When you hear “oregano” you probably think of Italian food. That powerhouse spice is also a powerhouse essential oil! Keep reading to learn about the incredible benefits of Oregano Essential Oil.
What is Oregano Essential Oil?
Oregano Essential Oil is a thin, pale yellow oil steam distilled from the oregano herb, scientifically known as Origanum vulgare. This distillation process captures the essence of this potent herb, concentrating its therapeutic properties into a versatile and easy-to-use format. Oregano Essential Oil boasts a distinct herbal and peppery aroma, classified as a medium note in aromatherapy.
Oregano Essential Oil Benefits
Cleans
Oregano Essential Oil is a powerful cleaning agent. According to a study1, it has antimicrobial properties that effectively kill harmful bacteria and viruses. Oregano Essential Oil is especially useful in the kitchen, where it can help to keep counters and cutting boards clean.
Supports Joint Function
Oregano Essential Oil is well-known for its ability to support joint function and soothe discomfort. As mentioned above, it can help soothe swelling throughout the body. Another study2 confirms that Oregano Oil has potent anti-inflammatory properties, making it ideal for those suffering from arthritis or joint pain.
Aids Digestion
Oregano Essential Oil also offers benefits for gut health. If you’ve ever struggled with digestive issues, you’ll be happy to know that Oregano Essential Oil may aid digestion and even treat small intestine bacterial overgrowth (SIBO). One observational study3 found that herbal preparations containing oregano were as effective as antibiotics in treating SIBO.
Cleanses Skin
Oregano Essential Oil is a powerful botanical extract with a wide range of benefits for the skin. The oil is well-known for its cleansing and antimicrobial properties that are not only useful in cleaning products. This study2 suggests it is also a promising candidate for skin care products.
Supports Healthy Cholesterol
Oregano Essential Oil may help to support healthy cholesterol levels. A study4 suggests several studies were conducted on essential oils containing thymol, which can lower total plasma cholesterol and triglyceride levels. This unique property makes Oregano Essential Oil a promising natural remedy for high cholesterol.
Supports Heart Wellness
Oregano Essential Oil has been shown to have an indirect cardioprotective effect per this study4. This means that it helps support heart wellness. This is because Oregano Oil helps to reduce inflammation throughout the body. This is important because inflammation is a major contributing factor to heart disease.
How to Use Oregano Oil + Recipes
Cleaning Recipes
Oregano Essential Oil can be a powerful addition to your cleaning routine. It has antimicrobial properties, and its strong scent can also help rid your home of odors and leave a fresh, clean aroma.
- Herbal Surface Cleaner
- Simple Floor Cleaner
- Happy Home Carpet & Scrubbing Powder
Personal Care Recipes
Transitioning to a natural skincare routine doesn’t have to be difficult or expensive. Infusing Oregano Essential Oil into your personal care practices can rejuvenate your skin, fight off bacteria, and leave you feeling refreshed and invigorated.
Roll-On Recipes
Oregano Essential Oil can also be used topically in a roll-on for targeted applications. Whether you need relief from muscle tension or want to boost your immune system, there’s a roll-on recipe for you.
Diffuser Blend Recipes
Create a welcoming and relaxing atmosphere in your home with Oregano Essential Oil diffuser blends. Mix it with other complementary oils for a unique and invigorating scent with added health benefits.
- Unwind Diffuser Blend
- Intention Diffuser Blend
- April Showers Diffuser Blend
An Earthie also shared with us her favorite recipe of Oregano Essential Oil. Check it out:
Joint & Muscle Massage Oil
Oregano: 1 drop
Helichrysum: 6 drops
Peppermint: 3 drops
Copaiba: 10 Jops
Jojoba oil: 2 ounces
Add oils to a 2-ounce bottle and shake well. Massage into affected areas.
Oregano Oil Blends Well With
Oregano Essential Oil has a herbal, peppery, and warm scent that blends well with Black Pepper, Cajeput, Chamomile (German), Citronella, Geranium, Lemon Eucalyptus, Marjoram, Pine, Rosemary, and Thyme (Red) Essential Oils.
What’s the Science Behind This Oil?
Carvacrol
Carvacrol, or cymophenol, has a characteristic pungent, warm odor of oregano. It is present in the essential oil of oregano, thyme, pepperwort, and wild bergamot. Carvacrol displays pharmacological activities such as anti-inflammatory, antioxidant, neuroprotection, and antitumor.
Thymol
Thymol is found in thyme oil, ajwain, and various other plants as a white crystalline substance with a pleasant aromatic odor and strong antiseptic properties. It also provides the distinctive, strong flavor of the culinary herb thyme. Thymol is used to reduce and eliminate internal parasites. It is also used as a preservative in halothane, an anesthetic. Thymol is also an active antiseptic ingredient in some mouthwashes and toothpaste, a rapidly degrading, non-persisting pesticide, and a medical and general-purpose disinfectant.
para-Cymene
para-Cymene is a naturally occurring aromatic organic compound. It is a constituent of several essential oils, most commonly the oil of cumin and thyme. Its industrial use range from air fresheners including candles with a fragrance, bathroom cleaners including bathtub, tile, and toilet surface cleaners.
What Earthies Are Saying About It
Things to Remember When Using This Oil
Always dilute an essential oil when using it on the skin. This essential oil is unlikely to cause skin irritation when diluted properly. If the oil has been oxidized (left with the cap off for long periods of time) it is more likely to cause skin irritation. Check out this dilution chart for diluting this essential oil properly.
This oil is generally not safe to use if you are pregnant. Consult your doctor prior to use.
This essential oil is safe to use with kids 10+.
Cats may find this oil irritating. However, we do not expect your cat to be disturbed if you use this oil on yourself. Just be mindful of your pet’s behavior. For more information on using essential oils with cats, check out this blog post.
Dogs may find this oil irritating. However, we do not expect your dog to be disturbed if you use this oil on yourself. Just be mindful of your pet’s behavior. For more information on using essential oils with dogs, check out this blog post.
We don’t recommend ingesting essential oils unless under the direction of a doctor certified in aromatherapy. For more information on why we don’t ingest essential oils check out this blog post.
*Please note: This post is a compilation of suggestions made by those that have extensively used essential oils and has not been verified scientifically with clinical tests nor reviewed by medical experts. It is anecdotal information and should be treated as such. For serious medical concerns, please consult your doctor. The statements given in this blog post have not been verified by the FDA
References:
- Rhoades J, Gialagkolidou K, et al. Oregano essential oil as an antimicrobial additive to detergent for hand washing and food contact surface cleaning. 2013 Oct
- Han X, Parker TL. Anti-inflammatory, tissue remodeling, immunomodulatory, and anticancer activities of oregano (Origanum vulgare) essential oil in a human skin disease model. 2017 Mar
- Chedid V, Dhalla S, Clarke JO, et al. Herbal therapy is equivalent to rifaximin for the treatment of small intestinal bacterial overgrowth. 2014
- Leyva-López N, Gutiérrez-Grijalva EP, Vazquez-Olivo G, Heredia JB. Essential Oils of Oregano: Biological Activity beyond Their Antimicrobial Properties. 2017 Jun