Oregano, a member of the peppermint family, is a hardy, bushy herb plant used liberally in Mediterranean, Mexican, and many other culinary traditions around the world. Most people have experienced oregano in pizza and other Italian marinara sauces, but may not have heard of its use as an essential oil.
Essential Oil Features
Oregano essential oil has a strong, warm, spicy, somewhat sweet smell reminiscent of the winter holidays and natural medicinals. An excellent choice for fighting colds and flus typical of the colder months, oregano boasts a host of health benefits!
Oregano oil is high in phenols which are molecular compounds that fight bacteria and viruses. Most notable are Thymol and Carvacrol. Thymol is a fungicide and antiseptic. Carvacrol fights bacterial infections such as Candida albicans, staphylococcus, and E. coli to name a few.
To use oregano oil it is best to purchase the organic essential oil of the wild strain, Origanum vulgare, as this is the most therapeutically potent. Also make sure the brand you chose has at least 80% carvacrol content. Carvacrol is the main healing ingredient in oregano oil.
Here at The Intentional Wellness and Yoga Center we have carefully selected DoTerra’s essential oils for their world renowned high quality. Essential Oil Gift Sets are now available at the studio! Call Sue for more information (914) 401-9449 or reach out to us online: https://intentionalwellnessandyogacenter.com/contact-us/
Cough and Cold Treatment
If you’re suffering from a cough or chest congestion, add a few drops of the pure essential oil to a large bowl of hot water, put a towel over your head and inhale the warm vapors.
Another option is to sprinkle a few essential oil drops in a diffuser, though oregano isn’t the most typical household fragrance. Try adding a few drops of peppermint or lavender for a bright and cheery aroma therapy!
Soothe Aching Muscles
Add 5-10 drops of the essential oil to 2 oz of olive or coconut oil and massage over achy, sore, or even sprained muscles. For intense problem areas try adding a few drops to a towel soaked in very warm water. This will create an essential oil hot pack that will infuse your muscles with the anti-inflammatory properties of oregano oil.
Sinus Care
During the cold months of winter the air in door especially is often terribly dry due to indoor heating. Dry air can exacerbate cough and cold symptoms. Because it’s so easy to become dehydrated the mucous lining of the nasal passages become prone to sinus infections. Take care of your sinuses and breathe easy with the help of oregano essential oil! There are a few ways to take care of your sinuses:
First keep in mind that essential oils are very potent! Less is more! The first step is to make an Oregano Oil Dilute: Simply add 10-15 drops of Oregano Essential Oil to a 2oz glass bottle and fill the rest with a carrier oil such as organic extra virgin olive oil or coconut oil. You can use this in the recipe below:
Sinus spray: Mix in a glass bowl: 16 oz. purified warm water 1 Tbl. Sea Salt or Epsom salt (food grade quality) 8 drops Eucalyptus Essential Oil DILUTE 2 drops Oregano Essential Oil 2 drops Tea Tree Essential Oil Pour into a nasal spray bottle. Spray this solution up nose, stand over sink, and let your sinuses drain. Use as needed.
Another option is to add the above solution to a neti pot and rinse the nasal passages that way. You can also use Oregano Oil Dilute without the other oils in a saline solution for a very simple quick fix!
Healthy Dental Hygiene
Thanks to oregano oil’s powerful properties, the bacteria that causes plaque doesn’t stand a chance. Also parasites, fungus, and viruses cannot survive in the presence of oregano oil. It’s also an excellent choice for treating toothache because oregano oil reduces inflammation. To treat, use a few drops of your Oregano Oil Dilute (recipe above) and massage over your teeth and gums with your finger. Another option is to add afew drops to a few oz of saline water and swish. This is especially effective after flossing when the oregano oil saline solution can work it’s magic in between your teeth.
Cleaning with Oregano Oil
For a simple antibacterial cleaner add 10 drops to a bucket of hot water and 1cup vinegar. This excellent cleaner will leave your home sparkling! And because of the antibacterial properties, minus the toxic chemicals found in most cleaners on the market today, it is safe to use on children’s toys and pet products.
Warnings
Oregano essential oil is powerful, and should not be used while pregnant, breastfeeding or on infants and children unless highly diluted. Use with caution and at your own risk. As with any essential oil, make sure it is not a member of a plant family you are allergic to. Oregano is from the Lamiaceae family, which includes sage, mint, lavender, and basil. If you are sensitive to these plants you will most likely be sensitive to oregano as well, so use with caution.
The healing and helpful uses of oregano oil are easy to use, which is why it’s great to have essential oils on hand for these simple yet powerful home remedies!