Oregano is native to Europe but currently grows all over the world. It is used a lot in the world for cooking food. The plant is a full bush that can grow to about 3 feet tall. Aromatherapist use it mostly as a painkiller. It is an antiviral, fungicidal, parasiticide, stimulant and tonic for the entire body system according to Jeanne Rose on page 120 in her book 375 Essential Oils and Hydrosols.
This is an especially powerful essential oil so please read carefully the contraindications, hazards, cautions and drug interactions at the bottom of this information section.
Botanical Name: Origanum vulgare
Botanical Family: Lamiaceae
Plant Part Distilled: Bark/Leaf
Extraction Method: Steam Distilled
Origin: France
Cultivation: Organic
Aroma: Strong Herbaceous with a touch of spice and a bit camphoraceous.
Chemistry: Phenol
Contraindication: Don't use if pregnant or nursing
Hazards: Drug interaction; inhibits blood clotting; embryotoxicity; skin irritation (low risk); mucous membrane irritation (moderate risk)
Drug interactions: Anti-diabetic or anticoagulant medication, because of cardiovascular effects.
Cautions: Can cause hypersensitivity, disease or damage to skin if applied directly to skin. Not for use with children under the age of 7. Can cause problems if ingested. In particular for people who have any of the following conditions: Diabetic on medication, anticoagulant medication, major surgery, peptic ulcer, hemophilia, other bleeding disorders.
Maximum dermal use level: 1%
Therapeutic: Analgesic, Antibacterial, Antifungal, Antiseptic, Antispasmodic, Antiviral, Carminative, Cholagogue, Decongestant, Diaphoretic, Emmenagogue, Insecticide, Stimulant, Vermifuge