Essential Oils: Oregano and Oregano Vitality

By Amy Zellmer, Editor-in-chief

Essential oils are a complementary tool that can help you achieve a healthy lifestyle. They are easy to use, versatile, and smell great.

All oils are not created equal. Young Living is the only brand I personally trust because I know they have complete control over their product from seed to seal. Oils sold at health food stores can be misleading. They are not regulated by the FDA, so you must look closely at the labels. The labels may say they are 100% therapeutic-grade oils when they are not. If the ingredients list anything other than the plant stated, or if the label has statements like “For external use only,” “For aromatic use only,” and/or “Dilute properly,” the oil inside that bottle may have been cut with other oils, synthetics, or chemicals.

Oregano

Oregano gets its name from the Greek words oros and ganos, which combined mean “joy of the mountains.” It’s no surprise that oregano has a Greek name, as it’s believed to have origins in Greece and in the mountains of the Mediterranean. This hardy, bushy plant can grow to around 30 inches tall, and it sprouts purple flowers. Oregano is part of the mint family, and its essential oil is steam distilled from the leaves. Varieties of oregano can be found all over the world.

As an herb, oregano shines in Italian and Mediterranean cuisine, but as an essential oil, it has a wealth of benefits and uses outside the kitchen. Oregano essential oil’s warm, herbaceous scent is excellent at purifying the air when diffused with oils such as peppermint. It includes the naturally-occurring constituents carvacrol, beta-caryophyllene, and thymol. Additionally, it helps purify the air when diffused.

• Diffuse Oregano at home to create a comforting environment.
• Diffuse it with peppermint throughout your work space to help purify strong odors.

Oregano Vitality™

Oregano Vitality™ essential oil does more than provide your meals with a depth of flavor; it may also support a healthy lifestyle when taken as a dietary supplement.* Oregano Vitality makes flavoring savory dishes simple. With a distinctive, herbaceous flavor, it is an indispensable addition to Mediterranean and Mexican cuisines, though it can enhance the flavors in many of your favorite recipes, from grilled chicken to roasted vegetables. While the potent flavor of Oregano Vitality makes it a delicious addition to dishes when used sparingly on its own, because of its powerful antioxidant* properties, it makes a great daily supplement. Be sure to use a carrier oil such as V-6™ Vegetable Oil Complex or olive oil to dilute this powerful oil when taking it internally.

• Add Oregano Vitality in small amounts to various dishes for extra flavoring, particularly in Mexican and Mediterranean dishes.
• Put 1 drop of Oregano Vitality and 1 drop of V-6 oil in a veggie capsule and take it as a dietary supplement daily to help support a healthy immune system.*
• Add a drop to a green smoothie to help cleanse the digestive system.*

CAUTIONS: Keep out of reach of children. If you are pregnant, nursing, taking medication, or have a medical condition, consult a health professional prior to use.

*These statements have not been evaluated by the Food and Drug Administration. Young Living products are not intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any disease.

For more information on how to use essential oils, please visit: www.facesoftbi.com/eo