Product Overview
Our very potent organic Oregano has an amazingly fresh, warm and vibrant aroma with a pungent, spicy-herbaceous, mildly woody undertone. This is a very energetic and powerful oil! Origanum vulgare is a rustic variant of Marjoram (Origanum majorana) that grows wild all over Europe and Asia; however, substantial amounts of Oregano essential oil come only from the Mediterranean varieties.[1]
Plants in the botanical family Labiatae – including Oregano, Lavender, Rosemary, Sage and Thyme – have a special predilection for dry rocky slopes, open spaces, and sunny mountains, preferring the median climatic regions around the Mediterranean Sea.[2]
The name Oregano comes from the Greek óros, mount and gános, delight or splendor – splendor of the mountains.[3] Its dominant molecule is carvacrol, a monoterpene phenol, thus care must be taken when used in topical applications as there is a risk of dermal and mucous membrane irritation.[4] In general, Oregano oil should be limited to short term use, according to French Aromatherapy literature.[5] Oregano oil is suitable for diffusers, and when used prudently and properly diluted, in foot lotions and targeted topical preparations.
1 Lavabre, Marcel. Aromatherapy Workbook (revised edition), 1997, p. 87.
2 Ibid, pp. 82-3.
3 Industry communication.
4 Tisserand, Robert and Rodney Young. Essential Oil Safety, 2nd ed., 2014, p. 376.
5 Schnaubelt, Kurt. Advanced Aromatherapy – The Science of Essential Oil Therapy, 1998, p. 83.
