The oregano (Origanum vulgare) is a well-known and appreciated plant in the Mediterranean region, in whose gastronomy it is widely used as a condiment. It provides a delicious aroma to cheeses and tomato sauces, combines wonderfully with summer vegetables and is used to flavor olives, although the list of possibilities has no limit if we like cooking.

There are many types of oregano and it is sometimes confused with its cousin marjoram (Origanum majorana), also highly appreciated in Mediterranean cuisine.

Here we will focus on the properties of the oregano essential oil for therapeutic use in aromatherapy. Its usefulness against infections makes it a highly appreciated essential oil, but not always easy to use.

If you are interested in the world of essential oils, discover in this video how they exert their effect on the brain.

Types of oregano essential oil

In aromatherapy we can mainly find three different types of oregano essential oil, coming from three different species of Origanum.

• Vulgar oregano (Origanum vulgare): grows widely in different areas of Europe, North America and the Middle East.
• Oregano from Greece (Origanum heracleoticum): comes, as its name indicates, from Greece, although we also find it in Italy.
• compact oregano (Origanum compactum): usually occurs usually in Morocco and Spain.

Perhaps you have also heard of oregano from Spain, but it is not exactly an oregano, but a thyme.

All these forms of oregano essential oil – the vulgar, the Greek and the compact – have a very similar composition and all are used for the same therapeutic purposes indifferently.

Medicinal properties

The properties of oregano essential oil are very specific. Its main field of action is infections of all kinds:

• Respiratory infections: angina, bronchitis, sinusitis, rhinitis
• Digestive infections: gastroenteritis.
• Urinary and vaginal infections: candidiasis.

We owe this application of oregano to the presence of phenols (carvacrol and thymol)known in aromatherapy as «heavy artillery» to combat infections.

There are numerous scientific studies that support this marked and broad anti-infective action. Oregano essential oil is effective against different bacteria, as shown in this study from the University of Karachi, which analyzed its effectiveness against more than a hundred gram-positive bacteria, and this other research from the Huazhong University of Science and Technology, in Wuhan (China), which verified its effectiveness against the bacteria that cause dysentery.

It has also been proven that it can be effective against parasites and fungi such as candida. Two studies, one from the University of Coimbra (Portugal) and another from Georgetown University Medical Center, in Washington (USA), corroborate this last action.

How to use oregano essential oil

Oregano essential oil is not easy to use, due to the presence of phenols, since carvacrol and thymol are aggressive for the skin and mucous membranes.

We are going to avoid its use topically so as not to damage the skin, since we must be very cautious when using it topically. And oral use will be done exclusively using capsules Available in specialized stores and pharmacies. In this way, we will avoid the risk of irritating the digestive mucosa.

Oregano essential oil will be very useful in the following situations:

• In respiratory infections, cystitis, gastroenteritis, infectious diarrhea or oral infection

2 to 3 capsules of oregano essential oil are taken 3 times a day for 7 days.

It must be taken into account that the dosage of the capsules may vary depending on the brands. Always consult with the professional who prescribes them or who sold them to you to ensure you take the appropriate dosage.

Candidiasis requires specific monitoring and dietary adjustment, but oregano essential oil can be a very valuable supplement.

It is usually recommended to take 2 capsules of oregano essential oil 3 times a day for 15 days.

After a period of 7 day breaktaken again if necessary; in this case, 1 capsule of oregano essential oil 3 times a day for 15 more days.

Precautions and contraindications

In addition to avoiding topical use on the skin that we have mentioned, so as not to cause irritationsand to use only oregano in oral capsules, It is important to remember that:

• Oregano essential oil is not suitable for children under 12 years.
• From 12 years old, consult a professional.