Oregano Oil FAQ
/1. Q: Are there other kinds of Oregano besides Origanum Vulgare?
A: Yes, there are 30+ different species of Oregano. Essential oils from different species of Oregano have different chemical properties.
2. Q: Is Origanum Vulgare the same Oregano that is sold as a culinary spice in the grocery store?
A: In most cases, the “Oregano” sold as a spice in North America is either “Sweet Marjoram” or “Mexican Sage”, not Origanum Vulgare.
3. Q: Do the essential oils derived from other species of Oregano have therapeutic value?
A: Some do. None of the other species, however, yield an essential oil containing as much Carvacrol as Origanum Vulgare essential oil. Many consider Origanum Vulgare to have the greatest anti-microbial strength of any essential oil.
4. Q: Does the Origanum Vulgare plant have any other common names?
A: It is often called “Wild Mediterranean Oregano” because it grows wild in the mountains of the countries around the Mediterranean Sea.
5. Q: What is the meaning of the name, “Origanum Vulgare“?
A: “Origanum” probably comes from two Greek words, which mean “Delight (or “Joy”) of the Mountains”. This possibly refers to the pleasant appearance and fragrance provided by the plant when it blooms in its natural mountain habitat. “Vulgare” means “Common”.
6.Q: What are the botanical characteristics of the Origanum Vulgareplant?
A: Origanum Vulgare is a wild perennial bush, one-to-three feet tall. It has white or pink blooms July through October. Its woody stems are purple. Its one-inch green leaves are hairy on the underside. It is a member of the mint family.
7. Q: Are the plants used to produce your Origanum Vulgareessential oil grown in an environment free from artificial chemicals?
A: Our Origanum Vulgare essential oil comes from plants that are “Wild Grown”. Consequently, no chemical fertilizer, pesticide, herbicide or fungicide is applied to these plants.
7. Q: Are the plants used to produce your Origanum Vulgareessential oil grown in an environment free from artificial chemicals?
A: The country of origin for the essential oil we are currently selling is always posted on the “Products” page of our web site.
9. Q: What is an “essential oil”?
A: It is a highly concentrated volatile oil consisting of the natural chemicals found in all plants.
10. Q: What part of the Origanum Vulgare plant is used to produce essential oil?
A: Essential oil is derived from the leaves and flowers.
11. Q: How is essential oil extracted from the Origanum Vulgareplant?
A: It is steam distilled. No chemical solvents are used in the process.
12. Q: How much Origanum Vulgare plant material is needed to produce a pound of essential oil?
A: On average, two hundred pounds of leaves and flowers will yield one to two pounds of essential oil. A pound of oil is a little more than a pint.
13. Q: How does Origanum Vulgare essential oil look, smell and taste?
A: It can vary in color, from pale amber to brown with slight red overtones. It is thicker and lighter than water. Its smell is powerful, pungent and balsamic. Its taste is aromatic, peppery hot and very slightly bitter.
14. Q: What are the therapeutic qualities of Origanum Vulgareessential oil?
A: Origanum Vulgare essential oil is noted for these therapeutic qualities:
Antibacterial
Antiviral
Antifungal
Antiparasitic
Antioxidant
Oregano possesses other documented therapeutic benefits (such as its Analgesic and Antispasmodic qualities). We suggest that you read about these in a reliable reference book on essential oils or Aromatherapy.
15. Q: What does recent scientific research reveal about Origanum Vulgare essential oil?
A: Quite a bit!
Dr. Jean Valnet documented the Antiparasitic properties of Origanum Vulgare. He also used Origanum Vulgare in low concentrations to disinfect sewage water.i Greek scientists confirmed his work in 1995 by using Oregano Oil in a dilution of 1:4000 to sterilize sewage water. ii
The U.S. Federal Government tested Origanum Vulgare oil (apparently to expose what appeared to be exaggerated claims concerning its germ killing power). In that test, it killed all nine germs against which it was tested including Salmonella, E. Coli, Listeria, Staph, Pseudomonas and Molds. iii
Paul Belaiche tested forty different essential oils to determine their effectiveness against a variety of microorganisms. Oil of Oregano proved to be the most powerful and wide range antimicrobial. iv
Research conducted at Georgetown University Medical Center, Washington, D.C., by professor, Harry Preuss, M.D. showed that Origanum Vulgare essential oil, in low concentrations, inhibited the growth of Staphylococcus bacteria as effectively as Streptomycin, Penicillin and Vancomycin (considered the strongest of all synthetic antibiotics). His research also demonstrated that Origanum Vulgare essential oil inhibited the growth of Candida Albicans as effectively as Amphotericin and Nystatin.
British researchers reported that Oregano Oil exhibited antibacterial activity against twenty-five different bacteria. v
Research conducted by Sarer and colleagues and documented in Essential Oils and Aromatic Plants demonstrated that Origanum Vulgare showed “remarkable effects” against a wide range of microbes, including Candida Albicans, Staph, Strep, E. Coli and Pseudomonas. vi
University of Tennessee Researchers demonstrated that Oil of Oregano exhibited the greatest antibacterial action of all essential oils tested against Staph, E. coli and Listeria. vii
No natural or synthetic antibiotic has been demonstrated to kill more microbes than Origanum Vulgare. No evidence suggests that mutant antibiotic-resistant “super-bugs” are resistant to Origanum Vulgare. No evidence suggests that bacteria can mutate to form a resistance to Origanum Vulgare. viii
Oil of Oregano has been shown to be over 100 times more potent than Caprylic acid against Candida Albicans. ix
Research by Tantaoui-Elarki and Beraoud published in the Journal of Environmental Pathology, Toxicology and Oncology demonstrated the powerful antiseptic effect of Oregano Oil in a one-tenth of one percent concentration against fungi. Origanum Vulgarewas shown to be most potent natural antifungal agent known. x
Research published in The Journal of Food Microbiology demonstrated that a 1% solution of Origanum Vulgare essential oil destroyed all nine species of fungi tested. xi
Research with culinary and medicinal herbs established Oregano as the strongest natural antioxidant of any substance tested. Oregano proved to be a stronger antioxidant than vitamin E. xii
Two clinical tests have established the effectiveness of Oil of Oregano in the treatment of Gastro-Intestinal parasites (Blastocystis hominis, Entamoeba hartmanni, and Endolimax nana). xiii
Oregano Oil has been shown to effectively kill viruses, including the viruses causing shingles, cold sores and genital herpes. xiv
Other scientific studies concerning Oil of Oregano are available at:www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov(Search: “Pub Med” for “Oregano” and/or “Origanum”.)
These statements have not been evaluated by the Food and Drug Administration. This product is not intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any disease.
16. Q: How should the Origanum Vulgare essential oil be stored to protect its quality?
A: Store it in a dark glass container, tightly sealed, in a cool, dark place. Refrigeration is not necessary.
17. Q: How is Origanum Vulgare essential oil used to relieve health problems?
A: Origanum Vulgare essential oil is generally diluted with a carrier oil (such as olive oil) prior to use. Some people use a dilution ratio of 3:1 (3 parts carrier oil to one part Oil of Oregano). Others use a dilution ratio of 10:1 or 15:1, depending on the specific use and the skin sensitivity of the user. Dilute it more for use on sensitive skin, such as the genital area. Massage the mixture into the affected area several times daily. (Spot test for irritation or allergic reaction prior to full use.)
The oil can be added to liquid body soap or shampoo. It can be used in a weak solution with water to wash produce and meats .It can be added to a cleaning solution to disinfect counter tops, dishes, bathrooms, etc.
Undiluted Oil of Oregano can burn the skin. Insufficiently diluted Oil of Oregano can irritate sensitive skin such as the genital area. Avoid applying the oil to the eyes or to the mucous membranes.
Some folks take the oil orally by drinking a few drops mixed with water, juice or milk. Some people place a few drops of the diluted oil under the tongue. Some folks take the oil orally by putting a few drops of in a gel capsule, thus avoiding its hot peppery taste. Other people use it as a culinary spice.
SPECIAL NOTE: By reporting that some people take Oregano Oil orally, we are NOT advising you do so. If you are uncertain concerning the safe use of any essential oil, seek professional advice. (See Question #19.) These statements have not been evaluated by the Food and Drug Administration. This product is not intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any disease.
18. Q: What types of health problems may be treated by using Origanum Vulgare essential oil?
A: Origanum Vulgare essential oil may prove beneficial in the treatment of the following conditions:
Abrasions
Cradle Cap
Psoriasis
Acne
Croup
Kidney Infection
Allergic Rashes
Cuts
Pulled Muscles
Animal Bites
Dandruff
Puncture Wounds
Arthritis
Ear Infections
Pyorrhea
Athlete’s Foot
Ebola
Ringworm
Bad Breath
Eczema
Rosacea
Bed Sores
Fingernail Fungus
Scabies
Bee Stings
Flu
Seborrhea
Bladder Infections
Food Poisoning
Shingles
Boils
Fungal Infections
Sinusitis
Bronchitis
Genital Warts
Snake Bites
Burns
Giardia Infection
Sore Throat
Bursitis
Gum Disease
Spider Bites
Candidiasis
Head Lice
Sprains
Canker Sores
Impetigo
Thrush
Cold Sores
Insect Bites
Tick-borne Illnesses
Colds
Intestinal Parasites
Toenail Fungus
Colitis
Jock Itch
Toothache
Warts
We do not promise that Origanum Vulgare essential oil will eradicate these health problems in every case. The evidence indicates, however, that:
Origanum Vulgare essential oil has been used to successfully treat some cases of these maladies.
Origanum Vulgare essential oil possesses certain scientifically proven therapeutic qualities. (See question #15)
19.Q: Are there any safety precautions concerning the therapeutic use of Origanum Vulgare essential oil?
A: There is a difference of opinion about taking essential oils orally. Some oppose oral consumption of any essential oil. They say that some oils (such as Tea Tree and Pennyroyal) are toxic when taken orally. They’re right. Others say that oils found on the FDA’s “GENERALLY REGARDED AS SAFE” List (such as Garlic, Cinnamon and Origanum Vulgare) are commonly used as ingredients in commercially prepared foods. They’re right too. Our advice is that you exercise due diligence if you are unsure about the safety of taking any essential oil orally. Many people use Oregano Oil orally. There are, however, some safety considerations about the oral use of Oregano Oil that you need to be aware of:
Some folks think that oral consumption may temporarily hinder assimilation of iron. We don’t know. If it does, the assimilation of iron supplements taken 2 hours before to 2 hours after the ingestion of the oil might possibly be hindered.
Some folks think the oil, taken orally, may kill “friendly” Gastro-Intestinal bacteria. That’s hogwash. But if it still concerns you, taking a Probiotic several hours after ingesting the oil can only benefit you as well as give you peace of mind.
Some folks think that ingesting the oil might cause a temporary rise in blood pressure. Perhaps taking too much too fast could create distress due to it’s potency which in turn could cause a rise in blood pressure but the long term effect of using Oregano Oil seems to be a lowering of blood pressure.
We don’t know of any evidence concerning the effects of oral consumption during pregnancy or lactation. Until sufficient evidence is forthcoming, oral use by expectant or nursing women should be avoided or taken in minute amounts.
There is a division of opinion (and practice) among professionals about the safety of oral consumption by children under five. This is more a result of a lack of access to realiable information. Prudence is always in order with small children or those who have ultra-sensitive digestive systems.
For these reasons, we leave the choice about oral use to you. And we advise you to exercise due diligence if you are unsure of how to safely use any essential oil.
One final word about oral use… There is a book by a doctor giving specific dosages for the oral use Oregano Oil. Those dosages pertain to a diluted Olive Oil/Oregano Oil mixture. If anyone ingests undiluted Oregano Oil in the dosages prescribed in this book they’re in for, well, a “surprise”!
About topical use… Dilute Oregano Oil at least 3:1 with any good carrier oil. Most folks use olive oil (3 parts carrier oil to 1 part Oregano Oil). Dilute it more if it causes skin irritation or if you plan to use it on sensitive skin. Spot test it before using it in liberal amounts. Keep it away from your eyes and mucous membranes.
20. Q: How much carrier oil is mixed with the Origanum Vulgareessential oil that you sell?
A: None. It is 100% pure – undiluted, unadulterated. If you need a reusable dropper bottle to mix your oil, we sell those as well.
21.Q: How can I be sure that the Origanum Vulgare essential oil I am buying is of high quality?
A: The standard method of analyzing essential oils is by Gas Chromotography. This method lists the percentages of the various chemical constituents of the oil. All of our oil is tested by this method for purity and quality by an independent lab. That lab issues a Certificate of Analysis with the lot number of the oil being tested. A copy of that certificate is available upon request.
Our oil is Food Grade, all natural, 100% pure, undiluted, unadulterated – no artificial anything. Our oil is 100% guaranteed. It is rich in Carvacrol, the therapeutic compound considered the primary indicator of quality.
22.Q: What is Carvacrol?
A: Carvacrol, a Phenol compound, is the most plentiful and therapeutically significant constituent of Oregano oil. Oils with higher quantities of Carvacrol demonstrate higher antimicrobial activity.
Because our Oil of Oregano is not a pharmaceutical medicine, but, rather, a natural substance, the Carvacrol content is not “standardized” as the active ingredients in medicines are. Consequently, the Carvacrol content of our oil can – and does – vary from lot to lot. It is always high, but it is not an identical percentage from lot to lot.
23. Q: What percentage of your essential oil is Carvacrol?
A: The Carvacrol percentage for the essential oil we are currently selling can be found in the Certificate of Analysis on our web site.
24.Q: Does Origanum Vulgare essential oil contain therapeutic constituents other than Carvacrol?
A: Over fifty compounds in Oil of Oregano demonstrate antimicrobial action. Research suggests that the complexity of the synergistic activity of these compounds hinders microorganisms from mutating into “oregano-resistant” microbes. The second most important antimicrobial compound in Origanum Vulgare is Thymol. All of these 50+ compounds fall into four categories:
Phenols
Terpenes
Long Chain Alcohols
Esters
25.Q: Why do you not ship your Origanum Vulgare essential oil in a bottle with a medicine dropper included? Note: We also ship using European Dropper Bottles.
A: Our oil is undiluted. Undiluted Origanum Vulgare essential oil can dissolve the rubber bulb of a medicine dropper. If you want a reusable dropper bottle for mixing your Oil of Oregano with a carrier oil, we sell them as well.
26.Q: How long will it take for me to receive my order of Origanum Vulgare essential oil?
A: 99+% of the time, U.S. orders (all fifty states), if paid for with a credit/debit card, should be delivered within seven days of the order – probably sooner. We ship all of U.S. orders under one pound 1st class by USPS. All orders over one pound are shipped USPS Priority Mail. Shipping costs and delivery time for international orders varies widely. We will notify international customers by E-mail concerning an exact shipping charge and an estimated delivery time before shipping their order.
27.Q: What type of guarantee do you offer on the Origanum Vulgareessential oil that you sell?
A: We guarantee that:
The Oil of Oregano we sell is of high quality and purity.
If you are ever dissatisfied with the Oil of Oregano you receive from us, we will promptly refund what you paid us – less shipping costs, upon return of the oil.
If your order is damaged in shipping, we’ll replace it – at no cost to you.
The Information On This Web-Site Does Not Constitute:
A Diagnosis Of Disease.
A Prescription Of Medication.
A Guarantee Of Therapeutic Benefit.
Dr. Jean Valnet, The Practice of Aromatherapy
“London Times”, May 8, 2001
Dr. Cass Ingram, The Cure is in the Cupboard, pp. 16, 17
Paul Belaiche, Treatise on Phytotherapy and Aromatherapy, 1977
“Journal of Applied Microbiology”, Volume 88, February 2000
Ingram, p.23
“Journal of Food Protection”, Volume 64, July 2001
Ingram, pp.11, 16
“Journal of Applied Nutrition”, 1995, Vol. 47, pp. 96–102
Ingram, p.24
Ingram, pp.23, 24
“Journal of Agricultural and Food Chemistry”, 2002,Vol. 49: pp 5165-5170
“Phytotherapy Research”, May, 2000, Vol. 14: pp.213-214
“Medical Science Research”, Siddiqui, 1966
These statements have not been evaluated by the Food and Drug Administration. This product is not intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any disease.