Extracted from the fragrant leaves of the oregano plant, Origanum vulgare, Oregano essential oil has made its way into cookbooks, cleaning cabinets, and supplements. Oregano oil is one of the most versatile and powerful essential oils. Oregano oil possesses a high concentration of both carvacol and thymol, two phenol chemicals with cleansing properties. Oregano oil uses both components to its advantage, making it one of the best household cleansing agents known to the essential oil world. Oregano oil can be taken internally to help support a healthy immune system and healthy digestion and respiratory function.* 

Oregano oil is also an excellent source of antioxidants.* Other benefits of Oregano oil can be utilized when preparing and eating culinary dishes. Oregano’s herbaceous flavoring can be added to appetizers, entrees, and sauces to enhance an array of savory meals. Because of Oregano oil’s high phenol content, caution should be taken when diffusing or inhaling—only one to two drops are needed. When applied topically, Oregano oil should always be diluted with doTERRA Fractionated Coconut Oil.

Oregano Oil Uses and Benefits

1. Oregano oil benefits many homemade cleaners in a big way. For a quick and easy all-purpose cleaner, put 10 drops of Oregano essential oil into a 16-ounce spray bottle with water. Due to Oregano’s chemical makeup, it is a powerful cleansing and purifying agent. This simple spray is great for surfaces and countertops, even natural stone. 
   
   
2. Support your body in the way it needs, when it needs it. One of the many Oregano oil benefits supporting a healthy immune system.* One drop taken daily can help maintain healthy immune function.* Oregano can be taken more frequently when seasonal threats are high or as needed to further boost immunity.* You can put two drops of Oregano essential oil in a veggie capsule to help support immune function.*
   
   
3. Add a little flavor to your favorite Italian cuisine with some Oregano essential oil. Oregano oil is spicy and herbaceous and will add the perfect hint of flavor to spaghetti sauce, pizza sauce, roasts, and much more. When your Italian recipes call for ground oregano, simply replace it with one drop of Oregano essential oil for a delicious seasoning. One drop of Oregano essential oil can replace one tablespoon of ground oregano. 
   
   
4. Take advantage of some more powerful Oregano oil benefits by adding one to two drops to a veggie capsule. Why? Oregano essential oil benefits overall health and can help support healthy respiratory function.*
   
   
5. Enhance your meals by adding some Oregano Essential Oil to them.
   
   
6. Oregano essential oil is a rich source of antioxidants.* Antioxidants are essential to help protect the body from the oxidation of molecules. When molecules oxidize, they can create free-radicals that can lead to damaged cells. To help support your body with antioxidants and promote a healthy response to oxidation and free-radicals, take Oregano oil internally by diluting a drop in water and drinking or putting two drops into a veggie capsule and ingesting.*
7. Not only does Oregano oil promote healthy immune and respiratory function, it also supports healthy digestion.* Oregano oil supports healthy digestion by promoting the secretion of digestive juices.* When experiencing occasional digestive issues, take Oregano oil internally by diluting a drop in water and digesting or by putting two drops into a veggie capsule and ingesting.* 
8. Have you ever heard the phrase “we’re better off together?” In Oregano and Peppermint oil’s case, it’s true! In a recent study, a group of Brazilian researchers reported that, at least in the cases they were looking at, Oregano and Peppermint oil worked better when used together. When two different substances like Oregano and Peppermint oil work to create a combined effect that is greater than the effects of the individual substance on their own, the result is called synergism.  When using Oregano essential oil, use it alongside Peppermint oil for a more powerful result. To find out more about the synergism of other essential oils, visit the doTERRA Science Blog. 

Plant Description
The oregano plant, Origanum vulgare, is a bushy perennial that is part of the Lamiaceae family. The leaves of the plant are fragrant and are characterized by their rounded to ovate shape. This plant also produces tiny, pinkish-purple or white flowers. The oregano plant grows best in dry to medium moisture and well-drained soils. It thrives in full sun. doTERRA Oregano essential oil is extracted from the leaves of this plant.

Chemistry of Oregano Oil
Main Chemical Components: Carvacrol, thymol , para-cymene, γ-terpinene

All of the Oregano oil benefits come from it's chemistry. The main chemical component of Oregano essential oil is carvacrol. Carvacrol has a monoterpene backbone and is part of the phenols functional group. Carvacrol is a chemical that contains warming properties. Carvacrol, along with thymol, another main chemical constituent in Oregano oil, possesses cleansing and antioxidant properties.* The antioxidant properties contribute heavily to the rich source of antioxidants provided from Oregano essential oil.* To learn more about the chemical components of Oregano oil or other chemical constituents found in essential oils, visit the doTERRA Science Blog.


Each batch of doTERRA essential oils is thoroughly and carefully tested through the CPTG Certified Pure Therapeutic Grade​® protocol. This protocol is composed of a variety of strict, scientific tests that assess the purity of doTERRA essential oils. If a batch of essential oils is tested and found pure, then it is packaged and released so that individuals and families everywhere can experience the powerful impact of pure and effective essential oils. 

doTERRA places an emphasis on providing pure oils because pure oils are effective oils. Too often, essential oils available for purchase are diluted with filler substances or contaminants. Oils that are not pure decrease how effective the essential oils are and reduce their power and potential. To ensure that the oils doTERRA customers receive are effective and pure, doTERRA thoroughly and carefully tests their oils in order to produce quality oils that will yield beneficial results.

Cautions
Possible skin sensitivity. Keep out of reach of children. If you are pregnant, nursing, or under a doctor’s care, consult your physician. Avoid contact with eyes, inner ears, and sensitive areas.

Essential Oil Spotlight

Oregano is one of the most potent and powerful essential oils and has been used for centuries in traditional practices. The primary chemical components of Oregano is carvacol, a phenol that possesses antioxidant properties when ingested.

Due to its high phenol content, caution should be taken when inhaling or diffusing Oregano; only one to two drops is needed. Additionally, Oregano should be diluted with a carrier oil when applied to the skin. One drop taken internally each day can help maintain healthy immune function; Oregano can be taken more frequently as needed to further support the immune system.*

​ In addition to being a popular cooking spice, Oregano also supports healthy digestion and respiratory function when taken internally.* Oregano’s aroma acts as an enhancer and equalizer in essential oil blends.
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USES

• Take one drop in a veggie cap or 4 fl. oz. of liquid daily to maintain healthy immune function.*
• Add one to two drops to a veggie capsule to support healthy respiratory function.*
• Put one drop in place of dried oregano in spaghetti sauce, pizza sauce, or on a roast.
• Put 10 drops in a 16-ounce spray bottle with water for a surface cleaner.

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DIRECTIONS FOR USE
Diffusion: Use three to four drops in the diffuser of choice.Internal use: Dilute one drop in 4 fl. oz. of liquid.
Topical use: Dilute one to two drops with a carrier oil then apply to desired area. See additional precautions below.

CAUTIONS
Possible skin sensitivity. Keep out of reach of children.
If you are pregnant, nursing, or under a doctor’s care, consult your physician. Avoid contact with eyes, inner ears, and sensitive areas.

*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.

Let us know about your experiences with this oil in the comments below.