The Benefits of Oregano Oil for Natural Beauty
Oregano Oil is a great Natural Beauty and Soapmaking Ingredient. It can help with a variety of health and cosmetic problems, as well as providing the benefit of being a natural product, derived from the oregano plant. But don't get confused, the oregano essential oil we are speaking of here is a slightly different variety than the oregano you use to cook with at home. The botanical name of for oregano used in making oregano essential oil is Origanum vulgare. This variety is a much more potent compound, and is extremely more beneficial.
How is Oregano Essential Oil Made
Oregano oil is made by steam distilling the leaves of the oregano plant. The oregano plant is a small plant growing only to about 2.5 feet high. The plant contains small white to pinkish flowers that bloom from July to September, and are native to the Mediterranean and south and western Europe and Asia. The leaves are the part of the plant that are picked when ready and steam distilled to create a pure, undiluted essential oil. It is important to note that their are many varieties of Oregano Oil, and not all these oils are created equal. You can check below for some tips of buying the best Oregano Oil possible.
The Benefits of Oregano Oil
Oregano essential oil has many uses and benefits, and has long been used for cosmetic and health purposes around the world. From Greece to Great Brittain, many doctors and medical practicioneers have used Oregano oil to help with a world of ailments. Oregano oil has been shown to be a beneficial aid to those suffering from deep wounds and cuts, as well as for people with rheumatism and arthritis. In addition, Oil or Oregano has also been shown to help individuals suffering from respiratory problems, and has long been used to help clear up coughs, cold, broncitis and pneumonia.
The benefits of oregano don't stop their though. With its main compounds being Thymol, and Carvacrol, Oregano Oil has plenty more benefits going for it. In recent studies, these two components have been show to have significant beneficial result on dangerous microorganisms that can cause numerous diseases in humans. It is also these components that help Oregano stand out for its anti-bacterial, anti-fungal, and anti-oxidant properties. These enable oil of oregano to be beneficial for use on fungal infections, such as athletes foot, and minor skin infections as well as being beneficial for helping rid the body of harmful free radicals.
Cautions and Buying Oregano Oil
It is also important to list here some helpful tips regarding purchasing and handling oregano oil for your soapmaking or natural beauty needs. Since oregano can be a very dangerous substance, it is vital to understand the usage guidelines of the individual oil you are purchasing, as all oils are going to be slightly different in composition. So always check with you manufacturer before diving into using oil of oregano. Improper use of Oregano Oil can cause serious damage to the skin, and internal organs. It has been found to cause liver and kidney damage when ingested in higher doses, and can also cause eye, skin and mucous membrane irritations. It should never be used undilluted on the skin, and should also never be used if you are pregnant, as it contains emmenagogue properties (helps to promote and regulate your menstrual cycle).
When purchasing Oregano oil, always check two things, the main components of the oil, and the botanical name. High quality oregano oil is derived from Origanum vulgare, so any oil you purchase should be derived from this botanical plant as well. The components should list both the carvacrol, and the thymol, as these are the compounds that will give you the most benefit. And in closing, always make sure that you are purchasing from a reputable source, many companies claim to carry Oregano Essential Oil, but in reality, these oils tend to come from Thyme, or some other source. Don't be fooled into buying something that isn't pure!
If you want more resources and a complete list of properties you can check out the Oregano Oil Profile Page for a complete list of oregano's benefits.