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 8 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 1. Soković, M., et al., Antibacterial effects of 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. 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Rosato, A., et al., In vitro synergic efficacy of the combination of Nystatin with the essential oils of Origanum vulgare and Pelargonium graveloens against some Candida species. Phytomedicine. 2009 Oct;16(10):972-5. 9. Kalemba, D. and Kunicka, A., Antibacterial and antifungal properties of essential oils. Curr Med Chem. 2003 May;10(10):813-29. 9