Oregano

Oregano - Origanum vulgare

Used in ancient Greek medicine, oregano leaf was lauded for its ability to support respiratory, digestive, and immune system health. Oregano leaf was also praised for its amelioration of menstrual challenges. Recent research has focused on oregano leaf's potential as a free radical scavenger and for its immune system support.

Oregano is high in antioxidant activity, due to a high content of phenolic acids and flavonoids. Additionally, oregano has demonstrated antimicrobial activity against food-borne pathogens such as Listeria monocytogenes.

The leaves and flowering stems are strongly antiseptic, antispasmodic, carminative, cholagogue, diaphoretic, emmenagogue, expectorant, stimulant, stomachic and mildly tonic. Aqueous extracts, capsules, or oil extracts of oregano are taken by mouth for the treatment of colds, influenza, mild fevers, fungal infections, indigestion, stomach upsets, enteric parasites, and painful menstruation.

It is a strong sedative and should not be taken in large doses, though mild teas have a soothing effect and ensure restful sleep. Used topically, Oregano is one of the best antiseptics because of its high Thymol content.

Oregano Oil has a warm, spicy herbaceous odor. Helps support a healthy respiratory system. CAUTION: This oil can be very irritating to the skin and mucous membranes. It should be diluted to no more than 1% and first tested on a small patch of skin.

Oregano is one of the strongest antibacterial essential oils. You can smell the oil's power from the first moment the bottle is opened - the aroma is quite intense. According to some aromatherapists, the essential oil may be best used when a strong response to bacterial infection is needed; it has a broad spectrum of bactericidal and anti-microbial action. It can be taken internally, adding 1 to 2 drops first to a carrier oil like Olive (or any other edible oil) and then to warm water, taken several times per day.

Essential oils tend to be metabolized fairly rapidly in the body ~ most of the time, the best use is small amounts, frequently. Do not simply ingest directly from the bottle (it will burn the inside of one's mouth!). Note that Oil of Oregano processed for ingestion found in health food stores is this same essential oil, typically diluted in Olive oil, then capsulated.

Fungal infection of finger and toenails is a common ailment effectively addressed with the oil. Rub a small amount of oregano into each affected area until the infection is completely cleared. If the oil is too strong and irritating to the skin, dilute 50/50 with olive oil. Never worry that you are loosing potency by diluting an essential oil; most of the time, "less is more" when using any pure essential oil. Another effective blend can be made with oregano and tea tree oil, used in the same manner.

Oregano is a perennial herb, growing from 20–80 cm tall, with opposite leaves 1–4 cm long. Oregano will grow in a pH range between 6.0 (mildly acid) and 9.0 (strongly alkaline) with a preferred range between 6.0 and 8.0. The flowers are purple, 3–4 mm long, produced in erect spikes. It is sometimes called Wild Marjoram.

Cautions for Oregano