Oregano Essential Oil – Origanum vulgare

Primary Benefits

• Spicy, herbaceous food flavouring.
• Cleansing agent.

Aromatic Description: Herbaceous, sharp, green, camphoraceous

Collection Method: Steam Distillation

Plant Part: Leaf

Main Constituents: Carvacrol, thymol, para-cymene, γ-terpinene

About Oregano Essential Oil

Oregano essential oil has benefits that were first recognized in ancient Greece, where oregano essential oil was often used on skin to help support its health. It’s often added to food or taken in empty supplement capsules to maintain a healthy microbial balance in the body.

In the kitchen or out, oregano is amazing! It’s a favorite cooking spice with potent antioxidants, but it can also perform as a strong cleansing agent.

Oregano is a plant that is native to higher altitudes and typically grows in the mountains, which, incidentally, is how it got its name oregano, which means “delight of the mountains.” It’s an herb that is a member of the mint family, and has been considered a precious plant for over 2,500 years for health support and other purposes.

Oil of oregano contains two powerful compounds called carvacrol and thymol, both of which have been shown to support healthy microbial balance in the body. Oregano’s oil is primarily made of carvacrol, while the plant’s leaves contain a variety of antioxidant compounds, such as phenols, triterpenes, rosmarinic acid, ursolic acid and oleanolic acid.

Some other oregano oil health-supporting components include cymene, caryophyllene, pinene, bisabolene, linalool, borneol, geranyl acetate, linalyl acetate and terpinene. For example, the pinene content found in oregano essential oil, when taken internally, has been noted for its health-supporting benefits, while, when diffused, it can help in staying alert.

Additionally, linalool is a common element of many essential oils, including oregano essential oil.

Oregano Essential Oil Profile

This superior grade of Oregano is a clean, steam distilled essential oil, with pale yellow color and strong, spicy, herbaceous aroma-green top note. It is organically cultivated in the small family owned farm in Croatia.

How to Use Oregano Essential Oil

• Add 10 drops to a spray bottle full of water for a DIY cleaner for countertops and more.
•  To use as a supplement, add one drop to four ounces of water or place a drop in an empty supplement capsule and consume.
• Add one drop in place of one tablespoon ground oregano to your favorite Italian dishes.
• Place a drop or two in a diffuser filled with water and diffuse for a few hours for a clearing effect.

Other Ways To Use Oregano Essential Oil

• Add several drops to a spray bottle filled with water to use as a household cleaner, including kitchen countertops and more.
• Add a few drops to your favorite liquid soap and shake up prior to use.

Safety Considerations for Oregano Essential Oil

Oregano Essential Oil is contraindicated during pregnancy and breastfeeding. They indicate that when using Oregano Oil, there is moderate risk for mucous membrane irritation, it may inhibit blood clotting and pose a drug interaction hazard. It may cause embryotoxicity. There is a moderate risk of skin sensitization. They advise not to use topically on children age 2 or younger or for those with hypersensitive/diseased/damaged skin. 

This essential oil poses a higher risk of causing irritation and sensitization when used in the bath. Avoid using it in the bath, even if it is solubilized/diluted.

Interesting Oregano Essential Oil Information

The Greek myth surrounding Oregano tells the story of the goddess Aphrodite creating Oregano to be a symbol of happiness meant to make mankind’s life happier. Accordingly, ancient Greek bridal couples had crowns of Oregano placed on their heads due to the belief that it worked as a powerful deterrent for evil spirits. The herb was also placed on the tombs of departed loved ones for the belief that it brought them peace.

When the Romans conquered Greece, they enjoyed the flavor of Oregano and began spreading its cultivation throughout Europe and North Africa, in which regions the herb was used as flavoring for meats, fish, and even wine. Its use continued into the Middle Ages, at which time it was one of the few food flavorings available. Its medicinal application also continued and people would chew the leaves with the hope of relieving indigestion, toothaches, and inflammation, and to suppress coughs. Eventually, Oregano also landed in China at this time, most likely through the Spice Route that extended from the Middle East. Chinese doctors, too, began prescribing the herb for the relief of itchy skin, jaundice, fever, vomiting, and diarrhea. In England, Oregano began to be used as an additive to tobacco snuff and as a perfume in sachets.