Origanum essential oil has a very ancient reputation and has been used in both the kitchen and the sickroom since the time of the ancients. The Greeks used oregano extensively, both internally and externally as a remedy for narcotic poisons, convulsions and dropsy.
Oregano oil and leaf are both strong herbal antibacterial agents due to the high thymol content. Origanum essential oil is a powerful, spicy, camphor-like aroma. Origanum essential oil originates from Bulgaria and is extracted by steam distillation of the plant.
Origanum essential oil is a member of the Lamiaceae family. Blends well with lavender, rosemary, bergamot, chamomile, cypress, cedarwood, tea tree and eucalyptus. Origanum essential oil is both a dermal irritant and a mucous membrane irritant. It should be avoided during pregnancy.