Oregano Essential Oil: Benefits and Uses
What is Oregano essential oil?
Oregano essential oil is one of the secrets behind Italians' wellbeing. Oregano isn’t just used to enhance the flavor of pasta and pizzas but is also used to extract a highly antiseptic essential oil. Rather, many aromatherapists place oregano essential oil on the list of top antibacterial essential oils.
It is extracted from the leaves of Origanum vulgare native to the Mediterranean region via steam distillation. There are two most common varieties of oregano essential oils - Origanum vulgare (Common oregano) and Thymus capitatus (Spanish oregano). Oregano grows in the form of a stiff bush and gives aromatic dark green leaves. These leaves are used for seasoning, improving the digestive properties of food, and keeping pesky insects away.
The aroma of oregano essential oil is herbaceous and slightly camphor-like with notes reminding of a spice-based essential oil. Blending it isn’t rocket science as it can be easily paired with lavender essential oil, rosemary essential oil, citronella essential oil, davana essential oil, lavandin essential oil, cedar leaf oil, cedarwood essential oil, geranium oil, and bergamot essential oil.
Oregano Essential Oil Benefits
Oregano essential oil provides numerous benefits to the mind and body owing to the natural bioactive compounds like carvacrol, rosmarini acid, thymol, cymene, pinene, and linalol. Here are some of the noteworthy benefits of oregano essential oil for complete head-to-toe wellness.
Oregano Essential Oil Skin Benefits
Many people use a diluted concoction of oregano essential oil on skin to reduce breakouts. Some preliminary studies(1) have reported its efficiency in reducing inflammation and redness. Anecdotal evidence suggests oregano oil can improve cell turnaround time and facilitate healing from within the skin.
By keeping bacteria and other microbes away from the skin, it creates the perfect environment for actives to do their part. Only common oregano essential oil variant is safe for topical application. Essential oil from the Spanish variant shouldn’t be used on the skin at all.
Oregano Essential Oil For Nail Fungus
Experts and aromatherapists regard oregano as a suitable essential oil for nail fungus.It exhibits terrific fungicidal properties due to the presence of carvacrol and thymol. These compounds can penetrate inside the cell membrane of fungi and destroy it from within. With oregano oil’s sebum-reducing properties, it ensures the fungus doesn’t come back. Mix 2-3 drops of it with coconut oil and apply on the affected area twice or thrice a day.
Oregano Essential Oil Spiritual Benefits
Oregano oil derives its name from the Greek language and translates into mountain of happiness. In folk culture, it was associated with prosperity, health, and romance and was often used in marriages or other ceremonies.
Some people also associate it with strength, resilience and courage. It is believed that inhaling oregano essential oil might improve once’s determination and make them more focussed towards their goals.
Oregano Essential Oil Diffuser Benefits
Using oregano essential oil in a diffuser is one of the simplest and safest ways to harness the many benefits of this incredible oil. Just adding a few drops of it in any diffuser fills the space with fresh, herbal, and green aroma. Diffusing it can help your mind and body to focus better and feel fresher. Its antibacterial properties can further prevent airborne diseases to spread and form a shield during flu season. A relaxed mind and cleaner air to breathe forms the perfect combination for a healthier lifestyle.
Oregano Essential Oil Health Benefits
Along with skin and diffuser benefits, there are numerous health benefits of using oregano essential oil. The perfect combination of bioactive compounds in it helps improve immune function and strengthens the body’s response to allergens.
Oregano oil is also helpful before, after, and during periods. Its natural pain-relieving properties can help get relief from minor menstrual cramps and the refreshing aroma can improve the mood and help regulate mood swings.
Supercritical extract made from its leaves, called oregano CO2 extract, is often added in food and beverage production at an industrial level. Along with flavoring, it also enhances the digestive properties of food, making it tastier and easier to absorb.
Oregano Essential Oil Uses
Prominent uses range from skincare formulations to oral care products. Here is a detailed list of common uses across industries.
Oregano Essential Oil Uses On Skin
It is often employed in the production of cleaners and body washes, however, aromatherapists do not recommend using it directly on the skin.
Oregano oil is also used to make handmade soaps that aim to reduce germ buildup. The fresh and invigorating scent is a bonus.
Add around 0.5-1% of the total soap weight and blend it with other oils from our wholesale essential oils collection like betel leaf oil, tea tree essential oil, jasmine essential oil or lavender essential oil.
While oregano essential oil is not a common choice in perfumery, you can use it in masculine or fresh scents to enhance the green or warm notes.
Oregano Essential Oil Health Uses
In spite of being a completely natural extract, you should never directly consume oregano essential oil as it can be extremely toxic. However, chemists use it in labs to create different formulations for health concerns.
Oregano Essential Oil Uses for Pain Relief
It demonstrates mild analgesic properties which extends its application in ointments and balms.
To create a natural pain relieving blend, simply mix 1-3 drops of oregano essential oil with 15 ml of natural carrier oil like jojoba oil, flaxseed oil, or avocado oil. Massage the affected area with this blend and cover with a warm towel.
Oregano Essential Oil Uses For Oral Health
A study (2) published in the Journal of Research in Medical and Dental Science found that oregano oil can significantly reduce bad breath and improve oral hygiene.
According to another research (3), oregano oil eliminated bacteria and fungi buildup from the mouth. This means it can be used in oral and dental care products like toothpaste and mouthwash.
This is why brands like Herb Pharm and Desert Essence use oregano essential oil in their mouthwashes and other dental care products.
How To Use Oregano Essential Oil
Oregano oil is a versatile and multipurpose extract that can be easily incorporated into a variety of recipes and formulations. The easiest way to use oregano oil at home is to add a few drops to a diffuser or add 1-3 drops to bath water.
How To Use Oregano Oil For Lungs?
Oregano oil might help decongest and provide relief from seasonal allergies.
Add 3 drops to a steamer and cover your head with a towel. Inhale the steam for 5-7 minutes and then avoid exposing yourself to wind or stepping out.
Blend it with 2 drops of eucalyptus essential oil for added benefits for lungs.
How To Use Oregano Essential Oil For Ear Infection?
Take a tea spoon of coconut oil and add 1 drop of natural oregano essential oil to it. Mix it well and apply to the infected area. Repeat it twice a day. Consult a doctor if the condition persists or worsens.
How To Take Oregano Essential Oil By Mouth?
It is a potent natural extract and can be extremely toxic if consumed orally, hence oregano essential oil should never be taken by mouth.
Conclusion
In summary, oregano essential oil is a powerful extract from the leaves of the oregano plant and has a warm, green, and fresh scent. Its multifold benefits include antioxidant support and antibacterial and antifungal properties making it a unique addition to home cleaners, perfumes, and oral care products.
It can be easily incorporated into soap and candle-making recipes and can be used to craft products that help fight pathogens. Experience a germ-free and refreshing life with natural oregano essential oil and harness the many aromatherapy benefits of this ancient elixir.
Discover a wide range of oregano oils including steam distilled essential oils, CO2 extracts and oleoresin at the click of a button with Aromachology Oils.
FAQ
What is oregano essential oil good for?
Along with controlling acne and dandruff, oregano essential oil is also good for naturally reducing bacteria and fungi and keeping any surface clean. In some cases it might help reduce allergic symptoms by eliminating the germs from the air.
Can you ingest oregano essential oil?
Ingesting any essential oil can be toxic and oregano oil is no exemption. Use it only for aromatherapy, topically, or for industrial manufacturing.
Is oregano essential oil safe for dogs?
While there is a lack of concrete evidence, certain compounds of oregano essential oil can be unsafe for dogs. Hence, it is better to not use it on or around dogs.
How to take oregano essential oil internally?
You should not take oregano essential oil internally/
Where to buy oregano essential oil?
Local aromatherapy stores, multispeciality wellness centers and wholesale essential oil suppliers like Aromachology Oils are some of the best places to buy oregano essential oil. Always ask for a COA and check for any additives to avoid purchasing a synthetic oil.
