Oil of Oregano

Oregano grows wild throughout the world, but is native to the Mediterranean area. Oregano is a member of the labiate-mint family, it is closely related to and sometimes confused with Marjoram and Thyme. Oregano essential oil is produced from the oregano plant through the process of steam distillation. There are a variety of species referred to as oregano, but only a few qualify as high grade and are suitable for making oregano essential oil. Wild oregano (Oreganum vulgare) has the most potent medicinal qualities. Oregano essential oil should be made only from high-grade oregano that grows wild in the mountains of the Mediterranean.

Oregano has been used for thousands of years as a spice and as a medicine. Hippocrates, the Father of Medicine, used Oregano as an antiseptic and as a cure for stomach and respiratory ailments. Greek physicians used oregano essential oils for wounds, headaches, and venomous bites and even hemlock poisoning. It wasn't long before its medicinal benefits were used to treat lung conditions, bronchitis, sinusitis, and cold symptoms including cough. The Romans made Oregano poultices for scorpion and spider bites.

Oil of Oregano contains carvacrol and thymol - two ingredients found to exhibit anti-microbial properties against a number of bacteria, including Listeria monocytogenes, E. Coli and Salmonella. The higher percentage of carvacrol in oregano oil, the more efficient and valuable the oil shall be. It has been proved that oregano oil does not allow bacteria to breathe and kills them in a very short period of time allowing neither their mutations nor resistance. Oregano oil even kills already mutated bacteria.

Oregano is one of the most effective Oils known, and can be used to aid the body in responding to all kinds of events:

· a general support

· strengthener of the immune system

· stimulates the stomach and appetite

· strengthener of the respiratory system (sore throats, sinusitis, coughs, breathing difficulties)

· treats diarrhea, intestinal gas

· helps from diaper rash

· relieves nervous tension

· relieves cramps

· reduce fever

· effects of mumps and measles

· helps from earache, toothache, bee stings and venomous bites

· fights with dandruff

· treats rheumatism

· relieves menstrual irregularities

· treats joint pain, sore muscles

Oregano Oil has a spicy, tangy and hot fragrance and a wide range of therapeutic properties, but also strong toxicity so it must be used with extreme caution. It is a strong skin and mucous membrane irritant, so it must be used in very low concentrations and must be avoided during pregnancy. For internal use, select emulsified oil or oil that has been diluted with other oils in order to lessen its potential harshness. Oil of oregano is very potent and should not be taken internally for longer than 2-4 weeks without oversight from a qualified herbalist. Manufacturers recommend you do not exceed 7 - 10 days of administering Oil of Oregano to children. The oil should be highly diluted for internal use (dilute 2-3 drops in a half teaspoon of olive oil or other fixed oil). For safety, some educators suggest using Thyme Oil or Marjoram Oil instead, although neither one may be as effective as Oregano Oil for certain treatments. If you find the oil is too spicy for your taste buds you can try drinking some milk or chewing on some bread to increase saliva production - this will help thin out the oil and reduce the spiciness.

Oil of Oregano dosageOral:

As a tea, the remedy is very safe, you can drink several cups a day.

Adults: 4-6 drops, dilute with a carrier oil (olive, coconut), 3-6 times per day, depending on the severity of the infection. For prevent use: 1-4 drops per day.

Children:

• From 6 months to 2 years – 1 drop 1 time per day. Use for 10 days only.
• From 3 to 5 years – 1 drop 1 time per day. No limit on days of use. 
• From 6 to 10 years - Use 1-3 drops, 1 time per day mixed in juice or milk.
• 10 years and older - Use 3 drops, three times per day in juice or milk.

As a tincture (external use):

Take 2-5 drops every 2-3 hours, place on the affected area and gently massage in.

Fungal infections on the skin and nails - dilute 1 teaspoon oregano essential oil in 2 teaspoons olive oil and apply with a cotton swab to the affected area up to three times a day.

For children: 

Oil of Oregano may be applied externally to the soles of feet and spine of children under 5 years of age. Dilute 1 part Oil of Oregano and 4 parts olive oil and apply externally to recommended areas only. Children 5 years and older may use it directly from the bottle on soles of feet and spine.