Description
This herb has been used for hundreds of years, believed to be used in spells that can bring happiness, protection and even love. However, nowadays it is better known for its use in cooking. Oregano oil can be useful during flu season to maintain health. Just a few drops in a diffuser can help clear the sinuses. There are several studies that prove the use of this oil as an anti-fungal agent and to fight bacteria in the intestines. This oil is ideal to add to your daily life.
INGREDIENTS
Origanum essential oil extracted by steam distillation 100%
HOW TO USE
Essential oils have the natural ability to heal, soothe, and stimulate. With antibacterial, antiviral, anti-inflammatory, and antimicrobial properties, essential oils have a wide variety of uses.
Sniff essential oils right from the bottle for an instant pick-me-up, to relive anxiety, or to induce relaxation. Add to carrier oil, such as jojoba, and use in a soothing massage. Place a few drops in diffuser to eliminate household odors. Add to cleaning products for more antibacterial and antimicrobial power. During cold and flu season, diffuse daily to stimulate immunity. Mix with carrier oil and apply to the skin to heal wounds. Add a drop or two to your face serum and apply daily to and protect skin against the signs of aging.
Before applying to skin, do a patch test.
How to patch test – Wash, clean, and dry the area on your upper arm near the crook of your elbow. Apply small amount of essential oil and cover with a bandage. Leave the bandage on for 24 hours, then remove and check for irritation. If skin looks clear and there is no reaction after the allotted test time, the oil is presumably safe to use. If you feel irritation at any time duringthe test, remove bandage and wash area with soap and water.
Oregano Essential Oil
Many, if not most, people have never heard of origanum vulgare. However, we are sure you have heard of oregano. Well, they are one and the same! Now, did you know that oregano essential oil is a popular choice in the world of essential oils?
Has this little tidbit sparked your interest in the essential oil? This is good as we are going to get to know everything about oregano essential oil — ranging from more about the oil and its extraction process to its myriad benefits.
What is Oregano Essential Oil Made Of?
Oregano essential oil comes from oregano or origanum vulgare. A staple in Italian dishes such as pasta and pizza and popular in Mediterranean countries, oregano has also been used since ancient times by the Romans and the Greeks for medicinal purposes.
The name “origanum” is derived from a Greek term that essentially means “brightness of the mountain”.
Part of the mint family, oregano is a flowering plant that is also a close relative of marjoram. So much so that some people refer to oregano as wild marjoram.
It is native to Western and Southwestern Eurasia as well as the Mediterranean. But, it has since naturalized in parts of the United States and Mexico. For the most part, hot and dry climate is ideal for oregano but it also does well enough in other types of environments.
How is Oregano Essential Oil extracted?
The most common and efficient way to extract oregano essential oil will be through steam distillation. Here, the leaves and shoots of the oregano plant are air-dried then steam distilled to extract the oil. This involves pushing hot pressurized air through the leaves and shoots followed by the condensation of the steam.
You will then find the extracted oil to be dark-colored and with a very potent aroma. Considering that the yield rate is just 1%, for every 1kg of fresh oregano you will only be able to extract approximately 10g of oregano essential oil.
Benefits of Oregano Essential Oil
1. Fights bacteria and infection
Thanks to certain compounds found in oregano, the essential oil is highly effective in fighting against infections. A study by Frontier Microbiology in 2016 showed that oregano essential oil has strong antibacterial activities — even against multidrug-resistant strains. An example of this is that the essential oil is even capable of killing E.coli.
2. Prevents and treats fungal infections
Did you know that oregano essential oil has also been found to be a very effective fungal infection treatment? In fact, it works wonders on infections like athlete’s foot, yeast infection, and even nail infection.
What you can do is topically apply a few drops of the essential oil to the affected area. Alternatively, add a few drops of the oregano essential oil to your bath, instead.
3. Heals wound
Since oregano essential oil is effective against infection, naturally it is great in helping to heal wounds, small cuts, and scabs as well.
Simply dilute the essential oil with water and apply it directly to the affected areas. Alternatively, wash and cleanse the affected area properly. Then, apply a drop or two of the oregano essential oil to the affected area.
4. Excellent as a natural insect repellent
If bugs and mosquitoes are aplenty, you can also use oregano essential oil to naturally repel these creepy crawlies.
Mix 2 to 3 drops of the oregano essential oil with about 2 drops of carrier oil (such as jojoba or coconut oil) and rub the mixture all over your body before leaving the house. You can also dilute the essential oil with some water in a spray bottle and spray the concoction all around your home.
5. Reduces and calms any inflammation
Due to oregano essential oil’s excellent anti-inflammatory properties, the essential oil is often used to reduce redness as well as tackle itchiness, sting, insect bites, and even discomfort caused by arthritis. Just dilute a drop or two of the oil with a carrier oil (such as coconut oil or jojoba oil) and apply it to the inflamed area with a cotton ball.
On top of that, it is also particularly useful to reduce inflammation of the face. For example, it can be used to reduce acne and breakouts to keep the skin smooth and clear. In this case, simply add a drop of the oil to your serum or cream.
6. Aids in inducing sleep
One of the most valued benefits of oregano essential oil is that the oil can be used as a sleeping aid. This is courtesy of its calming and relaxing effect.
To catch some z’s, sprinkle a few drops of the essential oil on your pillow right before you sleep. Of course, a few drops in the diffuser will work perfectly well, too, and can cover a wider area.
7. Prevents and reduces dandruff
If you suffer from an itchy scalp or dandruff issues, oregano essential oil can work as a quick solution. Simply mix a drop or two of the essential oil with your shampoo and let it works its magic on those pesky white flakes.
8. Helps with respiratory problems
Have you heard that oregano essential oil is a great breathing aid? It can help to reduce the buildup of mucus and phlegm. For some quick relief for sinus infection, add a few drops of the essential oil into a steaming bowl of hot water and inhale the vapor deeply.
Alternatively, you can also sprinkle a few drops of the essential oil on your pillow for a restful sleep.
Mixing Oregano Essential Oil with Other Essential Oils
While oregano essential oil is wonderful by itself, you can also blend it with other essential oils to enhance its benefits.
One of the essential oils that works particularly well with oregano essential oil is lemon essential oil. Simply mix the two essential oils together and you have got yourself a powerful cleaning agent. Not to mention, the mixture also smells amazing. This concoction should help to rid the house of pests and prevent mold as well.
On top of that, oregano essential oil also blends well with basil, bergamot, cypress, cedarwood, frankincense, lavender, peppermint, sandalwood, and tea tree essential oils.
Other Good-to-Know Information
As with any other essential oils, some people are, unfortunately, allergic to oregano essential oil. This is especially for those who are allergic to plants in the Lamiaceae family. This includes plants such as mint, sage, and basil. If you are allergic to these plants, there is a high probability that you are allergic to oregano essential oil, too.
As always, start with a patch test first and observe any reaction before using the essential oil liberally. Also, those with preexisting medical conditions and pregnant or nursing women should always consult their doctor first before using the essential oil.
For people with a bleeding disorder or those who will be undergoing surgery, do avoid the essential oil as it could increase the risk of bleeding.
Is Oregano Essential Oil Right for You?
In short, yes. Oregano essential oil is an underrated yet extremely useful essential oil that is just a wonderful addition to your collection.