The word Oregano means “joy to the mountain” derived from the Greek words; oros (meaning mountain) and ganos (meaning joy). Oregano’s use for medicinal purposes dates back to the middle ages to Hildegard who was known as one of the first nature paths and herbalists. Her medicine book is reported to have listed over 12,000 uses for Oregano.

Oregano (Oreganum vulgare) should not be confused with the common culinary Oreganum marjoram – which does not contain the same healing properties. Origanum vulgare leaves contain a variety of chemical compounds of which Phenolic compounds make up to 71%. Carvacrol (one of the primary components of Oreganum vulgare) when laboratory tested – proved to be one of the strongest antiseptics known to man and even in the smallest amounts quickly and naturally eliminated a wide variety of pathogens such as bacteria, yeast, fungi, parasites and viruses. Carvacrol and thymol (another primary component of Oreganum vulgare) act synergistically giving Oregano a “double punch” in microbial killing power. Steven Foster points out in his book “Herbal Renaissance” that the “fungicidal and worm-expellant properties” are largely attributed to these two primary components of Oregano.

Wild Oregano (Oreganum vulgare) is rich in calcium, magnesium, zinc, iron, potassium, copper, boron, Vitamins C, A, K and niacin and more.

Therapeutic Properties: anti-infective, antibiotic, antiviral, antiseptic, stimulant, anti-aphrodisiac, anti-inflammatory, emmenagogue, antiparasitic, anti-spasmodic, mucolytic, anti-microbial, expectorant, rubefacient, antifungal, immunostimulant

Aromatic Considerations: Oregano has a strong herbaceous aroma that encourages feelings of safety and security- however most people would likely agree that the antimicrobial properties are more pleasantly diffused as part of a blended oil formula. Deliverance is one of those blends containing Oregano – in fact it has both wild and regular Origanum vulgare. Just taking a whiff from a full strength bottle of Oregano can open sinus and respiratory passages.

Emotional/Spiritual Aspects: Oregano essential oil promotes feelings of strength and stability. Psychologically it has been known to revive and energize as it strengthens.

Physical Aspects: Oregano has strong antiseptic and antimicrobial properties, it balances metabolism, strengthens the vital centers of the body, and is an immune stimulant.

Uses for Oregano: 100% pure ‘Therapeutic grade’ Oregano essential oil has been useful for: Abscess, anthrax, arthritis, asthma, back pain, bacterial infection, bloating, boils, canker sores, carpel tunnel syndrome, chronic bronchitis, bursitis, cholera, chronic pain, colds, cold sores, cough, corns, croup, dandruff, diarrhea, digestive problems, diphtheria, dysentery, earaches, Epstein Barr, fatigue, fibroids, flu, food poisoning, fungal skin infection, gallbladder infection, gangrene, ganglion cyst, gonorrhea, headache, immune system, infections, influenza, Lyme disease, oral infection, mouth ulcers, rocky mountain fever, pancreatitis, parasites, pneumonia, painful menstrual cramps, internal radiation damage, respiratory infections, ringworm, rheumatoid arthritis, scoliosis, sore throat, strep throat, spider bites, syphilis, swine flu, ticks, tonsillitis, pulmonary tuberculosis, toothache, typhoid fever, UTI’s, whooping cough, varicose veins, viral and bacterial pneumonia, viral colitis, arthritis and rheumatism, muscles and vaginal yeast infection.

Topical Application: Be sure to dilute well before applying to the bottoms of the feet or anywhere on the body. Oregano is what I call a “hot” oil. It burns (hurts for a few minutes) if put directly on the skin. And be sure not to make the same mistake I did – after using my hand to apply oil to my feet – I reached up and rubbed my eye – Ouch!

Topical Use: Oregano is my first choice of EO’s when I feel sick enough to need an antibiotic. Anytime I think I am headed towards needing an antibiotic – I put Oregano on board right away. I dilute it and apply to the bottoms of my feet or the area of concern. The bottom of the feet have large pores and are connected to everywhere in the body so applying the oils to the bottoms of the feet is an excellent way to benefit from the healing properties of Essential oils (Studies have demonstrated after applying essential oil to the bottoms of the feet, they are detected within 10-20 minutes on the tongue.) I find if I catch things early, I am often able to clear them up with this wonderful natural anti-biotic – Oregano. I recently used Oregano to clear up fungus/yeast spots on my chest. (I sometimes get them when it’s hot and I stay moist or when I eat too many sweets.) I diluted a few drops of Oregano with carrier oil and applied over the spotted area once a day. Each day I saw noticeable improvement. After the 4th day they were almost entirely gone and there were quite a few under and around my breasts and near my shoulder area on my upper chest – some of which were almost an inch big to begin with. I think this is remarkable. NO more Rx for this!

Internal use of Essential oils: I often hear of Essential oils being recommended to use internally for varied purposes, I do not generally recommend taking EO’s internally. Having said that; I have personally tried Oregano a handful of times internally. However – I have found that applying them diluted externally over the area of concern or on the bottoms of my feet, or both, to be more effective and quicker acting. Besides being just as affective or more so to use topically, I don’t run the risk of burning my esophagus or damaging the mucous membranes in my digestive track – or even more importantly – potentially causing Kidney or liver damage in cases of prolonged use or high dose. (I.e. Carvacrol – One of the main components of Oreganum vulgare – is a strong antiseptic that works on mucous membranes but too much can cause irritation of mucosal membranes.) Almost every reported incident with EO’s has been from ingestion. Everyone responds differently with the oils – what might be okay for one person will not be for another. There are many factors to be considered, many of which are yet unknown – such as the long term affect of internal use of E.O’s on the kidneys and liver. So why not be as safe as possible and still be as effective or maybe even more so – you DO NOT need to take Oregano internally to benefit from the medicinal properties.

General Information: Oregano is an extremely beneficial and effective oil and consequently has received much attention from the media. Unfortunately, not everyone knows the difference between ‘Therapeutic grade’ essential oils and oils which have been diluted with carrier type oils. DO NOT use large quantities at once – 2 or 3 drops of a 100% Pure ‘Therapeutic grade’ essential oil is plenty. In general; 1 drop of this grade is approximately equivalent to about a pound of product or would make about 28 cups of tea. “Less is more” where ‘Therapeutic grade’ Essential oils are concerned. Cautions: Phenols in case of prolonged use and/or high dose can potentially damage the liver and kidney. Wild oregano in certain individuals could potentially negatively affect iron absorption causing anemia.

Oregano should be avoided or used very cautiously during pregnancy. This oil can cause extreme skin irritation if applied repeatedly without dilution. Oregano should be used with a little bit of caution when diffused. (Some information taken from Butterfly expression LLC)