Oregano Essential Oil

Description

Oil Summary: Oregano Essential Oil is the commonly known spice oregano, a pungent and versatile culinary herb common to Italian and other Mediterranean cuisine. Along with origanum, the plant contains several other compounds, including phenol, borneol, pinene, thymol, carvacrol, terpineol, linalool, bisabolene, geranyl acetate, linalyl acetate and trace esters. Oregano Essential Oil contains the highest proportion of phenol than any other aromatic plant, making it highly antiseptic. Known primarily for its antimicrobial and antioxidant properties, it has many devotees, most of whom laud it as a cure-all as well as a preventative treatment for seasonal illness. Steam distilled from the leaves and the flowers of the plant, it produces a pale, thin, amber-yellow liquid with a medium-strength middle fragrance note. Its aromas are warm, camphorous, spicy, savory and herbal, and whether using for medicinal, antibacterial or culinary purposes, a tiny bit of this powerful essential oil goes a long way. 

Odor and Appearance: A yellowish red to dark brownish red liquid having a pungent, spicy odor suggestive of thyme oil.

Country of origin: Hungary

Botanical Name: Origanum vulgare

Contraindications : Origanum vulgare is highly irritating to the skin, and can cause severe irritation if used undiluted. Be sure to heed all recommended dilution factors, and test on a small area of your skin until you know your tolerance. Avoid contact with the eyes, the inner ears and mucous membranes. It should also be cautioned that overuse of oregano oil can kill the good bacteria in your gut as well as the bad. Ultimately, you want to maintain an alkaline balance in the body, so high daily doses are not recommended: in all of its various applications, a little goes a very long way. If you are allergic to mint, marjoram, sage, basil or lavender, you might be allergic to oregano as well. If you are pregnant, you should avoid origanum essential oil, as it is a hormonal stimulant and has the potential to cause contractions that may lead to a miscarriage.