Oregano is a perennial herb that is native to the Mediterranean region and parts of Asia. The name "oregano" comes from the Greek words "oros" meaning "mountain," and "ganos" meaning "joy," which is fitting as the herb is often found growing wild in mountainous regions. Oregano has a long history of use as both a spice and a medicine.

Oregano was used by the ancient Greeks and Romans for both culinary and medicinal purposes. The Greeks used it as a seasoning for meat and fish dishes, and also to add flavor to cheese and bread. The Romans used oregano as a remedy for a variety of ailments, including indigestion and respiratory infections.

During the Middle Ages, oregano was not as widely used as it is today, but it was still highly valued for its medicinal properties. It was used to treat a variety of conditions such as headaches, snakebites, and even as an antiseptic.

In the 19th century, oregano began to gain popularity as a spice in the United States and Europe, and it is now widely used in cooking around the world. Today, oregano is grown in many regions, including the Mediterranean, Central and South America, and parts of Asia.

In cooking, oregano is most commonly used in Mediterranean and Mexican cuisine. It is a key ingredient in many Italian and Greek dishes, such as pizza, pasta sauce, and marinades. Oregano is also used in Mexican dishes such as chili, tacos and also in guacamole. It is also used to add flavor to a variety of meats and seafood dishes.

Oregano is also used in traditional medicine and is believed to have anti-inflammatory, antioxidant and antimicrobial properties. It is used to treat a variety of conditions such as indigestion, respiratory infections, and skin conditions. Oregano oil is also believed to have many health benefits such as reducing inflammation and fighting off harmful bacteria.

Here are some common dishes that go well with oregano:

1. Mediterranean dishes: Oregano is a staple herb in Mediterranean cuisine, particularly Greek and Italian dishes. It is often used to flavor meat and fish dishes, as well as pasta sauces, marinades, and pizzas.

2. Mexican dishes: Oregano is also a common ingredient in Mexican cuisine, used to add flavor to dishes such as chili, tacos, and guacamole.

3. Grilled meats: Oregano is a great herb to use when grilling meats such as chicken, beef, and pork. It pairs well with garlic, lemon, and olive oil to create a flavorful marinade.

4. Soups and stews: Oregano can be used to add flavor to a variety of soups and stews, such as minestrone, lentil soup, and beef stew.

5. Vegetable dishes: Oregano can be used to add flavor to a variety of vegetable dishes, such as roasted or sautéed vegetables.

6. Salad dressing: Oregano can be added to salad dressings to give them a Mediterranean-inspired flavor.

7. Cheese dishes: Oregano is a common ingredient in cheese dishes, such as feta, and also in a variety of dips such as tzatziki.

8. Seafood dishes: Oregano pairs well with seafood dishes, such as grilled fish and shellfish.

9. Tomato-based dishes: Oregano is a common ingredient in tomato-based dishes, such as pasta sauce and pizza.

10. Bread dishes: Oregano can be used to add flavor to bread dishes, such as focaccia and also in pizza dough.

Overall, oregano is a versatile herb that can be used to add a strong, earthy flavor to a wide range of dishes, both sweet and savory. Its strong flavor makes it a great addition to many Mediterranean and Mexican dishes, as well as grilled meats, soups, stews, and vegetable dishes. It is also a common ingredient in salads, cheese and bread dishes.