Oregano oil has strong antibacterial, antifungal and antiparasitic properties.
The leaves of the oregano plant provide the raw material to produce oregano oil. Using steam distillation, either dried or fresh leaves release the potent oil containing carvacrol, gamma-terpinene, p-cymene, thymol and phenol, according to Physicians Desk Reference for Herbal Medicines. The oil has strong antibacterial properties, and may irritate the skin, according to Kathi Keville, author of "Aromatherapy: Healing for the Body and Soul." This concern prevents some herbalists from recommending it.
Skin and Mucus Irritation
The PDR for Herbal Medicines lists no precautions or adverse reactions when the oil is used in appropriate, designated therapeutic doses. However, Keville notes that in strong dosages, the antibiotic properties from the phenol may irritate tender skin. Some herbalists recommend diluting the oil with a vegetable-based carrier oil, such as olive, almond, sesame or a neutral oil like Vitamin E. Oil of oregano may irritate mucus membranes in addition to irritating the skin. The PDR for Herbal Medicines recommends using oregano oil in capsule form for oral use.
Caravacrol Sensitivity
Caravacrol is the most potent and largest component of oregano oil. It has antibiotic, antifungal, antiviral and antiparasitic properties, according to Michelle and Les Moore, scientists with backgrounds in the pharmaceutical industry and in natural health. They recommend that wild crafted, organically pure oil of oregano be diluted prior to use because of the high concentration of caravacrol. They note, however, that many brands of oil of oregano actually contain milder oil of thyme and marjoram and are quite safe to use.
Pregnancy and Children Precautions
Pregnant women and children should not use oil of oregano unless under the supervision of a doctor. The Moores recommend that oil of thyme or marjoram be used for children over the age of 6, but they do not recommend any options for children who are younger than 6. They recommend that a pregnant woman seek the advice and counsel of a health care provider who is knowledgeable in pregnancy and herbal medicine before using oil of thyme or marjoram. A naturopathic doctor, osteopath with herbal training or a midwife with herbal training could provide such advice.
Safe Use Suggestions
Dilute the essential oil with a carrier oil, such as sesame or almond, before applying it to your skin. A few drops of oil of oregano with 1/4 cup of carrier oil should be sufficient for most purposes. If the oil feels too warm or irritating, add more carrier oil. Use topically on rheumatic joints, painful muscles and on infected sores. Massage the deeply diluted oil into the skin. Add a few drops of the oil to a tub of warm bath water or to bath salts. A few drops of oregano oil may be added to a cup of soap or cleaner to disinfect surfaces or body surfaces.
Tags: Herbal Medicines, recommend that, thyme marjoram, antiparasitic properties, carrier such, drops oregano