Description
Oregano oil is extracted from Origanum vulgare of the Labiatae (Labiaceae) family and is also known as European, wild, common or grove marjoram as well as joy of the mountain.
Oil properties
Oregano oil has a powerful, spicy, camphor-like aroma, is pale yellow in color and medium to watery in viscosity.
Origin of Oregano
Oregano is a hardy, bushy perennial herb that grows up to 90cm (35 in) high, with an erect hairy stem, dark green oval leaves and a profusion of pink flowers clustered in heads at the top of the branches.
It is a common garden plant, favored by bees, with a strong aroma when the leaves are bruised.
Oregano is a herb with an ancient medical reputation, now-a-days it is used extensively in Mediterranean cooking and dental preparations.
Extraction
Oregano oil is extracted from the dried, flowering tops of the herb by steam distillation.
Chemical composition
The main chemical components are carvacrol, thymol, p-cymene, cis-ocimene, caryophyllene and linalool.
Precautions
Oregano oil from Origanum vulgare, as well as oil extracted from Thymus capitatus (Spanish oregano), is a dermal toxin, skin irritant and mucus membrane irritant and should not be used in aromatherapy and should also be avoided in pregnancy.
Spanish oregano is also known as Thymus capitans, Coridothymus capitatus, Satureja capitata, Israeli oreganum, Cretan thyme or thyme of the ancients.
More information about Oregano Oil
Skin Care ~ recommended to treat sores, cuts, wounds, rashes, eczema, psoriasis, rosacea, mumps, measles, chicken pox, cold sores, bruises, skin irritations, fungal & skin infections ~ anti-parasitic properties ~ helps relief many types of parasites ~ head lice, bed bugs & worms ~ insect repellent properties ~ anti-allergenic properties ~ gives relief from allergy skin reactions
Hair Care ~ eradicates dandruff
Digestive System ~ recommended for indigestion ~ contains calming properties
Immune System ~ considered to be ‘Natures Cure All’ ~ contains potent analgesic (pain relief), anti-bacterial, anti-inflammatory, anti-fungal, anti-oxidant, anti-parasitic & anti-viral properties
Lymphatic System ~ promotes sweating
Musculoskeletal System ~ effective against swelling & pain cause by arthritis, rheumatism, neuralgia ~ muscular & body aches, pains, sprains & cramps
Respiratory System ~ recommended to respiratory ailments ~ treat colds, flu, bronchitis, coughing, sinus, sore throats & asthma ~ expectorant properties
Reproductive System ~ beneficial for regularising menstruations ~ delay the onset of menopause & provides relief from menopausal symptoms
Emotional ~ Spiritual ~ makes one feel safe & secure ~ balances emotions ~ releases the fear of completion & thoughts of vulnerability ~ guards against negative energies or influences ~ offers emotional wellness
Blends well with ~ Basil, Bergamot, Camphor, Cedarwood, Chamomile, Citronella, Cypress, Dill, Eucalyptus, Eucalyptus Lemon Scented, Fir Needle, Grapefruit, Grapefruit Pink, Lemon, Lemon Balm, Lemongrass, Lemon Myrtle, Lemon Verbena, Mandarin, May Chang, Melissa, Oak Moss, Orange, Pine, Rosemary, Rosewood, Sandalwood, Tangerine, Tea Tree, Thyme
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Safety ~ non-toxic & non-sensitizing ~ can be a skin irritant ~ recommended to avoid during pregnancy
