Oregano Essential Oil

This article is the second in our "Living the Essential Life" series by Danielle McElroy.  Danielle is an oil enthusiast who enjoys living the natural life with her cat in a cozy cottage in the Boonies.  We are very fortunate to have Danielle as a part of our team applying her excellent research skills to the field of aromatherapy and essential oils.   

Also, in case you missed the announcement on our Facebook page yesterday, the winner of the Quick Reference Guide to Using Essential Oils is Rebecca!   

Oregano oil is a natural health remedy that has enjoyed a lot of popularity in the last decade with the general public.  Oregano is high in cavacrol, a phenol which has received a lot of scientific attention for its antiviral, antibacterial and antifungal properties in the lab.[i]  Used therapeutically since ancient times and also in Chinese medicine, oregano is seen as a virtual powerhouse of health. 

Oregano oil is commonly used as part of the Raindrop technique, where it is applied neat to the spine.  But for use at home you will want to dilute this one because it is a “hot” oil.  Note that oregano oil is strong medicine and is not for infants, children under 6 or pregnant and nursing moms.  It is safe for older children, but dilute it well.

Here are some of the terrific health benefits of oregano oil:

Antioxidant Action

Studies have shown that compounds in oregano show significant antioxidant activity with an effectiveness close to that of ascorbic acid (Vitamin C).[ii]  To use, dilute well and rub on the soles of your feet. 

Fight Viruses

Lab studies show that cavacrol (a phenol found in oregano oil) is effective at combating viruses such as herpes simplex [iii].   Another recent study found that cavacrol was successful at inactivating the norovirus organism and suggested that oregano may be a good candidate for a food and surface sanitizer.[iv]    Feel a sore throat coming on?  Try diluting a drop of oregano oil in some olive oil and place a tiny dab of the solution under your tongue.  

Fight Candida

Scientific studies have shown that oregano oil possesses antifungal properties, making it effective for inhibiting the Candida yeast organism.[v]   Oregano oil may help support a healthy digestive system in controlling yeast related conditions.  For digestive upsets try drinking a drop of oregano oil in 4 fluid oz. of soy milk or rice milk.

Antibacterial Properties

Scientific studies show that compounds in oregano oil have significant antibacterial properties.    One study found that compounds in oregano oil were effective against 27 different types of bacteria.[vi]   And recently it was discovered that even just the vapours of oregano oil can inhibit certain opportunistic bacteria (such as Cronobacter sakazakii bacterium and C. Malonaticus) which often infect children and immunocompromised adults  [vii]  Try diffusing oregano oil for up to 20 minutes (not for kids under 6).

Protects DNA

A lot of chemicals in our food system and our environment are toxic and can lead to the damage of our DNA, a process that contributes to disease.  Studies show that oregano oil contains antigenotoxic properties, which means that it may help protect DNA.[viii]

Oregano Oil is:

✔     OK for cooking and as a dietary supplement.  As a flavouring it is very strong so start with a toothpick tip first and adjust flavor from there.

✔     OK for topical use (dilute first) or diffusion

✗     not for infants, children under 6 or pregnant and nursing moms.  For older children, dilute well.

✗     not for everyday use—rather, save it for acute conditions, such as respiratory infections, colds and flu.

✗     not recommended for persons with high blood pressure or heart conditions

Tip:  Accidentally used too much oregano oil?  Feeling a hot tingling sensation?  Don't panic.  A little tingling is normal and usually passes in a minute or two.  Some of us have even grown to enjoy the sensation!  However, if irritation persists longer than a minute or becomes unpleasant you may wish to remove some of the oil.  Don't use water--instead, place a carrier oil on the area, such as olive oil or coconut butter and then wipe off.   

Did you know?

Oregano and Marjoram are names that are often confused by the public and misrepresented in the marketplace.  Part of the confusion is due to the fact that Marjoram used to have its own genus but now is placed under the genus Origanum along with Oregano plants.  The result is that various plants of the genus Origanum are randomly marketed as “Oregano,” “Wild Marjoram,” or even “Thyme”.  Most commercial oregano oil is actually created from Thymus capitatus, or Spanish oregano.[ix]   

Confused?  Check your label.  Young Living is careful to label each bottle of oil with the genus and species names of its ingredients rather than using the common plant names only.  That way, you will always know exactly what you are getting.   At the time of this writing in 2014, Young Living uses Origanum vulgare for its oregano oil.

Would you like to try this amazing oil for yourself?  This month is a great opportunity to earn a bottle for free!  Check out Young Living's October promotion for the Canadian market for all the details. 

   Please see our Research page for full abstracts.

              

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[i]  Suntres, ZE, Coccimiglio J, and Alipour M.  The Bioactivity and Toxicological Actions of Carvacrol.  Crit Rev Food Sci Nutr.  2015 Feb 23;55(3):304-318.

 [ii]  Zhang XL, GuoYS, Wang CH et al.  Phenolic compounds from Origanum vulgare and their antioxidant and antiviral activities.  Food Chem. 2014;152:300-6. doi: 10.1016/j.foodchem.2013.11.153. Epub 2013 Dec 1. 

[iii]  Lai W, Chuang, HS, Lee MH et al.  Inhibition of herpes simplex virus type 1 by thymol-related monoterpenoids.  Planta Med. 2012 Oct;78(15):1636-8. doi: 10.1055/s-0032-1315208. Epub 2012 Aug 13.

[iv]  Giling DH, Kitajima M, Torrey JR, Bright KR , Antiviral efficacy and mechanisms of action of oregano essential oil and its primary component carvacrol against murine norovirus. J Appl Microbiol. 2014 May;116(5):1149-63. doi: 10.1111/jam.12453. Epub 2014 Feb 12. 

 [v]  Rosato A, Vitali C, Gallo D et al.  The inhibition of Candida species by selected essential oils and their synergism with amphotericin B.  Phytomedicine. 2008 Aug;15(8):635-8. doi: 10.1016/j.phymed.2008.05.001. Epub 2008 Jun 24.

 [vi]Sokmen M, Serkedjieva J, Daferera d, et al. In vitro antioxidant, antimicrobial, and antiviral activities of the essential oil and various extracts from herbal parts and callus cultures of Origanum acutidens.   J Agric Food Chem. 2004 Jun 2;52(11):3309-12.

 [vii]  Frankkova A, Marounek M, Mozrova V et al.  Antibacterial Activities of Plant-Derived Compounds and Essential Oils Toward Cronobacter sakazakii and Cronobacter malonaticus.  Foodborne Pathog Dis. 2014 Jul 25. [Epub ahead of print]

 [viii]  Ipek E, Tuylu BA, Zeytinoglu.  Effects of carvacrol on sister chromatid exchanges in human lymphocyte cultures. Cytotechnology. 2003 Nov;43(1-3):145-8.

 [ix]Lawless, Julia, The Encyclopedia of Essential Oils. San Francisco: Conari Press, 2002.  Print.