Day 14 introduces an amazing oil with some safety concerns.
Oregano essential oil is a powerhouse of benefits at an affordable price. This essential oil should always be diluted since it can be skin irritating, especially for those with sensitive skin. Oregano has pain relief effects, which is why it is my go-to when I have sinus pressure pain. This essential oil has an herbal/earthy scent so many other essential oils can complement the aroma. This would also be useful to add to your cleaning products. Oregano has a few safety issues which you can read more about below.
Essential Oil Common Name: Oregano
Latin Name: Origanum vulgare
Family: Lamiaceae
Part of Plant Used: Leaves
Extraction Method: Steam Distilled
Notes (Scent and Staying Power): Base
Safe for Ages: Safe for ages 2+ due to the thymol and carvacrol content. Avoid using on children under 2. There are other essential oils safer for kids under age 2 that you can use other than this essential oil. My kids are 10 and I have never found the need to use this essential oil on them up to this point.
Safe for Pregnancy: No
Safe for Breastfeeding: No
Topical Max: The topical max for this essential oil is 1.1%. Using any more than this can cause skin irritation.
Shelf Life: 3 Years
Key Therapeutic Properties/Actions: Analgesic, Antibacterial, Antibiotic, Antifungal, Antimicrobial, Antioxidant, Antispasmodic, Digestive, Expectorant
Contraindications: This essential oil has a few safety concerns according to the book Essential Oil Safety (Tisserand & Young). Oregano essential oil has drug interactions. It may inhibit blood clotting, avoid it internally, but use caution topically or by inhalation if you are on anticoagulant medication. It may also inhibit platelet aggregation, avoid internally, but use caution topically or by inhalation if you are taking antiplatelets such as aspirin. Use caution topically and by inhalation if you are on antidiabetic medications. Best not to use internally if you have a bleeding disorder, ulcers, or are on antidiabetic medications. Also, avoid before or after surgery by at lets 2 weeks at either end or the recommended timeframes by your doctor.
Where to purchase: Oregano here.
Thank you for reading!
Love and Nature,
Nicole
Remember: The contents of this blog post are intended for educational and informational purposes only and may not be the best fit for you and your personal situation. It shall not be construed as medical advice. The information and education provided here is not intended or implied to supplement or replace professional medical treatment, advice, and/or diagnosis. Always check with your own physician or medical professional before trying or implementing any information read here. Click here to read more about my medical/FDA disclaimers.
References:
Tisserand, R., & Young, R. (2014). Essential Oil Safety. (2nd ed.). Churchill Livingstone.
Petersen, D. (2016). Aromatherapy Materia Medica. American College of Healthcare Sciences.
Aromahead Institute. (n.d.). Aromatherapy Certification Program. [Courses]. Aromahead Institute. https://courses.aromahead.com/aromatherapy-certification-program