Types of Oregano: Herb, Oil of Oregano & Essential Oils Explained

Understanding the different types of oregano products: Herb, Oil of Oregano, Oregano Oil and Oregano Essential Oils.

Oregano is a versatile plant with a long history which dates back to around the 4th century in Ancient Greece. Traditionally used as an antiseptic and for both respiratory and digestive issues. While the name “oregano” is familiar, especially for those interested in cooking, the term can refer to very different products – each with their own purpose, preparation and use. This can lead to confusion for shoppers trying to choose from dried oregano herb, oil of oregano, oregano oil supplements and oil of oregano essential oil.

Below, we explain the differences so you can make a more informed choice.

Dried Oregano Herbs / Fresh Leaves

Oregano herb is widely recognised as being a popular ingredient in Mediterranean cuisine. The fresh or dried leaves are used to add flavour to sauces, soups, roasted meats, salads and vegetable dishes.

• Purpose: Enhances flavour in cooking.
• Strength: Mild aroma and flavour; not concentrated.
• Form: Fresh sprigs, dried leaves or ground spice / herb.
• Use: Added directly to food during cooking or as a garnish.

While the herb adds a fantastic flavour to dishes, the beneficial elements are either lost through the drying process or the consumption not concentrated enough when directly compared to a oregano supplement.

Oil of Oregano / Oregano Oil Supplements

The terms “Oil of Oregano” and “Oregano Oil are often used when referring to an Oregano Oil Supplement. Both refer to concentrated extracts from the oregano plant, usually Origanum Vulgare, which contains a naturally high level of carvacrol, a plant compound which continues to draw interest, with numerous clinical studies.

The name of these supplements varies by region. In the UK and Europe, “Oregano Oil” is more commonly used, while in the US, “Oil of Oregano” has become a heavily marketed term. Some brands’ marketing teams promote these phrases as if they represent different products, often in an attempt to secure dominance in their chosen marketplace. In reality, they serve the same purposes and can both be taken orally or applied topically (check the label).

Before ingesting any supplement it is important to check the ingredients and speak to a medical professional to raise any concerns.

• Purpose: Taken as a daily food supplement
• Strength: Highly concentrated. Always check the label to check the strength of the product. The industry standard for a blended Oregano Oil product is 10 parts Olive Oil to 1 part Oregano Oil. SC Nutra’s preblended Oregano Oil is 3 parts Olive Oil to 1 part Oregano Oil or our Advanced version offers a pure Oregano Oil product, but must be diluted before use.
• Form: Softgel capsules, liquid drops in a carrier oil (often olive oil), pure.
• Use: Consumed in small measured amounts, as directed on the label or applied topically – check label for dilution requirements.

Oregano Essential Oil – Aromatherapy Use

Oregano essential oil is also produced by steam distillation of oregano leaves and flowers, it is still a concentrated product but is often blended with other essential oils to create a pleasant scent, suitable for use in a diffuser.

Unlike supplement-grade oregano oil, essential oil is not intended for consumption. Producers of essential oils are not required to follow strict food-grade packaging laws with the ingredients either not stipulated or required. These products won’t be supplied with suggested safe dosages or nutrition information and may be packaged in factories which handle ingredients with allergens.

Essential oils are used for its strong aroma in diffusers and occasionally for topical application when diluted appropriately.

• Purpose: Aromatherapy and fragrance.
• Strength: Can vary – but isn’t standardised. Carvacrol level often not advised or varies.
• Form: Essential oil often blended with other oils
• Use: Added to diffusers, or occasionally diluted for topical use. Never digest.

Key Differences

Summary

If you’re cooking - choose a fresh or dried oregano herb, usually available at your local supermarket.

If you want a supplement - look for a high-strength blend ideally with a ratio of 5:1 or higher. Our ready to use Wild Oregano Oil C80 range has an industry leading ratio of 3:1! When choosing a supplement, opting for an organically certified product helps ensure both purity and quality. Organic certification also confirms that the oregano has been grown without synthetic pesticides and harvested using sustainable farming methods.

If you goal is aromatherapy – choose an essential oil, but never digest or apply topically.