Oregano Essential Oil

What Makes Oregano Oil So Special?
The primary ingredients of oregano oil are the phenols, Carvacrol (60-80%) and Thymol (5%) which provide the antiseptic and antioxidant components. They are also the terpenes, pinene and terinene which contribute to the antiseptic, antiviral, anti-inflammatory and anesthetic properties.

Thymol is a natural fungicide with antiseptic properties. It is the active ingredient in Listerine mouthwash. Thymol is also an immune system booster and a shield against toxins. It is capable of preventing tissue damage and encouraging healing.

Warts and skin tags: Apply one drop morning and night using a Q-tip applied to the affected area. Keep at it and within a few weeks, the warts will shrink appreciably and the skin tags will fall off. Another way to do this is to add a mixture of half oregano oil and half fractionated coconut oil to a roller bottle and dab twice daily until they are gone.

Psoriasis: Mix with a carrier oil or salve (see more about carrier oils below) and apply topically twice a day. There is also some medical evidence that drinking a glass of water twice daily with 2 – 6 drops of Oregano oil added helps with the symptoms of psoriasis.

DIY Hand Sanitizer: Combine 10 drops of oregano oil with two tablespoons of coconut oil. Rub it into your hands as a natural hand sanitizer.

Natural Insect Repellent: Mix a few drops in a carrier oil or salve and rub over your skin to repel insects. You can also mix oregano oil with water in a spray bottle to create your own insect spray. Be sure to shake it up before using since the oil will separate a bit in the water.

Control Itching: Apply diluted oregano oil to insect bites and skin rashes to relieve itching.

Diaper Rash: Mix with coconut oil or plain ole salve (naked salve) to sooth and heal diaper rash.

Fight infection: Rub a few drops of oregano oil into your gums to fight an infection.

Sickness and Flu: Diffuse Oregano essential oil in your favorite diffuser to help quickly get rid of the flu or any other sickness.

Sinus infections and colds: Place a few drops of oregano oil in a pot of steaming water. Carefully inhale the steam, being careful not to get burned. You can also dilute in carrier oil then place under the nostrils to provide additional relieve for sinus infections.

Sore Throat: To ease the pain of a sore throat, simply add one or two drops of oregano essential oil to a glass of water of juice and drink it.

Arthritis: Dilute in a carrier oil and rub onto painful joints to decrease swelling.

Dandruff: Add a few drops to your regular shampoo being mindful to keep the shampoo and oregano oil out of your eyes.

Eczema: Control eczema by blending oregano oil with carrier oil or salve and applying topically.

Athlete’s foot: Dilute in a carrier oil and apply directly 2-3 times a day. You can also add a few drops to baking soda to sprinkle inside your shoes for added protection.

Nail Fungus: Soak hands or feet in a basin of water with a few teaspoons of oregano oil added. You can also rub diluted oil (1 drop of oil in a teaspoon of carrier oil) directly onto your nails.

Relieve Sore Muscles: Dilute in carrier oil or lotion then gently massage on the affected area. Repeat up to three times a day.

Congestion: Dilute in your favorite carrier oil or lotion and apply to the chest area. For nasal congestion, try adding one or two drops of oregano essential oil on a clean handkerchief and inhale the vapour.

Treat Parasites: Combine 1 drop of Oregano oil with 1 drop of a carrier oil. Place under the tongue and hold it for a few minutes before rinsing the mouth with water. Repeat up to four times a day.

Acne: Dip a Q-tip into the oil and apply directly to zits aka acne. The oil will kill the bacteria and reduce the inflammation. For the very best results, do this twice a day morning and night immediately after washing your face.

Mouthwash: Add a few drops to a glass of water to sweeten your breath and kill the bacteria that can lead to gum disease and gingivitis.

Ringworm: To kill ringworm, apply 3 to 6 drops of oregano oil to the effected area.

Skin Infections: Dilute in coconut oil and apply topically to boost the healing of skin infections.

Cleaning Supplies: Add a few drops to your DIY cleaning supplies to give them an antiseptic and disinfectant boost. This is especially effective in the kitchen and in the bathroom.

Laundry: Add a few drops to your load of laundry to kill bacteria or parasites and also to leave your clothes smelling nice and fresh.

Fungus and Mold: Mix with water and spray the shower to prevent fungus and mold from growing. This also works in other warm, humid areas of your home.

Oregano oil is considered a hot oil. What this means is that it can burn or cause some irritation when used undiluted. Other hot oils include cinnamon or clove oil. When using Oregano oil “neat” (undiluted) apply carefully with a Q-tip and do not spread it beyond the affected area. For most applications, my recommendation is that it should be diluted for all but spot treatments (such as warts and skin tags).

There are about a dozen or so essential oils that belong in every survival kit including, among others, lavender, peppermint, clove bud, rosemary and lemon or other citrus oil. I definitely include Oregano essential oil in the list of must-haves. It is inexpensive, effective and readily available. Not only that, along with lemon, it is considered to be one of the safest essential oils to ingest.