Oregano - Origanum vulgare

History: Oregano (Origanum vulgare, Origanum onites, Origanum minutiflorum, Origanum majorana) is one of the most powerful and versatile essential oils. It contains strong immune-enhancing and antioxidant properties and supports the respiratory system. Oregano oil is widely known as a potent germ-killer, anti-inflammatory and pain reliever. Not only is it highly respected within the natural health community, it is also being widely studied within the scientific community for its vast medical uses.

Characteristics: A middle note with a strong aroma, this oil has a spicy but dry and woody aroma with earthy notes.

Clinical Studies: In research done on the oil, it has been found that it could supercede many commonly-used pain killers, such as aspirin and even morphine. Oregano oil also has extremely high levels of free-radical-fighting antioxidants, agents that protect the body from the development of chronic conditions over time. Studies have shown its usefulness against the prevention of candida albicans, aspergillus mold, staph infections, vaginal infections, pseudomonas and listeria. Certain studies reveal that it is as powerful a painkiller as the best ones on the market, with the added benefit that it is has little to zero side effects.

Indications:

• Anti Viral: It gives protection against viral infections. This means you become immune against cold, mumps, measles, pox and other problems created by virus.
• Anti Bacterial: Just as it protects you against viral infections, it protects you against bacterial infections too. This gives you protections against most of the diseases caused by bacteria, such as infections in colon, urinary tract etc., typhoid, cholera, sores, skin infections and temporary problems such as food poisoning.
• Anti Fungal: Virus, bacteria, fungi and protozoa are the four agents which are responsible for all types of communicable and infectious diseases. Out of these, fungi are responsible for some of the dreaded and fatal infections, internal and external. They cause some ugly infections of ear, nose and throat, which if not treated early, may reach the brain and prove fatal. Many skin infections are also caused by these fungi. Oregano Oil, if used regularly, internally or externally, can protect us effectively against these fungal infections.
• Anti Oxidant: This property turns out to be very beneficial in the long run. This protects you from the damages done to the body by the free radicals or oxidants, neutralizes the free radicals and repairs the damages already done. This slows down aging and protects from certain cancers, macular degeneration, degeneration of muscle due to aging, wrinkles, loss of vision and hearing, nervous disorders and many such ailments related to aging and effects of free radicals.
• Anti Inflammatory: This oil is good on sedating any type of inflammation, internal or external, caused due to any reason.
• Anti Parasitic: Many types of parasites, such as round worms, tape worms, lice, bed bugs, mosquitoes, fleas etc., some living inside human body and some outside, use human body as a source of food as well as act as carriers of communicable diseases. Oregano Essential Oil, when ingested, gets you rid of intestinal worms. Applied externally, it keeps away lice, bed bugs, mosquitoes, fleas etc.
• Anti Allergenic: This is another aspect of sedating property of Oregano Essential Oil. Allergy is hyper-reaction of body towards external stimuli. Oregano Oil, being sedative in nature, calms down this hyper-sensitivity and hence gives relief from allergy.
• Digestive: Oregano Oil promotes digestion by increasing secretion of digestive juices.
• Emenagogue: This oil is also beneficial for regularizing menstruation and pushing away menopause. Those who are suffering from obstructed menses may get a relief from this.
• Other Benefits: Helps heal Psoriasis, Eczema, Athlete’s foot, flu and other infectious ailments. Further, it can be used to treat bacterial infections like E Coli, Giardiasis and food poisoning. It relieves congestion. Certain studies reveal that it is as powerful a painkiller as the best ones in the market, with the added benefit that it is without the side effects.

Personality Profile:

Subtle Aromatherapy:

Mode of Administration: Aroma lamp, bath (with proper carrier oil), diffusor, inhaler, light bulb ring, massage, mist spray.

Safety:  It can cause irritation of skin and mucus membrane, if taken in higher concentrations or dosages. Pregnant women should avoid using it.

References:
Battaglia, S.  The Complete Guide to Aromatherapy; Third Edition The International Centre of Holistic Aromatherapy, Australia, 2017
Tisserand R. Young R.  Essential Oil Safety, second edition.  Churchill Livingstone, UK, 2013
Sheppard-Hanger S. The Aromatherapy Practitioner Reference Manual.  Atlantic Institute of Aromatherapy, USA, 2000
Caddy R. Essential Oils in Colour.  Amberwood Publishing, UK, 2005
Lawless J. The encyclopedia of Essential Oils.  Element Books Limited, GB, 1992
Caddy R. the Essential Blending Guide.  Amberwood Publishing, UK, 2007
Weaver W.W. Sauer’s Herbal Cures.  Routledge, UK, 2001
World Wide Web Encyclopedia Britannica. USA, 2014
Photos attribution – iStock Photos
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AromaWeb.com

Safety Considerations:
        Do not take essential oils internally.
        Do not apply to eyes, sensitive areas or mucous membranes.
        Do not apply undiluted to skin (for directions on proper dilution refer to an aromatherapy text).
        The information on this website is not intended to diagnose or prescribe.
        Pregnant women, nursing mothers and children should not use essential oils without first consulting a healthcare provider.
        The statements on this website have not been evaluated by the FDA.
        You should not use this information for treating a health problem or disease or to make a self-diagnosis.
        Contact your Health Care provider immediately if you suspect that you have a medical problem.

Information and statements regarding Kelley products have not been evaluated by the FDA and are not intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any health condition or disease. All information, content and product descriptions contained within this site is for reference purposes and is not intended to substitute advice given by a pharmacist, physician, or other licensed health-care professional. You should not use this information for treating a health problem or disease or to make a self-diagnosis.  Contact your Health Care provider immediately if you suspect that you have a medical problem.