Oregano Oil
Oregano oil is extracted from wild Oregano plants. It is a hardy perennial which belongs to the mint family Lamiaceae. This herb is indigenous to the Mediterranean region and the temperate regions of Western Eurasia. Oregano plants generally grow up to a maximum height of 80 cm. It bears alternately or oppositely arranged leaves that measure about 1–4 cm long. The Oregano flowers measure about 3 to 4 mm long. These appealing purple flowers are produced in erect spikes. Oregano is often related to its close relative “Sweet Marjoram”. The botanical name “Origanum” means “Joy of the Mountains” or the “Delight of the Mountains”. This plant was gifted to the newlywed couples as a token of joy and prosperity in their new lives.
Oregano oil is extracted by steam distillation method from the wild Oregano plants. It is pale yellow in color with medium to watery viscosity. Oregano oil has a spicy, sweet, powerful, natural, camphor-like and refreshing aroma. This oil blends well with Eucalyptus oil, Chamomile oil, Lavender oil, Cypress oil, Rosemary oil, Tea Tree oil, Cedar Wood oil and Bergamot oil.
Latin name: Origanum vulgare.
Alternative names: Oreganol, Wild mountain oregano essential oil, winter marjoram essential oil, Wild marjoram, Greek oregano essential oil, Oregacyn p73, Oragano essential oil, Wild oregano essential oil, Oregacillin.
Oregano plants grow well in all types of soil with good drainage system. Cultivation is usually carried out by sowing seeds during late spring. It is also propagated by root division or stem cuttings in certain areas. Oregano can be grown either as an annual or a perennial plant during the winter season. The essential oil of
Oregano contains cymene, terpinene, carvacrol, caryophyllene, thymol, linalool, limonene, bisabolene, pinene, linalyl acetate, ocimene and geranyl acetate. This oil has carminative, anti-viral, emenagogue, anti bacterial, anti allergic, anti-fungal, anti inflammatory, anti-parasitic, antispasmodic, anti-oxidant, cholagogue, diaphoretic, antiseptic, stomachic, expectorant, digestive and antioxidant properties. Oregano oil is considered as a powerful fungicide and worm-repellent mainly because of the presence of carvacrol and thymol.
Uses: Oregano oil is used in the treatment of psoriasis, diarrhea, insect bites, indigestion, rheumatism, bronchitis, whooping cough, toothache, cough, earache, fibromyalgia, vomiting, athlete’s foot, jaundice, nervous tension, flu and eczema. This oil is also used for enhancing respiratory health, boosting the immune system, treating skin infections, improving the digestive system and promoting flexibility of muscles. Oregano oil is also considered as an excellent remedy for sinus congestion.
