OREGANO ESSENTIAL OIL
A powerful and highly stimulating essential oil traditionally valued for respiratory, digestive, and immune support.
Botanical Information
Botanical Name: Origanum vulgare
Family: Lamiaceae (Labiatae)
Origin: Europe
Method of Extraction: Steam distilled from the flowering tops and leaves
Note: Top
Colour: Clear to pale yellow
Aroma: Herbaceous, refreshing
About This Essential Oil
Oregano Essential Oil is a highly potent essential oil with strong traditional applications for respiratory, digestive, and immune support. Due to its powerful chemistry and potential for skin and mucous membrane irritation, it is generally regarded as an oil requiring careful handling and professional knowledge when used in aromatherapy.
Key Benefits
• Traditionally supports respiratory wellbeing
• Popular for immune support
• Traditionally valued for digestive comfort
• Warming and stimulating properties
• Traditionally used during seasonal challenges
• Strong cleansing and purifying reputation
History
Oregano is closely related to Sweet Marjoram and has a long history of traditional use throughout Europe. While it possesses many beneficial therapeutic properties, it is also recognised as one of the more powerful essential oils, requiring considerable care in its application.
Due to its strong phenol content, Oregano is generally considered too irritating for routine massage, bath, or topical use. In many traditional aromatherapy applications, Sweet Marjoram is often preferred as a gentler alternative.
Main Chemical Components
75% Phenols, 12% Monoterpenes
Properties
• Analgesic
• Antispasmodic
• Antiviral
• Bactericidal
• Carminative
• Choleretic
• Diaphoretic
• Diuretic
• Emmenagogue
• Expectorant
• Fungicidal
• Parasiticidal
• Stimulant
• Tonic
Traditional Uses
• Respiratory System – Traditionally used for asthma, bronchitis, coughs, influenza, and respiratory congestion.
• Digestive System – Traditionally valued for indigestion, sluggish digestion, loss of appetite, flatulence, and intestinal worms.
• Immune System – Traditionally used to support the body's natural defences during times of illness.
• General Wellbeing – Traditionally valued as a warming, stimulating, and invigorating essential oil.
Psychological & Emotional Uses
• Traditionally regarded as stimulating and energising
• May help support motivation during periods of fatigue
• Encourages strength and determination
• Warming and activating to the senses
Blends Well With
Traditionally used in very small amounts. Sweet Marjoram is often preferred as a gentler alternative in aromatherapy formulations.
Health & Safety
• Will negate homeopathic remedies.
• Dermal toxin.
• Severe skin irritant.
• Severe mucous membrane irritant.
• Emmenagogue.
• Not recommended for children.
• Not recommended for the elderly.
• Avoid during pregnancy.
• Always use in very low dilutions and with appropriate professional guidance.
• For external use only.
• Keep out of reach of children.
• Store below 25°C away from direct sunlight.
