Summer season has arrived and yet… I managed to catch a cold. Stuffy nose, sore throat, coughing, very annoying in the middle of summer and holidays! No more going to the pool or the beach for the entire day, staying out on the terrace in shorts and a t-shirt at night…. But then I decided to try out oregano essential oil. Two drops on a sugar cube, a couple of times a day and yes my cold is GONE! Careful though, the taste of the oregano essential oil is quite strong, therefore it is recommended to dilute it in a spoon full of vegetal oil, in honey or in gastro resistent capsules.
Oregano essential oil is a natural and very very efficient remedy that has been used for centuries. But it has many more uses and benefits:
Botanic Name:
Origanum vulgare from theLabiatae (Labiaceae) family
Origin:
A common garden herb, the oregano grows naturally around dry climate, especially around the Mediterranean coasts. Oregano is an ancient medical herb that has been used for centuries for its many positive properties
Plant Material:
The dark green oval leaves and the dried flowering tops are used to make the essential oil
Processed:
By steam distillation.
Organoleptic Properties:
Aspect: liquid, medium to watery viscosity
Color: pale yellow
Smell: spicy, camphor like smell
Composition:
Carvacrol- Causes damages to the cell membrane of bacteria
Thymol- Strong antimicrobial attributes, reduces the resistance of bacteria to common drugs, antioxidant proprieties
p-cymene- aromatic organic compound
cis-ocimene
caryophyllene- Some studies point towards the possible anti-inflammatory effects of this component
linalool- used as a chemical intermediate
Synergy with oregano essential oil:
Oregano essential oil Synergy:
blends well with: Basil, Geranium, Lemongrass, Myrtle, Rosemary, and Thyme Oil
Properties:
Physical:
Expectorant
Anti-inflammatory
Reduces irritation
Anti-bacterial
Anti-fungal
Anti-viral
Anti-parasitic
Antioxidant
Beneficial for regulating menstruation and delaying the onset of menopause
Anti-allergenic
Beneficial for the digestive system
Use Direction:
Cold, respiratory problems: (8 drops, 4 times a day on the thorax and back)
EO Origanum compactum (Origan compact) : 1 ml
EO Cinnamomum Camphora (Ravintsare) : 1 ml
EO Eucalyptus Radiata (Eucalyptus radié) : 4 ml
Vegetal oil (macadamia) : 20 ml