Oregano leaves have a powerful, peppery flavor, used in Italian pizza and tomato dishes. Mexican chili powders, and as a garnish. The tea is a tonic and relieves coughs, muscle spasms, nervous headaches, and menstrual pain. The leaves are antiseptic and applied to swellings, rheumatism, and stiff necks. The flowering tops yield a reddish dye. The essential oil is a powerful antiseptic, useful in room sprays. The leaves can be chewed for temporary releif from toothache. All oreganos contain the chemicals carvacrol and thymol which are known for their expectorant qualities.