Oregano is one of the strongest antibacterial essential oils. You can smell the oil's power from the first moment the bottle is opened - the aroma is quite intense. According to some aromatherapists, the essential oil may be best used when a strong response to bacterial infection is needed; it has a broad spectrum of bactericidal and anti-microbial effect. It can be taken internally, adding 1 to 2 drops to water up to 10 times a day; some advise adding the drops to a small amount of olive oil for a less stimulating feeling in the mouth.

Fungal infection of finger and toenails is a common ailment effectively addressed with the oil. Rub a small amount of oregano into each affected area until the infection is completely cleared. If the oil is too strong and irritating to the skin, dilute 50/50 with olive oil. Another effective blend can be made with oregano and tea tree oil, used in the same manner.

Oregano oil may be best suited to gastrointestional and bronchial infections. Carvacol and Thymol are the primary active constituents. These componds act as antibacterials, anti-spasmodics, increase the production of gastric juices, ease bloating and gas and can relieve menstrual cramps.

Oil of Oregao is considered one of the strongest inhibitors of internal yeast infection (candida). Among 52 plant oils tested in one study, oregano was found to have the strongest action against Candida albicans, as well as E. Coli, Salmonella and Pseudomonas bacteria (a strain that is becoming more difficult to treat with conventional medicine due to development of drug resistance). Researchers at Georgetown University found oregano oil at relatively low doses inhibited the growth of staphylococcus bacteria as effectively as the standard antibiotics. Again, liturature suggests taking the oil internally, 3 drops in a cup of warm water several times a day. It is also important to limit sugar intake at the same time, as the microbial invaders love dessert as much as you do!

Unlike manufactured antibiotics, there is no known tendency for microbes to develop resistance to the effectiveness of oregano. The oil can kill or halt the growth of virtually any fungus and a great majority of bacteria. In the book The Practice of Aromatherapy Jean Valnet discusses how it is potent enough to sterilize sewage water - other researchers performed this test and found a 1/4000 dilution of the oil sterilized septic water.

More is not necessarily better with oil of Oregano! It is VERY potent, and only a small amount is needed at one time. Be aware of how your body is responding. The French aromamedical literature advises refraining from long term use due to possible undesirable changes in liver metabolism.