Oregano essential oil has traditionally been used for benefits such as a stimulant, carminative, diaphoretic and a nerve tonic.
This essential oil is steam-distilled from the dried flowering herb of several plant species native to Europe. OPLA’s oregano essential oil is from the plant Origanum vulgare. This is the true oregano of the garden herb, which has a very ancient use as a medicine and a culinary herb.
Oregano oils have a strong, herbaceous, camphoraceous odour with a dry-woody and phenolic dry-out.[1]Arctander S. Perfume and flavour materials of natural origin. Allured Publishing, USA, 1994.
- Oregano 100% Pure Essential Oil (organic)£6.00 incl. VAT
What does oregano essential oil do?
Oregano essential oil benefits the treatment of indigestion, rheumatism, headaches, respiratory problems such as asthma, coughing and bronchitis and for influenza. Oregano contains compounds that can prevent the growth of bacteria such as Pseudomonas aeruginosa and Staphylococcus aureas.
Clear sinuses
A few drops of the oil on a tissue or in steam inhalations can help to clear blocked sinuses and loosen phlegm.
To eases congestions, add 2-4 drops in a diffuser with water. Also see how does a diffuser work.
Helps fight fungal infections
This essential oil can prevent the growth of Candida albicans. This is the fungus that causes oral thrush, canker sores, skin rashes, and athlete’s foot. It also inhibits the fungi that cause nail infections.
Add 8-10 drops to an unscented liquid soap to make an antibacterial wash.
Wart removal
When a virus enter the body through small breaks or a cut in the skin, it can cause warts. It can then also spread to other parts of the body.
Oregano essential oil can burn off warts, because it is a hot oil. Its most effective ingredient, known as carvacrol, gets rid of warts.
Dilute 1 teaspoon of oregano essential oil with 8 teaspoons of a carrier oil of your choice (eg. olive oil or almond oil). Apply a few drops on the wart and leave it on. You can cover the area with a plaster. Apply this oil mixture four to five times a day.
This process might require some time and patience, depending on the size of the wart. It can take up to two to three weeks.
Safety
The main constituents in oregano oil are carvacrol and thymo. Both constituents are phenols that contribute to oregano’s skin irritant and mucous membrane irritant properties.
Oregano essential oil is not recommended for use on persons with hypersensitive skin, diseased or damaged skin or children under 7 years of age. [2]Tisserand R, Balacs T. Essential oil safety. Churchill Livingstone, UK, 1995. Dilute well before use (less than 1 per cent). Avoid using in pregnancy or when breastfeeding.
Can oregano essential oil be ingested?
The oregano essential oil has a status of “hot” oil. It therefore has the potential to burn the skin if its not diluted properly. Some say, depending on the condition being treated, a few drops can be diluted in a glass (250ml) of water.
Never take an essential oil internally without the supervision of a suitably qualified medical practitioner. Some essential oils that are totally non-toxic when applied to the skin, but are highly toxic when taken internally. There can be a risk of irritation to the throat or stomach, or even liver or nervous system damage.
Is oregano essential oil safe for dogs?
The recommendation is, to not diffuse oregano oil around dogs. Not all essential oils are toxic to dogs. There are essential oils that are safe for use around dogs, but the list is very small.
The information on this page is meant for educational purposes only. The statements above have not been evaluated by any regulatory agency. It is not intended to diagnose, cure, treat or prevent any disease. If you are pregnant, nursing, have a medical condition or are taking any medication, please consult your physician.