Oregano: Product Highlight
Plant Details
Oregano (Origanum vulgare) is a species of perennial flowering herb in the Lamiaceae family. It is native to areas in Europe, the Mediterranean, and central Asia and has become naturalized in other temperate environments in the Northern Hemisphere. Oregano plants can grow between eight and thirty inches tall and spread around two feet wide with a dense, bushy appearance. The leaves of the plant are olive green in color and spade-shaped, growing from a half inch to an inch and a half long. Oregano leaves are highly aromatic and grow opposite along the square woody stems of the plant. Tiny flowers bloom in spike clusters during summer, rising above the foliage on long stems. The flowers of the Oregano plants are only three to four millimeters and have delicate petals, ranging from white to pink to purple in color.
History
The name Oregano developed from the Ancient Greek terms “oros” which means “mountain” and “ganos” meaning “joy” and together they mean “joy of the mountains.” Both the freshly picked leaves and essential oil of Oregano have been utilized by Ancient Greek physicians for medicinal purposes ranging from the treatment of wounds to the relief of common colds. Notable physicians Hippocrates and Maimonides were said to have prescribed it for its antiseptic and immune-boosting properties. According to Greek mythology, the goddess Aphrodite created Oregano to be a symbol of happiness and it was meant to make life happier for mankind. Influenced by this myth, Greek couples would place on Oregano on their heads during the wedding to deter evil spirits. The herb was also placed on the tombs of departed family members as it was believed that it brought them peace in the afterlife. Greece was later conquered by the Romans who began spreading Oregano throughout Europe and northern Africa. In these regions, the herb was used for flavoring fish, meat, and wine. During the Middle Ages, Oregano Essential Oil was used to help relieve toothaches, indigestion, and coughs. Oregano was traded along the Spice Route from the Middle East to China where doctors began prescribing the herb and essential oil for skin irritation, fever, and vomiting.
Extraction
Oregano that is cultivated for essential oil production is harvested from May to August when the oil concentration in the leaves is highest. After the plant material is harvested, it is dried by warm air convection before being transported for extraction. Oregano Essential Oil is extracted from the leaves of the plant through steam distillation. The resulting essential oil is thin and yellow in color, with a sweet, spicy, and herbaceous aroma. Approximately two hundred pounds of dry plant matter is required to produce thirty-two ounces of Oregano Essential Oil.
Benefits & Uses
Used in aromatherapy, Oregano Essential Oil is believed to support health and wellness by boosting the immune system and working to combat symptoms of illness. It has been found to break up phlegm to eliminate build-up in the lungs and alleviate congestion and sneezing. Oregano Essential Oil may help ease respiratory inflammation, working to soothe throat irritation and painful coughs. It is known to stimulate healthy immune function to help the body avoid becoming sick as often and to recover more quickly from illness when it happens. Oregano Essential Oil is thought to help regulate hormone levels which may work to balance the mood and support regular menstruation. It has been found to be calming to the body and mind, helping to encourage feelings of relaxation and promote faster sleep onset.
When properly diluted and used topically, Oregano Essential Oil is known to reduce inflammation which can help to ease pain and support skin health. It has been found to neutralize itchiness and diminish redness from insect stings, rashes, and other skin irritations. Oregano Essential Oil may help to soothe aches and pains in muscles and joints while working to alleviate swelling caused by arthritis or injury. It is believed to inhibit the growth of bacteria, yeast, and fungi to help combat infection and illness. Oregano Essential Oil is thought to possess antioxidant properties that help combat signs of aging for a smooth and youthful complexion. It has been found to diminish acne and blemishes while working to brighten and tighten the skin. Oregano is known to soothe dry scalp and alleviate dandruff by moisturizing and conditioning the hair.
Oregano Essential Oil is believed to cleanse the air and surfaces by eliminating bacteria and supporting immune health. It may help to repel insects such as ants and roaches while working to combat the growth of mold and fungus around the home.
Here are some recipes using Oregano Essential Oil that we love...
Wellness Boost Diffuser Blend
Ingredients
- 3 drops of Oregano Essential Oil
- 3 drops of Peppermint Essential Oil
- 2 drops of Lavender Essential Oil
- 2 drops of Lemon Essential Oil
Instructions
Add water to the diffuser up to the fill line. Add drops of the essential oil blend. This diffuser blend recipe is formulated for a 200ml ultrasonic diffuser. Adjust the amount according to the size and directions of your diffuser.
Peace of Mind Balancing Room Spray
Ingredients
- 4 oz Amber Glass Bottle with Spray Top
- 2 oz of High Percentage Alcohol
- 2 oz of Distilled Water
- 10 drops of Oregano Essential Oil
- 10 drops of Lavender Essential Oil
- 10 drops of Sweet Orange Essential Oil
- 5 drops of Ylang Ylang Essential Oil
Instructions
Add 2 ounces of high-percentage alcohol to the bottle. Add the essential oils and fill the remainder of the bottle with water, leaving a little space at the top. Shake well before each use. Spray around the room in the morning.
Soothe & Protect Healing Lotion Bar
Ingredients
- Heat Safe Bar Molds
- 4 oz of Sweet Almond Oil
- 4 oz of Cocoa Butter Wafers
- 4 oz of Beeswax Pearls
- 10 drops of Oregano Essential Oil
- 10 drops of Chamomile Essential Oil
- 10 drops of Frankincense Essential Oil
- 10 drops of Lavender Essential Oil
Instructions
Combine Sweet Almond Oil, Cocoa Butter, and Beeswax in a heat-safe bowl and melt over a double boiler. Stir the ingredients continuously until they are fully melted and combined. Remove the mixture from the heat, and let it cool for a few minutes. Add the essential oils and then gently stir until they are completely integrated. Carefully pour the mixture into the molds and gently tap the molds on the work surface to release any air bubbles. Allow the lotion bars to cool and harden for several hours before removing them from the molds.
Nourishing Hydration Moisturizing Oil
Ingredients
- 2 oz Amber Bottle with Dropper
- 1 oz of Sweet Almond Oil
- 1 oz of Jojoba Oil
- 10 drops of Oregano Essential Oil
- 10 drops of Rosemary Essential Oil
- 8 drops of Geranium Essential Oil
Instructions
Add all ingredients to the bottle and give it a good shake to combine. Add a few drops to the hands and massage into the face, scalp, or body to soothe and hydrate skin.
Plant Power Surface Cleansing Spray
Ingredients
- 16oz Amber Glass Bottle with Spray Top
- 8 oz of White Vinegar
- 4 oz of Witch Hazel Extract
- 4 oz of Distilled Water
- 15 drops of Oregano Essential Oil
- 15 drops of Peppermint Essential Oil
- 10 drops of Tea Tree Essential Oil
Instructions
Combine all ingredients in the spray bottle and shake until thoroughly combined. Shake well before each use. Spray on surfaces around the home and wipe with a clean cloth.
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