Oregano Essential Oil (Origanum vulgare subsp. vulgare)

Overview

Oregano may also be referred to as Oregano, Origanum, True Oregano, Wild Marjoram, Origanum Vulgare L.. It is typically processed in Italy using steam distilled as a method for extracting oil from the leaves and flowers/buds.

Summary

Oregano oil comes from the flowering tops of the Origanum vulgare plant. It has a spicy scent.

Oregano Essential Oil is a very powerful essential oil and must be used with great care. Be sure to read the safety information provided below.

Oregano Essential Oil
CC Image by Ferran Turmo Gort on Flickr

Essential Facts

  • Aroma Description:

    Camphoraceous Herbaceous Spicy Warm

  • Common Name(s): Oregano, Origanum, True Oregano, Wild Marjoram, Origanum Vulgare L.
  • Botanical Family: Lamiaceae
  • Chemical Family: Monoterpenes, Phenols
  • Major Compounds: Carvacrol, p-Cymene, Gamma-Terpinene, Thymol, Linalool
  • Perfumery Note: Middle
  • Consistency: Thin
  • Strength of Initial Aroma: Strong
  • Color: Orange to Brownish
  • Countries of Production: Italy
  • Indigenous Country: Spain
  • Cultivation: Wild Harvested
  • Processing Methods: Steam Distilled
  • Part Typically Used: Leaves and Flowers/Buds
  • Shelf Life: 4-5 years
  • Conservation Status:  [LC] Least Concern
    IUCN Red List category abbreviations (version 3.1, 2001)
  • Ethically and sustainably sourced Ethically and sustainably sourced
  • Organic Organic
  • Vegan Vegan

Essential Details

Benefits & Uses

May be benefitial for addressing the following ailments:

Bodily Congestion

Therapeutic Benefits of Oregano:

Analgesic Anti-bacterial Anti-infectious Anti-septic Anti-viral CNS sedative Energizing Expectorant Immune support Stomachic Warming

Other Uses for Oregano:

Flavor Enhancer

Blends

Oregano Blends:

Camphor Chamomile, German Chamomile, Roman May Chang Oakmoss

Cautions & Safety

Cautions when using Oregano:

Tisserand and Young warn that Oregano Essential Oil is contraindicated during pregnancy and breastfeeding. They indicate that when using Oregano Oil, there is moderate risk for mucous membrane irritation, it may inhibit blood clotting and pose a drug interaction hazard. It may cause embryotoxicity. There is a moderate risk of skin sensitization, and Tisserand and Young recommend a dermal maximum of 1.1%. They advise not to use topically on children age 2 or younger or for those with hypersensitive/diseased/damaged skin. Reading Tisserand and Young's full profile is recommended. [Robert Tisserand and Rodney Young,Essential Oil Safety(Second Edition. United Kingdom: Churchill Livingstone Elsevier, 2014), 376.]

This essential oil poses a higher risk of causing irritation and sensitization when used in the bath. Avoid using it in the bath, even if it is solubilized/diluted.

Safety Precautions for Oregano:

Do not take any oils internally and do not apply undiluted essential oils, absolutes, CO2s or other concentrated essences onto the skin without advanced essential oil knowledge or consultation from a qualified aromatherapy practitioner. If you are pregnant, epileptic, have liver damage, have cancer, or have any other medical problem, use oils only under the proper guidance of a qualified aromatherapy practitioner. Use extreme caution when using oils with children and be sure to first read the recommended dilution ratios for children. Consult a qualified aromatherapy practitioner before using oils with children, the elderly, if you have medical issues or are taking medications. For in-depth information on oil safety issues, readEssential Oil Safety by Robert Tisserand and Rodney Young.

Botany

Botanical Description of Oregano:

Oregano is a perennial related to the herb marjoram, sometimes being referred to as wild marjoram. It has purple flowers and spade-shaped, olive-green leaves.

Energetic, Spiritual, and Emotional Qualities

Energetic, Spiritual, and Emotional Qualities of Oregano:

1st Chakra - survival and support, 2nd Chakra - relationships, creation energy, 3rd Chakra - personal power, Grounding, Purifying

Articles

Oregano Articles or Publications:

Orange, Sweet Essential Oil
Orris Root Essential Oil