One of the main reasons we chose to create Restore Hope Oils is we wanted to verify purity and safety applied to the use of essential oils. I want to clarify a very crucial concept. 

A customer asked me a question a while ago and it is important enough to me that I am making a post. I bring this up because if this customer had not reached out to me they could have had a very bad and possibly harmful experience. 

I am grateful for the courage and foresight of this person to ask a question. 

This person sent me an email as they were advised to take “Oregano oil” internally for a challenge they were having.  

Here was my response to their question about Oregano oil:

My first question (to the customer) is who recommended you use Oregano internally?…There are only very few times I would actually use Oregano internally. I think there are more appropriate options. So, would you mind clarifying who suggested it and why?

 The customer said that she was advised to take 1 TBSP of Oregano oil in juice or water. This was recommended by multiple caregivers that they know.  

I began to see the challenge “Oregano oil” and “Oil of Oregano” are not the same as “Oregano essential oil”. This is a common mistake in the natural health world. 

Oregano oil or Oil of Oregano is something that is often taken internally as it comes in tinctures with droppers and even in capsules. Here are some major differences between the Oregano oil and Oregano essential oil:

Oregano Oil or Oil of Oregano

This is a fat soluble product that is infused with Oregano leaf.

It usually is sitting in some carrier like sesame, flax seed, olive oil or others.

Often an ethanol or CO2 extracted product.

Safe for ingestion

Safe for topical use

Oregano essential oil

Only the volatile compounds, usually extracted through steam distillation.

Concentration is at least 25-50 times stronger than Oil of Oregano. May cause liver damage if used internally for extended periods of time.

Safe for topical use when diluted properly. Again only one drop in 1 TBSP of carrier oil.

Not recommended for use internally unless guided by an experienced Aromatherapist with proper dilution and no more than one drop at a time.

Oregano essential oil is a fantastic oil especially for respiratory and immune challenges. It is a “hot” oil meaning we use a good deal of dilution of a carrier oil like Fractionated Coconut Oil, Safflower, Sunflower, Grapeseed or another . Oregano essential oil can be diffused to kill pathogens in the air and home, but it is not an essential oil that should ever be used in large amounts.

If you are a practitioner please clarify the difference between Oregano Oil (Oil of Oregano) and Oregano Essential Oil to your clients. They are not the same! 

If this customer would have taken a TBSP of Oregano Essential Oil with water they could have really damaged the internal organs and mucus membranes. Also know that water is not a dilution method. Water intensifies essential oils.

Remember essential oils are always best when used in very small amounts with a carrier oil in general. Thank you again to this wonderful customer for reaching out. Essential oils are a fantastic way to support and improve health. I want to help you succeed and have safe and positive experiences with essential oils.

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As a courtesy to you we just want to add cautions and a disclaimer after every post to remind everyone that the science and application of essential oils is unsettled, so while information on this subject may benefit some it may not for others.  With that said if the information in this post wasn’t clear enough our disclaimer and cautions to consider.

We aim to present complete, relevant, and accurate content within context.
The information and resources from this content are for informational and educational purposes only.
This is NOT a replacement for medical, psychological or other treatment
We make NO guarantees or claims; expressed or implied
We accept NO liability related to your comprehension, or application

Listed below are cautions if you plan on using any of the essential oils mentioned in this post.

Please do not use essential oils if you suffer from seizures.

Please consult your healthcare practitioner before beginning any essential oil regimen.

Do not use it with young children.

Keep away from eyes and sensitive skin areas.

Thanks for reading …