, Alpineherb.ca, Herbco.com, Zhiherbals.com, and Amazon.
Spices that start with the letter O (uses, health benefits, and where to buy them)
What starts with what? Today, we are taking a deep look into spices that start with the letter O. This list is going to be really detailed, so come with us as we take you into the world of spices.
Some of this spice that starts with the O letter includes
1. Orchid Tree (Bauhinia variegata)
3. Oriental garlic (Allium tuberosum)
2. Oil grass (Cymbopogon citratus).
1. Onion powder (allium cepa)
1. ONION POWDER
This spice is basically your normal onion. The only difference is that the onion powder has been dehydrated, dried and grounded, giving it a more concentrated flavor and making it more pairable with our meals. This is often a very well-known ingredient. In seasoned salt and spice mixes. This spice is home-made, although it is often commercially prepared.
Uses of onion powder
The major use of onion powder is culinary. It is often prepared for the purpose of seasoning most of our delicacies. It may also be used as a meat rub.
Health benefits of onion powder
- Despite having a rather intense flavor, onion powder is low in sodium salt, making it preferably interchangeable with salt in many recipes.
- Onion powder is relatively rich in calcium, making it suitable for strong bones and teeth.
- The use of spices in our dishes tends to ramp up the flavor without adding additional calories or fat.
- They also contain potassium, making them good for blood regulation.
- This spice also serves the functions of muscular health, bone health, and immune regulation due to its magnesium content.
Where can you buy onion powder?
If you want to add this spice to your spice collection, it is available at Walmart Supercenter, WholeFoods Market, or on online stores like fair.com, farmerspice.com, etc.
2. OIL GRASS
Cymbopogon citratus, also known as oil grass, belongs to the poaceae family, particularly to the tropical regions of the world. The genus Cymbopogon comprises about 70 cultivars of oil-containing grasses native to the tropics and subtropics of Africa, Australia, Asia, and now known to the Americas, most of which are robust and densely tufted perennials.
Uses of oil grass.
This plant is often grown as a medicinal or culinary herb due to its lemon-like aroma, although some may use it as a spice. The oil extract from oil grass is believed to have therapeutic characteristics.
Health benefits of oil grass.
- Oil extract from the oil grass, or lemon grass, as it is popularly known, possesses antibacterial characteristics, making it suitable for wound healing.
- There is the presence of citral, an anti-inflammatory compound in oil grass. Severe inflammation is common and can result in severe health conditions like arthritis, cardiovascular disease, and even cancer.
- The essential oil extract from the grass contains antioxidants which help tackle diseases causing free radicals in the body.
- This spice may also help prevent gastric ulcers and relieve nausea.
- Traditionally, oil grass is often introduced for the treatment of cholesterol. Cholesterol, if not checked and balanced, may cause severe heart conditions.
Where can you buy oil grass?
If you want to buy oil grass, it is available at the Amazon online store, Usturf.com, Goaturf.com, etc.
3. ORIENTAL GARLIC
Allium tuberosum, or Oriental garlic chives, is a cultivar of plant native to the Chinese region of Shanxi. Oriental garlic is slightly related to onions, and they tend to have similar plants as onions. The Oriental garlic is less hardy than the common chive, is most friendly with damp soil and takes a liking to full sun. They will yield properly in any soil type, but will attain their best yield in a fairly acidic soil with a pH range of around 6-7 and high organic content.
Uses of oriental garlic
Ancient Romans believed that Oriental garlic relieved pain from sore throats and sunburns. The plant is often used for medicinal and culinary purposes.
The health benefits of oriental garlic
This spice is rich in flavonoids, an antioxidant, and this basically carries out the health benefits. Some include
- Prevention of cancer due to the presence of quercetin and other flavonoids. Oriental garlic aids the prevention of breast, colon, prostate, and ovarian cancer.
- Allicin, an organosulfur, takes credit for lowering cholesterol and blood pressure levels, thus protecting the heart.
- They also contain vitamin K, making them essential for healthy bones.
- The presence of chlorophyll and vitamin K in Oriental garlic helps body detoxification, though more studies are required.
- Several phytochemicals in Oriental garlic chives help to boost the body’s immunity.
Where can you buy oriental garlic chives?
The Oriental garlic chives are available at the true leaf market, the whole foods market, and even online stores like Amazon and Etsy.com.
4. ORCHID BAUHINIA,
They belong to the Fabaceae family, and they are particularly small-sized trees found in the tropical and subtropical regions, although native to the Indian subcontinent and Myanmar. They also have a conspicuous pink flower. Other names include orchid tree, camel’s foot, butterfly tree, purple bauhinia, etc.
Uses of orchid bauhinia
The leaves of this plant are edible and have a citrusy taste. They are also used to prepare poultices for the treatment of swellings, ulcers, boils, Bruce’s etc. In traditional medicine, the leaves may be used for the treatment of coughs, while the bark can serve as an antidote for poison or treatment of glandular disease.
Health benefits of orchid bauhinia
- They help to inhibit the growth of cancerous cells in the body.
- Extracts from the plant may be used for skin enhancements.
- Bauhinia may also help as a treatment for snake bite, either in powder form or using its extract.
- This plant helps in body detoxification.
- The plant also contains antioxidants that combat disease-causing free radicals in the body.
Where can you buy orchid bauhinia?
You can get this plant from the Petals Republic, the Orchid House Miami, from orchids.com, etc.
Well, this is basically our list, so we can say that there aren’t many spices starting with the letter O, but if you happen to find one, you can add it to your list.
In summary,
The health benefits of these herbs and spices were found through research, experiments, and personal experience.
Now that you know the list of O’s herbs and spices, why don’t you start using them in your everyday meal? However, before consuming any new herbs and spices, make sure to seek medical advice. especially if you have a serious health condition.