Information on Origanum or Oregano Essential Oil
Origanum Essential Oil is extracted from Origanum vulgare of the Labiatae (Labiaceae) family and is also known as European, wild, common or grove marjoram as well as joy of the mountain.
This strong essential oil should not be used on the skin but is useful when used to clear a sickroom and to clean surfaces.
We suggest that you rather use Marjoram essential oil (Origanum majorana) as it is a safer option
Oil Properties
Origanum Essential Oil has a powerful, spicy, camphor-like aroma, is pale yellow in color and medium to watery in viscosity.
Origin
Origanum Essential Oil is a hardy, bushy perennial herb that grows up to 90cm (35 in) high, with an erect hairy stem, dark green oval leaves and a profusion of pink flowers clustered in heads at the top of the branches. It is a common garden plant, favored by bees, with a strong aroma when the leaves are bruised.
Oregano is a herb with an ancient medical reputation, now-a-days it is used extensively in Mediterranean cooking and dental preparations.
Extraction
Origanum oil is extracted from the dried, flowering tops of the herb by steam distillation.
Chemical composition
Some of the main chemical components are Carvacrol, ρ-Cymene, γ-Terpinene, Thymol, β-Caryophelene, α-Pinene
Precautions
Origanum Essential Oil from Origanum vulgare, is contra-indicated for use when taking anti-coagulants and diabetes medication.
Origanum Essential Oil may be toxic to an embryo in pregnancy and should not be used during pregnancy or when breastfeeding.
Origanum Essential Oil should not be used topically on diseased or damaged skin and should not be used on people with hypersensitive skin or on children of two years of age and below.
If you insist on using this essential oil topically, we suggest a maximum dilution rate of 1% on normal, healthy adult skin – please use with extreme caution and intermittently. Do not use on young children, the very sickly, elderly and on pregnant or breastfeeding woman.
As with most essential oils, this essential oil should be kept in a dark and cool place and should be stored in an airtight glass bottle (Preferably in the fridge at a temperature of around 4° Celsius / 39° Fahrenheit).
Please read our page with heading: Safety with Essential Oils before using this oil.
We recommend the following book as an excellent resource regarding safety:
Essential Oil Safety: A Guide for Health Care Professionals by Robert Tisserand & Rodney Young (#ad).
Therapeutic properties
The therapeutic properties of Origanum Essential Oil are antiviral, antibacterial, anti-fungal, anti-parasitic, antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, digestive and emmenagogue.
For our glossary and explanation of these therapeutic terms, please click here
Uses
This essential oil as an extremely strong anti-microbial, anti-fungal and anti-inflammatory agent.
Caution is needed when using this oil and it should be used in small amounts.
Most useful as a sterilizer when purifying and cleaning sick rooms and surfaces in the home.
We suggest the use of Marjoram essential oil in Aromatherapy – the binomial name of Marjoram essential oil is Origanum majorana and the two essential oils share quite a few of the same therapeutic properties. We regard Marjoram essential oil as safer to use.
Burners and vaporizers
Not recommended for vapor therapy – a drop or two in a burner or humidifier may be safe on occasion.
Blended Massage Oil or in the Bath
Not recommended, but a drop or two may be added on occasion.
Blended in a Cream
Not recommended, but a drop or two may be added on occasion.
Not recommended for use in Aromatherapy, but useful when used for cleaning surfaces and to clear sick room through diffusion before a new occupant arrives.
