The essential oils that I have in my home smell really good.   When I get a massage and the therapist applies essential oils, I always feel relaxed.  The literature accompanying any essential oil makes many claims.  ….but are there really scientific studies out there that prove it.  Take a journey with me as we find out.

When I started this journey I really had no idea the amount of research and scientific studies that were done on the effectiveness of essential oils. I would really encourage everyone to do their own research but I want to give you some of the tidbits I’ve discovered.  I just happened to mention to a client of mine that I really want to see a petri dish full of bacteria and see what effect the essential oil has on it.   Well guess what?  I found these studies, right on the internet. Who would have thought?

For the next few blog postings, I’m going to focus on the anti-bacterial and anti-microbial properties of some of the best oils.  After all, I started this research in order to make the best All-Purpose Disinfectant spray for our house.

What in the World is “Oil of Oregano?”

As I began my research, I almost immediately came across a certain oil that was in multiple studies.  That oil is Oregano Essential oil.  Oil of oregano is not to be confused with common oregano that we use in our kitchens, which is usually marjoram (Origanum majorana or O. vulgare) but it is the  true oregano (Origanum vulgare).

What is in Oil of Oregano

Oil of Oregano contains the active ingredient carvacrol which may be an effective treatment against some drug resistant bacteria.   A study in Science Daily 10/11/2001, stated that Oil of Oregano,  at pretty low doses, was found to be effective against Staphylococcus bacteria and was comparable in its germ-killing properties to antibiotic drugs such as streptomycin, penicillin and vancomycin.

Vancomycin is one of the more potent antibiotics.  But the important thing about this is that, in the book, entitled Beyond Antibiotics: Healthier Options for Families, it states, “one of the advantages essential oils have over antibiotics is that bacteria do not develop resistance to essential oils. “  I think this is a super important fact considering all the drug resistant bacteria strains out there.

How does Oil of Oregano compare

Oil of Oregano was tested against 52 other plant oils and found to be the lead pharmacologic agent against Candida albicans (yeast), E. coli, Salmonella enterica and Pseudomonas aeruginosa. [Journal Applied Microbiology, volume 86, June 1999]  Pseudomonas is a type of germ that is getting more difficult to treat as it has developed strains that are resistant against antibiotic drugs.

More Health Claims of Oregano Oil

• Inflammation resistant
• Can help relieve congestion
• Emmenagogue — Oregano oil can aid irregular menstruation and reducing the negative effects of menopause.
• Anti-allergen — Oregano oils produce a sedating effect on the hyper-sensitivity of allergies.
• Potent anti-oxidant capacity — Through neutralizing free-radicals, oregano oil helps us slow the process of cellular deterioration, thus slowing the process of aging.
• Rosmarinic acid, a component of oil of oregano, is an antihistamine, and a more powerful antioxidant than vitamin E.
• Digestive aid — Stimulates the flow of bile in the digestive organs
• With regular use, oregano oil can help protect us against fungal infections.

Important Notes

Oregano Oil is not generally considered safe during pregnancy, though culinary use of oregano leaf is considered fine. Due to its highly potent nature, it should always be diluted for use on the skin or when taking internally. I am not a doctor or medical professional, and you should always consult your doctor before taking any herbs or beginning any health routine.

How does Oregano match up to popular Essential Oil Blends and how to do you make your own All Purpose Spray?  I’ll focus on that in my next posting.