Oregano Essential Oil Benefits and Uses
You’ve probably heard of oregano, but what about oregano essential oil? Not just limited to culinary uses, oregano can also be made into an essential oil and used in some aromatherapy techniques and cleaning. Keep reading to hear more about this unique essential oil, and how you can use it safely.
The Plant
Oregano (origanum vulgare) is a small bushy green herb that is native to Western Asia and the Mediterranean. It’s also known as wild marjoram and is a member of the mint family. It has a very strong, spicy aroma and has a slightly warm pungent taste. The name oregano comes from the ancient Greek words “oros” and “ganos” meaning the joy of the mountains.
Method of Extraction
Oregano leaves are picked, dried, and then steam-distilled to produce a 100% pure essential oil. Oregano essential oil is generally golden to dark yellow in color and has a strong, herbaceous aroma. It contains carvacrol and thymol, two powerful chemical compounds that are known for warding off bacteria.
Traditional Uses of Oregano
Oregano has been used for centuries for both culinary and medicinal purposes. Dating back to ancient Greece, it was thought to be the antidote for poisons and bad spirits. Hippocrates used to prescribe oregano for various maladies ranging from headaches to stomach pains. In the Middle Ages, people would chew oregano leaves for toothaches and other maladies. Throughout history, it has also been a popular spice in Italian cooking. Today you can find oregano essential oil in culinary products, cleaning products, and candles.
Safety Precautions When Using Oregano Essential Oil
Oregano essential oil can be extremely irritating to the skin, so we do not recommend using it topically even if it’s well diluted. It can cause the skin and scalp to have a burning sensation and additional adverse reactions. It is best to only inhale oregano essential oil by adding a very small amount (1 drop) to your diffuser with other essential oils and water. Because it has a very strong, spicy, and fiery aroma it can also be irritating to the lungs if it’s not used in very small amounts.
You can also try using a small amount or oregano essential oil in DIY cleaning products if combined with other essential oils. As always ensure you are in a well-ventilated area before using oregano essential oil and away from children, pets, pregnant women, and anyone with respiratory issues. For more essential oil safety tips, take a look at this article.
Benefits of Oregano Essential Oil
As mentioned previously, oregano essential oil can be incredibly irritating to the skin, so its benefits to the body are somewhat limiting. When inhaled in small amounts, oregano essential oil can be energizing and stimulating, and help promote feelings of confidence and courage. It can also ward off bacteria in DIY cleaning products.
How to Use Oregano Essential Oil
Here are some safe ways you use oregano essential oil.
For Improving Your Environment
● Add 1 drop of oregano essential oil, 2 drops of lavender essential oil, and 3 drops of orange essential oil to your diffuser along with water (as directed) to freshen your space, rid odors, and boost self-confidence. Be sure to diffuse in a well-ventilated room and do not leave the diffuser on for prolonged periods of time.
For Cleaning
● Combine 2 cups of white vinegar, 2 cups of water, 1/4 cup liquid dish soap (or castile soap), 30 drops of lemon essential oil, 15 drops of tea tree essential oil, and 5 drops of oregano essential oil in a glass spray bottle and shake to combine. Use it as a spray cleaner in your kitchen and bathroom to remove grit and grime.
About Cliganic Organic Oregano Essential Oil
Certified USDA Organic and Non-GMO Project Verified, Cliganic Organic Oregano Essential Oil is 100% pure and sustainably sourced. It has a beautiful golden color, and strong herbaceous aroma, and is a great high-quality option if you’re looking to expand your essential oil collection.
Closing Thoughts
With benefits in and out of the kitchen, oregano is an ancient essential oil that can be used in smaller amounts as long as you follow the right safety protocols. Some of the best essential oils to pair with oregano essential oil include rosemary, lavender, and orange. Looking for more herbaceous essential oils? Look at this article: Facts About Rosemary Essential Oil.
