Oregano
Oreganum Vulgare
Oregano Oil is derived from the oregano plant and has been used throughout history for thousands of years,. The oil is popularly used for skin conditions and can be used for acne, athletes foot, warts and dandruff to name a few.
History of Oregano Oil
Oregano has been used throughout history for thousands of years, and can be dated as far back as 3000BC. During Roman and Greek times, it was one of the most used herbs for medicinal purposes. It is believed to have originated in countries that sit on the mediterranean and across central Europe. Oregano Oil was mostly used to treat headaches, and it was believed to work as an antidote for snake poison, as Greek philosopher Aristotle used Oregano Oil after he saw animals chewing on the herb after they had been stung by snakes. Aside from its medical use, Oregano Oil was also used to preserve food, as an antiseptic as well as a soothing massage oil.
Like most oils which were used thousands of years ago, Oregano Oil was a popular oil used during religious ceremonies such as weddings, as well as prayer and spiritual acts. Often graves were covered with dried oregano to allow the deceased to rest in peace. It was only from the early 1900's that the oil rose to prominence on a global scale, as the herb was (and still is) easy to obtain and is commonly used in multiple dishes, notably in Italian, Greek, Turkish and Cypriot cuisines to add extra flavour to dishes.
Today, Oregano Oil is still popular in aromatherapy, and the herb is in many people’s homes and restaurants enhancing the flavour of many dishes.
So, why is Oregano Oil still popular today?
Due to its deep rooted history, Oregano Oil cemented itself into many cultures and medicinal practices. Although Oregano Oil isn’t commercialised within industries such as healthcare and beauty, it is still a common staple for many essential oil users because of its versatility. Scientists have said that there is still a lot that is yet to be discovered about Oregano Oil and its benefits, and it’s clear that it did have a positive effect for those who got sick all of those years ago.
The oil itself is an excellent and widely accessible essential oil which can work well on its own or blended with others in your collection. Overall it’s an oil which has added a lot of value over thousands of years, and we don’t see it losing popularity any time soon!
Extracting Oregano Oil
Like most essential oils, Oregano Oil is extracted using steam distillation. The leaves of the oregano herb are put into a distiller, where steam gently lifts the oil from the leaves. Once the water has condensed and cooled, the oil will then form a layer on top, where it can then be skimmed off; voila! Oregano Oil is created. This is a common method for the majority of essential oils as it’s a non-invasive yet effective method of extracting the oil without damaging it, whilst still being able to yield a generous amount of the oil.
There can be other methods used to extract the oil, however on a commercial scale this is the most common. Other methods may not extract as much, or they can be mixed with carrier oils to dilute the overall mixture (which is why you may see some ‘essential’ oils as cheap, when in fact they’ve just been diluted).
Can I make Oregano Oil at home?
Yes, you can. Providing you have access to oregano leaves and own/rent a steam distiller, you can make the oil in the comfort of your own home. If you’re someone who regularly makes essential oils, then we recommend buying a steam distiller as it may work out cheaper in the long run to make the oil. Oregano leaves are accessible, and providing you have the right climate you can grow your own oregano plant easily. However, if you live in an area where it’s hard to either access or grow oregano, your best bet would be to buy the oil from a trusted supplier.
What do you think of Oregano Oil? Have you made it at home before? What was the outcome? The Essentially Yours team loves to hear how you’re using your essential oils, so, feel free to reach out and tell us your stories today!
Can I make Oregano Oil at home?
Yes, you can. Providing you have access to oregano leaves and own/rent a steam distiller, you can make the oil in the comfort of your own home. If you’re someone who regularly makes essential oils, then we recommend buying a steam distiller as it may work out cheaper in the long run to make the oil. Oregano leaves are accessible, and providing you have the right climate you can grow your own oregano plant easily. However, if you live in an area where it’s hard to either access or grow oregano, your best bet would be to buy the oil from a trusted supplier.
What do you think of Oregano Oil? Have you made it at home before? What was the outcome? The Essentially Yours team loves to hear how you’re using your essential oils, so, feel free to reach out and tell us your stories today!
Oregano Oil Varieties
Oregano Oil Varieties
There are many different varieties of oregano, and they are mostly named after the country or region whereby the herb is grown. For example, some of the most common varieties are: Common Oregano, Cuban Oregano, Green Oregano, Italian Oregano etc. It’s completely dependent on where the oregano is from, as this depends on the variety of oil that you’ll get.
However, there is no evidence to suggest that a particular variety is better than the other, as the composition of the oil remains the same. This means that the only difference will be the scent or potentially the texture of the oil. Texture rarely matters with essential oils as you’ll either mix them with a carrier oil, or put them in water or candles where the thickness of the oil becomes irrelevant. However, the scent may impact which variety is favourable.
However, there is no evidence to suggest that a particular variety is better than the other, as the composition of the oil remains the same. This means that the only difference will be the scent or potentially the texture of the oil. Texture rarely matters with essential oils as you’ll either mix them with a carrier oil, or put them in water or candles where the thickness of the oil becomes irrelevant. However, the scent may impact which variety is favourable.
So, which variety of Oregano Oil should I use?
As mentioned, there is no stand out variety of Oregano Oil that boasts better benefits than others, so we recommend finding an oil which works for you in terms of its scent and price point. As always, we advise all of those in our community to buy 100% essential oils and check their purity, to ensure that you’re getting an oil which isn’t damaged or mixed with alcohols or carrier oils. The most common Oregano Oil on the market seems to be Greek, so if you don’t know where to start - try that one first and let us know what you think of it!
What do you think of Oregano Oil? Is it an essential in your collection? As always, the team loves to hear how you’re getting on with your oils (whether that’s your blends or how it’s personally helped you) - so feel free to submit your stories to one of the team today.
So, which variety of Oregano Oil should I use?
As mentioned, there is no stand out variety of Oregano Oil that boasts better benefits than others, so we recommend finding an oil which works for you in terms of its scent and price point. As always, we advise all of those in our community to buy 100% essential oils and check their purity, to ensure that you’re getting an oil which isn’t damaged or mixed with alcohols or carrier oils. The most common Oregano Oil on the market seems to be Greek, so if you don’t know where to start - try that one first and let us know what you think of it!
What do you think of Oregano Oil? Is it an essential in your collection? As always, the team loves to hear how you’re getting on with your oils (share your favourite blends or how it’s personally helped you) - so feel free to submit your stories to one of the team today.
Benefits of Oregano Oil
Oregano Oil is a popular essential oil which is made from oregano leaves. The oil is extracted by steam distillation, and there are multiple varieties depending on which country the oregano plant has come from. Throughout history Oregano Oil was used as a medicine, as well as treating muscular and joint pain when used topically. Aside from its medical use, Oregano Oil was also used to preserve food! Today, Oregano Oil is popular in aromatherapy, as well as the herb itself being used widely across european cuisine and religious ceremonies.
What are the benefits of Oregano Oil?
Antifungal and antibacterial
Oregano Oil has the ability to kill bacteria and prevent disease from spreading further, and can be a great natural alternative for bacterial skin infections or growths.
Antioxidant
Oregano Oil can be used on your face as it is a powerful antioxidant, clearing your skin of toxins and congestion and brightening your complexion. It can make your skin look and feel smoother whilst reducing the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles. Like other essential oils on the market, it works well as a natural remedy for breakouts, and in some cases severe acne.
Boosts immune system
If you’re looking for a natural remedy to boost your immune system, Oregano Oil has the ability to reduce congestion when sick, eliminating excess fluids from your nose and throat. When inhaling the oil it can feel sedating, and can help with a persistent cough, too.
Anti-inflammatory
Like a lot of essential oils on the market, Oregano Oil acts as a strong anti-inflammatory and can work well as a massage oil for aching, tired muscles and joints.
Aids restful sleep
Due to its sedating effects, Oregano Oil can be put in an electric diffuser either on its own or blended with another calming oil like Lavender Oil to help aid restful sleep.
Please note that the benefits of each oil vary from person to person, and what works for someone else may not work for you. Please consult with your dermatologist if you are already on treatments or supplements for your skin and want to incorporate Oregano Oil into your routine.
Uses of Oregano Oil
Oregano Oil is a popular essential oil which has been used for thousands of years. Originating in the Mediterranean, it was first used during ancient Roman and Greek periods for medicinal purposes. The dried herb as well as the oil was used to treat a number of illnesses as well as bacteria and fungal infections; Greek philosopher Aristotle believed that the oil worked as an antidote for snake bites!
The oil was also very popular in religious ceremonies as well as spiritual acts and prayers. Today, Oregano Oil is widely used across aromatherapy, beauty and medicine. It’s extracted using steam distillation and is a widely accessible oil on a commercial scale. As of 2019, Chile is one of the largest producers of Oregano!
What can I use Oregano Oil for?
Aromatherapy
In aromatherapy Oregano Oil is popular as it can make you feel calm and relaxed almost instantly. It’s great to use either on its own or blended with other essential oils to alleviate anxiety and depression, as well as aid restful sleep.
Massage
Due to its benefits in skincare and pain relief, Oregano Oil can be used in massage when mixed with a carrier oil like Jojoba Oil or Almond Oil.
Skincare
Oregano Oil has the ability to improve skin conditions such as eczema, psoriasis, and fungal infections. When used regularly as a part of your skin routine you can brighten your skin whilst also reducing fine lines and deep set wrinkles. However, the oil should never be used on broken or bleeding skin.
Medicine
You can use Oregano Oil topically or by inhalation as a natural medication for the common cold. Massaging the oil into your chest and soles of your feet can help with congestion, or you can massage the oil into your forehead to relieve a headache. Another way of alleviating cold and cough symptoms is by putting a few drops of Oregano Oil into hot water and steaming your face, inhaling the mixture which will include the oil.
Home fragrance
Whether it’s in an electric diffuser, or in a candle, Oregano Oil can work well to scent your home beautifully.
Muscular pain
Massaging this oil into sore muscles and joints can help to alleviate the pain and relax your muscles.
Blends well with
Here at Essentially Yours, we love sharing as much information as possible with you; so you can get the most out of your essential oil collection. Whether it’s understanding the benefits of an oil, or finding out the many ways in which you can use them - our website has all the information you’ll need. In this blog we’re going to talk about Oregano Oil and what it blends well with. So, if you want to learn more - keep reading!
Jojoba Oil
This is our favourite carrier oil for those who struggle with sensitive or acne-prone skin. The makeup of Jojoba Oil is very similar to your skin’s natural oils, making it the perfect companion for those who are hesitant in using an oil on their face.
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Coconut Oil
Creamy and rich, Coconut Oil is an excellent carrier oil to blend with Oregano Oil to make massage blends to soothe sore muscles. Coconut Oil is also an antibacterial and antifungal carrier oil, so it can also be used blended with oregano to treat bacterial or fungal skin problems.
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Almond Oil
Sweet and silky, Almond Oil is another amazing carrier oil which can be blended with Oregano Oil. it absorbs into the skin very quickly, meaning that if you wanted to use this as a facial oil before starting your day you wouldn’t be left feeling greasy!
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Lavender Oil
Soothing and floral, we love Lavender Oil as it blends with practically every essential oil on the market. Lavender and oregano work beautifully together to create a blend which aids restful sleep.
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Clary Sage Oil
This blend of clary sage and oregano works well if you’re struggling with menstrual or other muscle pains/cramps. Simply mix in with a carrier oil and massage into the affected area.
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Eucalyptus Oil
Medicinal and refreshing, eucalyptus and oregano work well together as a blend to use when you have a cold. Add equal drops of each into a bowl of boiled water and stir in slowly. Inhale the steam around 20cm from your face and feel your respiratory system and sinuses feel clear again.
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Cedarwood Oil
Woody and soothing, cedarwood and oregano work well together to create a massage oil for tired muscles. Try adding a few drops of clary sage in too.
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