General Properties
- antiviral
- analgesic
- antirheumatic
- antiparasitic
- antiseptic
- emmenagogue
- expectorant
Origin: Italy. Steam distilled from the leaves and flowering tops of the herb. Middle note.
Description
Origanum (oregano) is an herb from which the essential oil is steam distilled from the leaves and flowering tops. Some of its countries of origin are North Africa, Europe and Asia.
Oregano is highly antiseptic, antiviral and a respiratory stimulant. It is also an analgesic, antirheumatic and an expectorant but it carries with it a high degree of hazards if not used properly. It is a fairly severe skin irritant and a very severe mucous membrane irritant. Origanum is an oil best used in a diffuser or room spray. Keep at a 1% dilution when using in a massage oil.
Origanum can be found in the following blends:
Specific Cautions
This oil must definitely be avoided when pregnant and should never be used on babies or small children. Skin and mucous membrane irritant. Use a 1% maximum for massage.
References
Information about this essential oil came from the following sources:
- Worwood, Valerie Ann. The Fragrant Pharmacy. (Toronto: Bantam Books, 1990)
- Davis, Patricia. Aromatherapy: An A-Z. (United Kingdom: Saffron Walden, 1988)
- Tisserand, Robert and Tony Balacs. Essential Oil Safety. (Edinburgh: Churchill Livingstone, 1995)
Note and Disclaimer
The information and opinions provided here are for general educational purposes only and do not replace medical advice. It is your responsibility to consult a suitably qualified medical practitioner to ensure that you will not have any medical problems from any of our products.
