Oregano Essential Oil

Oregano
Origanum vulgare

Source: Plant
Origin: Turkey
Energetics: Yang
Extraction Method: Steam Distilled
Scent: A spicy and powerful aroma of  the oregano herb we all know  and love from our Mediterranean culinary dishes. 
Blends Well With: Bergamot, Chamomile (Roman & German Blue) Lavender, Cypress & Cedarwoods.

About

Oregano essential oil is known for its health properties - it may help you with recovery, keeping you healthy and positive. The immune system enhancing qualities may keep support you during colds, flu and even muscle ache.

Historical Snippets

The ancient Greeks were the ones to discover the therapeutic benefits of Oregano which was also known as “joy of the mountain”. They used it for digestive ailments, respiratory conditions and as an antiseptic. In Chinese medicine, they had similar uses but also found it to cure skin infections and jaundice. Oregano is mentioned in the Bible to be given by God as one of the healing plants to humans. 

Key Constituents

• 71.70% Carvacrol
• 4.90% para-Cymene
• 4.40% gamma-Terpinene
• 3.50% Linalool
• 3.3% Caryophyllene
• 2.10% Thymol
• 1.30% Cineol
• 1.30% Borneol
• 1.00% Camphor
• 0.9% Terpineol

Plus balance being d-Limonene, beta-Pinene, Terpinene-4-ol, Terpinenes, Carvone, Eugenol, Camphene, Pinenes, alpha-Phellandrene, Neral.

PLEASE NOTE

Our Oregano Essential Oil is pure and natural and is not diluted with olive oil. You receive 100% Origanum vulgare oil, not a diluted version that is often common place. I see one specialist supplier in oregano oil list their ingredients as: Cold-pressed extra virgin olive oil (Australian), pure oregano oil (non-GMO origanum vulgare). I suggest it is mainly olive oil with a bit of oregano essential oil but they do not reveal the percentage breakdown.

How To Use

Diffuse: Add a few drops to a diffuser to disperse around the room

Topically: Dilute essential oil with any carrier oil at a 2.5% ratio. This equates to 2.5ml essential oil/oils in total mixed with 100ml of chosen carrier oil. 1ml of essential oil is approximately 20-22 drops of oil.  Decant into a roller or glass bottle with eye dropper to apply easily or a larger bottle if using for massage. Please note this dilution rate is for adults and children over the age of 6. More information on children and essential oils is on our blog page. Essential Oils should not be used directly on the skin without mixing first with a carrier oil

Inhalation: Add 1-2 drops essential oil to a tissue and inhale at a distance while ensuring that the oil does not come into direct contact with the skin. Alternatively, you can smell the oil directly from the bottle.

Shelf Life 

Our freshly decanted Oregano essential oil will last for 3-4 years minimum from when you open your amber glass bottle if stored correctly.

Primary Storage Considerations: Keep away from direct light (U.V. radiation). Keep in the amber glass bottle with lid tightly closed. Only open when you need to and decant into a smaller "working" amber glass bottle if possible (and label so you know what is in it). This is to reduce oxidation.
Secondary Storage Considerations: Keep in a refrigerator at around 4 degrees celsius.

Safety

General
Some essential oils may cause photosensitivity to the skin - Use diluted in Jojoba or other complete carrier oil.
Do not ingest essential oils.
Do not apply to eyes, sensitive areas or mucous membranes.
The information on this website is not intended to be used in the diagnosis, treatment or mitigation of any physical or mental illness. Ahimsa Oils offer no advice or recommendations only general information. No therapeutic claims are made within.
Pregnant women, nursing mothers and children should not use essential oils without first consulting an appropriately trained healthcare practitioner.

The statements on this website have not been evaluated by the TGA. David Bosley however worked for a long period in consultation with the TGA to ensure correct labelling with reference to the Ahimsa Oil product range.

Specific
Hazards: Drug interaction; inhibits blood clotting; embryotoxicity; skin irritation (low risk); mucous membrane irritation (moderate risk).
Contraindications: Pregnancy, breastfeeding
Cautions: Hypersensitive, diseased or damaged skin, children under two years of age.
Maximum dermal level: 1.1%
A dermal maximum of 1.1% is recommended, based on 87.8% total thymol and carvacrol content and a dermal limit of 1% for carvacrol and thymol to avoid skin irritatrion.
For transportation purposes, this product is classed DG due to flash point range between 60.5°C and 93.3°C

References

Sheppard-Hanger, Sylla. The Aromatherapy Practitioner Reference Manual: Atlantic Institute of Aromatherapy, 1999. Print.
Tisserand, R., & Young, R. (2014). Essential Oil Safety: Second edition.