Oregano Oil: Uses, Benefits and Side Effects

Our powerful Oregano oil concentrate contains 25% carvacrol (.02 mL/serving), this key phyto-compound is what makes Oil of Oregano so powerful.

Oregano is a common Mediterranean plant noted for its use in regional cooking, especially Italian food. Oregano is a member of the mint family and its active compounds are the volatile oils that are concentrated in the plant's leaves. Besides its culinary application, oregano has a history of use as medicinal folklore useful as a respiratory and stomach herb.

If you have ever eaten fresh oregano leaves you know it is pungent, bitter and spicy. In fact it can almost be irritating to the oral cavity. This potent sensation is due to the abundant volatile oils, these are the oils which make oregano such a powerful plant ally. And, modern research has revealed that oregano and oregano oil are powerful antioxidants due the presence of potent compounds found the oil. Compounds such as carvacrol, rosmaric acid, thymol and pinene to name a few. This makes oregano as useful spice herb and potent health herb on par with tumeric.


Oregano oil is an essential oil, it is produced by distilling fresh leaves, stems and flowers. This process yields a small amount of oil but that oil is load with powerful phyto compounds. Carvacrol is one of the main phyto chemicals found in oregano oil. This compound has been found to inhibit the growth of certain bacterias. It is oregano's application as an anti-bacterial compound which interests most people.

Common Uses of Oregano Oil

 

 

Side Effects of Oregano Oil

Oregano oil is considered safe for internal use. But it is very potent and it can irritate the mucous membranes and possibly cause an upset stomach. It is when the oil is ingested straight from the bottle that one may experience irritation. And a very easy way to negate the possible irritation is to consume Oregano oil with a teaspoon of olive oil at meal times.

How to Use Oregano Oil

When using oregano oil note that it is a powerful substance and a small amount goes a long way. For ingestion purposes put ONE drop of oil into a tablespoon of olive oil and take with a meal. Keep the oil away from your eyes and sensitive skin areas such as the face and groin. For topical use do a skin test first if you find the direct oil irritating then dilute it with olive or another type of oil before applying it to your skin.

Oregano oil can also be diffused in an aromatherapy diffuser to clean the air of harmful microbes. To clean surfaces with Oregano oil add one drop to 8 oz of cleaning solution and use as normal.

This piece was written and compiled for Zebra Organics by Mark D'Aquila, flower essence practitioner, www.essencealchemy.com

FDA Disclaimer: This product or these statements have not been evaluated by the Food and Drug Administration. This product and statements are not intended to diagnose, treat or cure any disease. If you have a medical condition you need to seek qualified licensed medical help.

*PubMed PMID: 19039907