Oregano Essential Oil│Uses, Benefits, & Where to Buy

Oregano Essential Oil

Oregano (Origanum vulgare L.) is a popular herb that comes from the aromatic, Lamiaceae plant family. With over 7,000 species, this plant family includes other culinary herbs such as mint, basil, sage, marjoram, and lavender.^1,12 The genus Origanum L. consists of 38 species of various herbs which can be grown year-round. Most varieties of oregano are native to North Africa, Europe, Asia and Eastern Mediterranean.

Oregano essential oil is extracted from the leaves and flower tops of the oregano plant through hydro or steam distillation. The resulting oil can range from a pale yellow to dark brown color, and is known for its sharp, spicy aroma.

Essential oils rich in carvacrol (such as oregano essential oil) are gaining increasing scientific attention for their antimicrobial and antioxidant activity.¹ Oregano essential oil also shows promise in helping to reduce certain conditions such as yeast infections, chronic candidiasis and colitis.^2,3,4,11

Oregano Essential Oil Uses

Oregano essential oil can be used in a diffuser to help decongest a stuffy nose. When combined with a carrier oil, oregano essential oil is thought to be helpful in various conditions—including to help relieve muscle aches, clear up nail fungus, relieve joint pain, and reduce or eliminate dandruff.

Oregano Essential Oil Aromatherapy

Bring the smell of Italian cooking to your home with oregano essential oil. Add 3-4 drops into a diffuser filled with water. Turn on, and let the aroma fill the space.  For a homemade diffuser, bring 2-3 cups of water to a boil. Pour the water into a bowl and add the oregano essential oil.

Read More:  Our Top Diffuser Buying Guide

Oregano Massage Oil

For muscle aches and joint pains, dilute oregano essential oil with a carrier oil like jojoba oil, sweet almond oil, or grapeseed oil. Add 10 – 12 drops oregano essential oil to 1 oz. of carrier oil and rub into the affected areas of body. 

Natural Oregano Essential Oil Decongestant

Due to its anti-inflammatory components, oregano essential oil may be helpful in reducing congestion and relieving a stuffy nose.⁵ In a bowl, add 2-4 drops of oregano essential oil to 2-3 cups of steaming water. With a towel placed on the back of your head, lean forward over the bowl, and inhale the vapors for several minutes.  Click hear to learn more about other essential oils that can help with congestion.

Oregano Essential Oil Nail Fungus Remedy

Oregano essential oil has been noted for its antimicrobial and antifungal compounds, which may help reduce symptoms of toenail fungus. Add 5 drops of oregano essential oil to 1 oz. of carrier oil such as jojoba, sweet almond, or grapeseed oil. Apply directly onto affected areas twice daily. 

Adding Oregano Essential Oil to Hair Products

Try adding 2-3 drops of oregano essential oil to 2 Tbsp. of unscented shampoo and/or conditioner to help naturally reduce the appearance of dandruff.  Oregano is one of several essential oils that can benefit your hair.

DIY Natural Oregano Oil Hair Mask

For a homemade, moisturizing hair mask, add 10-12 drops of oregano essential oil to 1 oz. of coconut oil. Apply directly to the scalp and hair and let sit for 10 minutes. Rinse out for healthy looking hair. 

Benefits of Oregano Essential Oil

Oregano essential oil has traditionally been used to treat infections, inflammation, respiratory ailments, indigestion, symptoms of menopause and even intestinal worms. In recent years, science has begun to discover a range of beneficial properties that help explain some of these traditional, therapeutic uses.

The Benefits of Oregano Essential Oil are:

1. Antimicrobial Benefits
2. Antifungal Properties
3. Antioxidant Properties
4. Anti-inflammatory Properties

Antimicrobial Activity of Oregano Essential Oil

In a 2012 study, researchers tested the antibacterial activity of oregano essential oil against bacterial strains of Escherichia coli (E. Coli) and 20 strains of Pseudomonas aeruginosa, which can cause pneumonia or various infections.^6,9 The data concluded that the oregano essential oil was active against all strains of E. coli and P. aeruginosa, although the E. coli was noted to be more responsive overall.⁶

While data is preliminary, it suggests that oregano essential oil contains antimicrobial properties which may be useful against the fight of drug-resistant bacteria.

Antifungal Benefits of Oregano Essential Oil

In a recent study published in the Journal of Applied Microbiology, 12 essential oils were tested for their antifungal activity against 30 isolated strains of Candida albicans, a fungus which can cause yeast infections.^10,11 Of all the volatile oils, oregano and winter savory were the most effective, inhibiting the growth by 100% for all C. albicans strains.¹⁰

Oregano essential oil has also been shown to effectively inhibit the growth of C. albicans significantly more than calcium magnesium carpylate, the main ingredient in most commonly-used antifungal agents.⁷

Note: Further research is still required for oregano essential oil and its antifungal use. Oregano essential oil should not be used as substitute for conventional treatments.

Antioxidant Activity of Oregano Essential Oil

In a study published in the Journal of Functional Foods, oregano essential oil was shown to reduce oxidative-stress in the intestinal epithelium in animal subjects.⁸

Oregano essential oil was noted to have over 20 ingredients, many of which were identified as antioxidant components. Animal subjects had oxidative-stress induced in the jejunum (small intestine), and then were orally administered varying doses of oregano essential oil. Results show that not only was oxidative-stress significantly reduced, the oil was able to modify intestinal flora and inhibit inflammation markers, which may also reduce the chances of intestinal oxidative-stress.⁸

Anti-Inflammatory Benefits of Oregano Essential Oil

A study conducted in 2007 analyzed the anti-inflammatory activity of thyme and oregano essential oils. The study tested three different concentrations of the essential oil blend to evaluate its effect on intestinal inflammation in animal subjects with induced colitis (inflammation of the colon).¹¹

Researchers found that the medium dose significantly reduced mortality rate (from 53% to 33%), supported weight gain recovery and decreased colon tissue damage.¹¹

Read More:  The Top Essential Oils for Inflammation and Swelling

Note: While data is promising, the current study was performed on animal subjects. Further research is required before thyme and oregano essential oil could be considered as potential tools against chronic inflammation.

Side Effects of Oregano Essential Oil

Oregano essential oil is considered generally safe for inhalation and topical use. Oregano essential oil in its pure form is highly concentrated, and may cause skin irritation if applied directly. For topical use, always dilute with a carrier oil.

Oregano essential oil should not be used on infants, children, pregnant or nursing women.² Oregano essential oil can potentially promote miscarriage in pregnant women, and can also interact with lithium (a medication taken to treat bipolar disorder). ² Avoid oregano essential oil if these conditions apply to you. If you have heart conditions or high blood pressure, consult with a health care professional prior to use.⁵

Please note that essential oils should never be ingested without the direct supervision of a health care provider. Always read and follow the instructions on the label.

Where to Buy Oregano Essential Oil

Previously, high quality essential oils could only be bought at specialty health stores, or through
expensive multi-level marketing companies. Now, due to advancements in technology, extremely high grade essential oils can be purchased over the internet at very reasonable prices.