Common thistle is native to the Balkan Peninsula, Turkey, today also widespread in Europe north to southern Scandinavia. Today cultivated in some Eastern European countries, also in Spain. The dried leaves, oregano, are popular as a spice
Common Dost grows up to 50 cm tall, has short stemmed leaves that have glandular scales containing essential oil, hence the spicy fragrance when rubbed, and short stemmed pink lipped flowers. Flowering time is July to October.
Phytotherapeutically used are the dried leaves and flowers (Dostenkraut - Origani herba).