Oregano

Botanical Name

Origanum vulgare

Plant Family

Lamiaceae

Country of Origin

Worldwide: USA, India, South America, Russia, Bulgaria, and Italy

Common Method of Extraction

Steam Distilled

Plant Part Typically Used

Leaves and Flowers/Buds

Color

Pale Yellow

Consistency

Thin

Perfumery Note

Medium

Strength of Initial Aroma

Strong

Aromatic Description

Oregano Essential Oil smells herbaceous and sharp.

Possible Substitute Oils

Marjoram, thyme (carvacrol CT)

Blends Well With

Bergamot, camphor, cedarwood, cinnamon, chamomile (German, Roman), clove, cypress, eucalyptus, frankincense, ginger, lavender, lemon, marjoram, melaleuca (tea tree), myrrh, orange, pine, rosemary, thyme

GRAS status

YES

Oregano Essential Oil Uses

Analgesic, anthelmintic, antibacterial, antifungal, antirheumatic, antiseptic, antispasmodic, antitoxic, antiviral, bactericidal, carminative, choleretic, cytophylactic, diaphoretic, diuretic, emmenagogue, expectorant, febrifuge, fungicidal, parasiticide, rubefacient, stimulant, tonic.

Source: Valerie Ann Worwood, The Complete Book of Essential Oils and Aromatherapy, 25th Anniversary Edition (Novato, CA: New World Library, 2016, 610.

Major Constituents of Oregano Essential Oil

• Carvacrol
• p-Cymene
• Gamma-Terpinene
• Thymol
• Linalool

See Essential Oil Safety for more complete list of typical constituents.

Source: K.H.C. Baser, T. Oztek, G. Tumen, et al. Composition of the Essential Oils of Turkish Origanum Species with Commercial Importance. (Journal of Essential Oil Research 5, 1993), 619-623. Source cited in Robert Tisserand and Rodney Young, Essential Oil Safety (Second Edition. United Kingdom: Churchill Livingstone Elsevier, 2014), 375-376.

Oregano Essential Oil Safety Information

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.

Recommended Dilution Range

1.5%-20%; 50% for some conditions

General Safety Information

Do not take essential oils internally nor 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. Read, Birkat Natural’s, Guide to Diluting Essential Oils, for general dilution information. If you are currently experiencing pregnancy, epileptic, have liver damage, have cancer, have any other medical problem, or are otherwise under the care of a physician, 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. Carefully read Birkat Natural’s Essential Oil Safety Information page, before using any essential oil. For in-depth information on oil safety issues, read Essential Oil Safety by Robert Tisserand and Rodney Young.

The FDA has not evaluated the statements on this website. No claims are made by Birkat Adonai Farm, LLC as to the medicinal value of any products from Birkat Adonai Farm, LLC. The information presented here is for educating our customers about the traditional uses of essential oils and is not intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any disease. You are responsible for understanding the safe application of these products. If you have any questions, please call or email us for further information.