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Extraction Methods for Oregano Oil

Extraction methods for oregano oil can be complicated, time consuming and require advanced equipment. However, oregano oil provides a number of health benefits. This essential oil is characterized by a robust and herbaceous aroma and has been used since Hippocrates' time to treat ailments.

  1. Benefits

    • Oregano oil's healing properties make it an ideal essential oil to use in home treatments. Its antifungal, antibacterial, antiviral, antiparasitic and antiseptic therapeutic properties have made it a top-selling oil, according to Indobase. Oregano also helps destroy organisms that cause skin infections and digestive problems, and it fortifies the immune system and improves respiratory health, according to Home Remedies Web.

    Common Uses

    • For skin infections, oregano oil can be applied to treat itches and other ailments if it has been diluted with neutral oil, according to Home Remedies Web, which also suggests drinking two to three drops of oregano oil diluted in a glass of orange juice to treat sinus congestion, colds and sore throats. You can continue this treatment for two to three days. Oregano oil may also calm an upset stomach, Home Remedies Web says, so drink a glass of juice with two drops of the essential oil added.

    Extraction Methods

    • The most common extraction method for essential oils is conventional steam distillation. During this process, the organic material---in this case oregano flowers---is placed in a still, and steam is forced over it, according to Esoteric Oils. Volatile oils then escape from the plant material and evaporate into steam. Esoteric Oils says the temperature of the steam must be carefully controlled so that it is high enough to force the plant material to release essential oils but not so hot that it burns the plant. Finally, the steam undergoes a cooling process and condensation, forming a liquid from which the essential oil can be separated from the remaining water.

    Active Ingredient

    • Oregano oil should have a 70 percent concentration of carvacrol, according to Home Remedies Web. However, the concentration can vary. As mentioned earlier, the most commonly used method for extracting oil containing carvacrol is steam distillation. When distilling or purchasing oregano oil make sure the product contains oil derived from the correct original plant.

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