What is Oregano Essential Oil?

Oregano essential oil has the scientific name Oreganum vulgare and consists of oil extracted from fresh oregano leaves through steam distillation. The use of this oil dates back to ancient Greece, and it currently comes primarily from Spain. This essential oil contains antibacterial and disinfectant properties and can be used as a useful analgesic. Many essential oil blends incorporate this oil for its medicinal effects.

One common use for oregano essential oil is to utilize its antibacterial and antiseptic properties for protection. The oil provides protection from various conditions caused by bacteria, including skin infections, sores, cholera, typhoid, urinary tract infections and colon infections. This oil also is useful for combating respiratory conditions stemming from viral or bacterial causes or for eliminating parasites and fungus.

Many people find that oregano essential oil is an effective pain reliever for a wide range of ailments. The oil tends to produce a sedative effect, and when combined in essential oil blends, it can be quite useful to relieve headaches, muscle spasms and digestive issues. Some people also have used this oil to combat vomiting, fever and diarrhea. Utilizing the oil for relief from respiratory problems has proven effective for many people. The oil can ease discomfort from respiratory ailments such as coughs, bronchitis and asthma.

A popular use for oregano essential oil is to combine it with other types of aromatherapy oils. Oregano essential oil blends well with other calming essential oils such as eucalyptus, tea tree, lavender, chamomile and rosemary. These combinations allow one to use essential oils for multiple functions — including calming, pain relief and antibacterial functions — all within one mixture, without the side effects of traditional medicines.

Oregano essential oil has become a popular fragrance component in many personal skincare items. Colognes, perfumes and soaps, especially those targeted toward men, have increasingly used this oil as an ingredient when a peppery, spicy fragrance is desired. This is a strong oil, so it is often blended with complementary oils or used sparingly to achieve the desired effect.

This particular oil is not necessarily the most commonly used of the essential oils, but it is easily acquired wherever one finds quality aromatherapy supplies. Oregano essential oil might be slightly more versatile than many other types of aromatherapy oils, because it has a variety of useful properties. Whether it is utilized for its antiseptic, sedative, digestive or analgesic properties, it works effectively to provide relief from a variety of physical ailments.