Oregano Essential Oil (Istanbul)

Oregano Essential Oil 

Oregano belongs to the plant family Labiatae.  Labiatae family members are easily hybridized. That is, there is interbreeding of different species, making it difficult to define species and subspecies. Thyme is probably the aromatic plant with the most diverse range of chemotypes [1].

The thyme genera used commercially in Turkey, all of which belong to the Lamiaceae family, are Origanum, Thymbra, Coridothymus, Satureja and Thymus [2].

Origanum Vulgare, also known as İstanbul Kekiği,  essential oil is obtained as a result of steam distillation of the top flower parts of Origanum vulgare L. This essential oil contains a very high amount of the phenolic phenolic monoterpenoids such as carvacrol and thymol. Carvacrol has been reported to possess antifungal, antibacterial, antispasmodic, antiseptic, antimicrobial, cytotoxic, antioxidant activities [3,4].

Origanum Vulgare essential oil may help to support the immune system and alleviate the symptoms of the common cold. Origanum Vulgare essential oil is also known to help regulate menstruation. Natural antioxidants contained in Origanum Vulgare essential oil  help to reduce oxidative stress and prevent mutagenesis and cancer [5].

There are many different chemotypes of the Origanum vulgare species. The composition of the essential oil varies according to the plant type, geographical location and harvesting season Several different  chemotypes of Origanum vulgare L occur according to their geographical region of growth [3].

Origanum Vulgare essential oil poses a higher risk of causing irritation and sensitization. This oil should not be used topically on children age 2 or younger [6].

Directions:

Origanum Vulgare essential oil may be applied via inhalation or topically. Before using this essential oil, carefully read Warning & Safety Requirements.

To apply to the skin, do not use undiluted essential oils on your skin. For topical applications a 1% or less dilution is recommended [6].

Used topically, Origanum Vulgare essential oil helps to promote blood circulation. Oregano essential oil can help in relieving the pain of arthritis, muscle and joint pains. Since Origanum Vulgare essential oil has potent antibacterial, antifungal properties, It can be used to treat wounds and skin infections [4].

Used in aromatherapy, Origanum Vulgare essential oil can improve the efficiency of the respiratory tract. Oregano essential oil poses a higher risk of causing irritation and sensitization when used in the bath. Avoid using Origanum Vulgare essential oil in the bath, even if it is diluted [5].

Suggested Uses:

Try adding it to a bath or diffuser as aromatherapy, or combining with different essential oils to strengthen its effect.

Add to a 20 ml bottle: 2 drops Tea Tree essential oil, 1 drop Origanum Vulgare essential oil, then fill with Jojoba oil and shake to mix well. Apply  directly to toenail fungus. Because of their antifungal and antiseptic abilities, thix mixture helps to treat fungal nails.

Warning & Safety Requirements:

• If you are pregnant or lactating, please consult with your doctor before using any product containing essential oils.
• For external use only.
• Can cause skin irritation, avoid contact with eyes and mucous membranes.
• Not suitable for children.

Storage Conditions:

Store oils in a cool dry place away from direct sunlight and out of reach of children.

References:

• [1]. Clarke, S.. Essential Chemistry for Aromatherapy. 2nd Ed. Elsevier Health Sciences. 2008.
• [2]. Meriçli-İlisulu, F., Tanker, M., The volatile oils of some endemic Thymus Species Grown in Southern Anatolia. Planta Medica, 340, 1986.
• [3]. Karik, Ü. ve ark. İstanbul kekiği (Origanum vulgare L. subsp. hirtum) populasyonlarında farklı biçim zamanlarının verim ve kaliteye etkileri. Dergipark. Cilt 36, Sayı 1, 37 – 48, 2007.
• [4]. Kaçar, O., Göksu, E., Azkan, N., İzmir Kekiğinde (Origanum onites L.) Farklı Sıklıkların Bazı Agronomik ve Kalite Özellikleri Üzerine Etkisinin Belirlenmesi. U.Ü. Ziraat Fakültesi Dergisi Sayı: 2. Cilt: 21. 2006.
• [5]. Nature in Bottle. Oregano Oil. (Erişim Tarihi : 16.09.2021).
• [6]. Tisserand & Young Essential Oil Safety, 2nd Edition Churchill Livingstone Elsevier. Edinburg 2014.