For years, I have used oregano essential oil only cautiously since it is so powerful an oil but primarily because it is a huge skin irritant for most people. Oregano is in our arsenal of oils that creates an inhospitable environment for all kinds of pathogens. Hence, its importance in aromatherapy.
When Gary Young first went to Ecuador at the request of the government, he ended up buying jungle land that had never been farmed. There were natural springs on the property—the perfect mix for a botanical farm. After clearing the land and organically improving the soil, he looked for native plants that he could extract essential oils. The people told him about their oregano. The plant did not look like oregano but certainly smelled like oregano. So, he propagated it and grew enough to chemically study it. He was absolutely amazed at its properties. I was first introduced to this plant and to its oil many years ago and with subsequent visits I could see the progress in growing vast fields of this plant. You see, it takes acres and acres of plants to produce enough essential oils to offer it to the public.
Ecuadorian oregano is not technically oregano but is named such because of its softly herbaceous oregano-like scent. At the time, Gary Young was searching for an oregano species that had a lower amount of phenol—the major compound in oregano that accounts for skin sensitivity. He found it in Plectranthus amboinicus (Ecuadorian Oregano). The plant’s leaves when you touch them, do indeed smell just like oregano. However, the leaves are much thicker than our garden variety of oregano. The healers and grandmothers in Ecuador have used this plant for centuries for various physical ailments including soothing and relaxing tight muscles. I believe you will love the aroma of this beautiful essential oil.
For more information on this fabulous oil, contact me.
Linda Smith
720-201-9377