Oregano Essential Oil vs. Oregano Leaf

Oregano has long been recognized for its powerful health benefits. It is available in many forms from herbs to essential oils to oregano leaf extracts.  But do you know what makes them different from each other ? With so many names being thrown around at once, it is often confusing to understand the exact utility of each product.

So, here is a comprehensive guide to understand  the difference between oregano essential oil and oregano leaf oil and the many ways they can be used.

What is Oregano Essential Oil?

Derived from the Origanum Vulgare plant, oregano is a robust, aromatic herb. Oregano essential oil is extracted from the leaves and the shoots of the plant using the steam distillation method, resulting in a pure and highly concentrated oil.

The presence of rich compounds like carvacrol, thymol, and rosmarinic acid boost its potency. Though the oil lacks an impressive colour, it makes up for it with its powerful healing and soothing properties. 

What is Oregano Leaf Oil?

In sharp contrast to oregano essential oil , oregano leaf extracts are made by soaking the leaves in a solvent, like alcohol or CO2. The result ? A stronger and more potent liquid packed with antimicrobial and anti-inflammatory properties.  Oregano leaf oil is also known as Oregan CO2. To avoid further confusion and to maintain clarity it will be referred to as oregano leaf oil / oregano leaf extract throughout the passage.

Key Differences Between Oregano Essential Oil and Oregano Leaf Oil

Both the derivatives of oregano have almost similar properties, but they differ in many other ways. From their making to inherent uses , let’s review these differences in detail.

1. Manufacturing Process 

The most clear and outright difference lies in the way they are each made. 
While the essential oil is made by steam distilling plant parts, the oregano leaf extract  is made by solvent or supercritical carbon dioxide.

2. Effectiveness

The great potency of oregano essential oil gives it an edge over oregano leaf extracts. Because essential oils are highly concentrated , using a few drops of it with a carrier oil will suffice. On the other hand, since oregano leaf extracts have a smaller quantity of active chemicals, they are less potent. More amount of leaf extract will be required to achieve the same level therapeutic effects as oregano essential oil. This makes leaf extracts less effective and certainly less economical.

3. Versatile applications

Oregano essential oil can be used in a plethora of ways.

• It can fight off bacteria and fungi and can be used to treat skin infections, nail fungus and athlete's foot.

• It can aid with the free flow of mucus to clear your airways from congestion.

• Rich in antioxidants like rosmarinic acid, it can capture free radicals , and protect your skin from damage, redness and irritation.

Oregano leaf oil has more of a restricted function.

• As an available dietary supplement it can be used in the forms pills and capsules. It can eliminate harmful bacteria from the gut to support smoother digestion and better nutrient absorption.

• It can be used as a pain relief treatment for sore muscles or joints.

4. Shelf life

Oregano essential oil is more stable and less likely to spoil over the years. Oregano essential oil can retain its beneficial qualities for up to several years if stored properly. Oregano leaf extracts have a lower shelf life since they are more prone to deterioration and spoilage.

How to Use Oregano Essential Oil vs. Oregano Leaf Oil

There are two major things to keep in mind while selecting either the essential oil or the leaf oil.

Firstly, since both are derivatives of the same plant , both contain the same elements in differing quantities. So the amount of each oil to be used changes accordingly.
Secondly, oregano essential oil cannot be consumed orally . It is the latter which can be taken internally.

However there are ways where you can use either of the oil without worry.

• Can be used as a skin cleanser by combining a few drops with carrier oils such as jojoba or almond oil  and applying them to the skin. This can help protect against bacteria and possible infections, while the properties may help you combat acne and dryness to achieve a fresh-faced look.
• It is a great essential oil for soap making, when combined with other oils like lavender, tea tree, or orange . Make handmade soaps with the antibacterial benefits of oregano oil. Adjust the quantity as per your cold-process soap making or melt and pour soap making recipe. When used for aromatherapy, it can help release tension and fatigue from your body.
• Can be used in a diffuser to  make your house or workspace smell fresh and clean.
• Can be formulated into a  DIY cleaning solution with great antibacterial properties to remove dust and dirt.

Safety and Side Effects

Safety methods for the use of oregano essential oil

A natural marvel, it is highly concentrated and potent. Thus, it is important to use it with safety and careful consideration. Here are some steps you can follow.

1. Always dilute an essential oil with a carrier oil like jojoba or coconut oil before applying it to the skin. Undiluted usage can cause burns and irritation.

2. Always do a patch test before use.

3. Do not ingest oregano essential oil. 

4. Overuse of essential oil can lead to skin sensitivity.

Safety methods for the use of oregano leaf extract

A lot of these tips have been mentioned above . However, they're pretty important and must be remembered rigorously. 

1. For topical applications , dilute the oregano leaf oil before use.

2. Do a patch test to check for any potential skin allergies.

3. Oregano leaf extract can be ingested. But, it is important to consult a healthcare professional beforehand . Do not consume undiluted extract.

4. Do not use excessively.

5. Exercise caution around children and pets.

Which One is More Effective?

Both oregano essential oil and oregano leaf oil have their  own strengths and weaknesses. The effectiveness of each type of oil depends on its use. For instance,  you want a skin cleanser. So you use something that is more powerful. In oregano essential oil , there is a higher concentration of skin cleaning agents. 1-2 drops of it, thoroughly diluted with almond or jojoba oil can be applied to achieve a radiant skin.

Less in cost, but double in benefits , essential oil is the right choice in this case.

Conclusion

In the growing world of wellness products, oregano has made its space as a remarkable therapeutic herbal product . Oregano essential oil and oregano leaf extract are the two sides of the same coin. But ultimately it depends on you to decide which one is the best suited to your needs.