Essential Oil Profile More than Just a Spice, Oregano Essential Oil by

Essential Oil Profile
More than Just a Spice, Oregano Essential Oil
and its Therapeutic Benefits by Dr. David K. Hill
An ever growing body of research is positive
and suggestive of additional study and
inquisition into the powerful healing
attributes of essential oils. There is growing
interest for personal use to improve health
and modern medical science is validating its
therapeutic benefit. The medicinal use of
essential oils is well documented and has
been readily considered to be one of the
most potent forms of natural medicine. The
need for more cost effective and intuitive
approaches to healthcare along with public
demand has increased the popularity of
essential oils exponentially. They are readily
available as key components in a variety of
health and beauty products and as individual
commodities.
For those who utilize essential oils personally
along with a growing number of Health Care
providers who are incorporating more holistic
therapies, there has been greater acceptance
and openness regarding the benefit and
simplicity with which they can be
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incorporated into models of health. Various
maladies and a host of ailments along with
an almost endless list of practical uses are all
within the scope of the medicinal value of
pure essential oils. Oregano essential oil is
certainly no exception.
in Spain and Origanum vulgare which is
predominant throughout the rest of the
Mediterranean. In a process known as
chemical polymorphism these two distinct
oregano plants develop specific and potent
chemistry.
Within the plant family of Lamiaceae is the
genus Origanum consisting of more than 44
specific species and at least 6 different
subspecies. In addition there are 18 or more
naturally occurring hybrids and 3 botanical
varieties. Included within this host of plants
are several types of the unmistakably
herbaceous and potent oregano. Revered for
its traditional role as a cooking herb many are
now discovering the vast health benefits
associated with the essential oil of oregano.
Although many differing species and
subspecies exist, most oregano available is
considered non-therapeutic and best suited
for cooking. Generally only two species are
revered for their medicinal potential. Thymus
capitatus, (Spanish oregano) primarily found
Wild crafted Origanium vulgare L. within the
subspecies of hirtum seems to be especially
potent. Carvacrol is a phenolic monoterpene
present in many essential oils of the family
Lamiaceae. As a primary compound
comprising of 60% or more of the chemical
profile of the subspecies hirtum, oregano has
proven to be invaluable for many differing
health circumstances. Typically most users of
oregano for health practices give great value
to its strong antimicrobial benefit. Indeed
origanum vulgare due primarily to its
phenolic compounds of carvicrol and thymol,
it is far superior to many other essential oils
in this regard. As is the circumstance with
many essential oils its antimicrobial benefit is
not limited to one strain of bacterium.
Essential Oil Profile
Individual immunity with strong resilience is
essential to health and all four microbe
categories, bacterium, viral, fungal and
protozoic can be heavily diminished or
eradicated through the use of oregano
essential oil. Research has shown it to
be effective against candida albicans,
the aspergillus mold, staphylococcus,
campylobacter, klebsiella, e.coli, giardia,
pseudomonas, salmonella, and listeria just to
name a few.
When assayed against several types of
human pathogenic bacteria, O. vulgare
demonstrated the highest antimicrobial
activity among all those tested. It has long
been my experience that oregano essential
oil, when used properly, elicits appropriate
and clinically relevant outcomes in direct
patient care.
Willing to overlook the strong and familiar
aromatic overtones, peer reviewed research
and personal experience has many devoted
aromatherapists and health professionals
recommending oregano essential oil for a
variety of health additional concerns.
The role of antioxidants in the body is a well
understood nutritional principle. Fatty acids
are necessary for proper brain development
and function. In the brain they are
susceptible to oxidative damage (free
radicals) leading to impaired function.
Phenolic compounds like those found in
Oregano essential oil demonstrate active
protection against the damaging effects of
oxidation.
when needed should not be overlooked. The
ease and simplicity of use associated with
essential oils makes them an effective selfmanagement opportunity for many patients.
A surprisingly large number of physician and
hospital visits are a direct result of gastric
issues. Ulcers and gastric lesions comprise
many such patient, physician interactions. It
has now been shown through research that
carvacrol has many pharmacological targets
when used to treat gastric ulcers and lesions.
Helicobacter pylori, a known cause of a
significant number of gastric ulcers, is greatly
reduced in the presence of oregano essential
oil. Small amounts of oregano periodically
ingested in a capsule seems to be most
clinically relevant and offers the most
targeted approach in patient care for these
types of conditions.
Chronic inflammation plays a major role in
the development and perpetuation of many
illnesses and disease states. The relevant
concept with inflammation is its relentless
destruction of tissue when developed into
chronic stages. In clinical practices it is well
understood that chronic inflammation and
pain are intrinsically connected. The prooxidative states which exist as an
inflammatory partner can be significantly
reduced through the use of oregano essential
oil.
One of the most exciting areas of emerging
research with essential oils is their ability to
differentiate between healthy viable cells and
unhealthy ones. Cell death is a normal part of
the cell cycle. All cells have an expected and
useful life span. In the case of damaged cells
the timely stimulation of apoptosis (cell
death) is critical. Carvacrol may induce
apoptosis through direct activation of the
mitochondrial pathway. Stimulation of
apoptosis in damaged cells is an attribute
that many essential oils seem to possess.
Clove, Thyme, Frankincense, citrus and
many additional essential oils have shown
varying degrees of benefit.
In many studies carvacrol produced
significant inhibitory effect on nociception
suggesting that this potent monoterpene is
an effective tool in the management of
chronic pain. I have found that topical use
with dilution is reliable in reducing inflamed
joints and managing arthritic conditions. The
advantages of repeated application models
It is clear that oregano is more than just a
spice for cooking. As an essential oil it is a
potent, multifaceted medicinal agent.
Through its proper use it provides many
direct health benefits. As a physician I have
come to understand and have incorporated
many of their therapeutic and clinical benefits
into direct patient care. It is my belief that
essential oils will continue to emerge as an
exciting and appropriate approach to health.
Dr. David K. Hill is the Chief Medical Officer,
dōTERRA Intl. LLC
Chairman, Scientific Advisory Board
References
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the essential oils of commonly consumed
medicinal herbs using an in vitro model.
Molecules. 2010. Oct 27;15(11):7532-46.
2. Lang, WZ. and Lu, CH., Carvacrolinduced [Ca2+]I rise and apoptosis in
human glioblastoma cells. Life Sci. 2012
May 15;90(17-18):703-11.
3. Silva, FV., et al., Anti-inflammatory and
anti-ulcer activities of carvacrol, a
monoterpene present in the essential oil of
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essential oils of Origanum vulgare and
Pelargonium graveloens against some
Candida species. Phytomedicine. 2009
Oct;16(10):972-5.
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essential oils. Curr Med Chem. 2003
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