Trying Oil of Oregano for the First Time? What to Know Before You Start

Oregano’s leaves and flowers contain aromatic compounds that steam distillation concentrates into an essential oil. This oil has a long history in Mediterranean herbal practice, with both internal and external applications. Because the essential oil is concentrated, its preparation and the amount you use matter.

At Hedd Wyn Essentials, we prepare our Wild Mediterranean Oil of Oregano with two certified organic ingredients: wildcrafted oregano essential oil and cold-pressed extra virgin olive oil. We choose both with the same standards we want for our own families.

What can oil of oregano offer? 

Our Certified organic, wild-harvested Mediterranean Oil of Oregano combines the plant’s concentrated essential oil with Certified Organic, cold-pressed extra virgin olive oil. The finished blend gives you a prepared, safe, and effective product for both internal and external applications described in its directions.

A botanical source of antioxidants

Our Oil of Oregano provides antioxidants, which help protect cells from damage caused by free radicals. The body produces these unstable molecules during normal processes, and environmental exposures can contribute to their formation.

Carvacrol and thymol are among the naturally occurring compounds researchers study for antioxidant activity. The abundance of phytochemicals found in the wild Oregano plant contributes in many ways to fighting inflammation, and they offer significant health benefits, including antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, and disease-preventing properties. There is an inflammatory component in every disease. Our formula retains the naturally distilled essential oil and provides it in an edible olive oil base. For people choosing an oregano supplement, this offers a prepared blend to take in measured drops or topical application.

External care for hands, feet and skin

Oregano’s traditional applications also include skin and foot care. Researchers have studied its antibacterial and antifungal activity in the laboratory, which helps explain the interest in these uses.

For everyday hygiene, our usage information describes adding small amounts to liquid soap for washing hands, feet, and body.

External preparation needs its own instructions. A blend intended for taking in drops may need further dilution for skin application, particularly over a larger area. Follow the guidance for the preparation you intend to use, and test a small area of intact skin first.

Wild Mediterranean oregano, naturally steam distilled.

Our oregano grows wild in the Mediterranean, where harvesters gather it by hand. The leaves and flowers undergo low-temperature, low-pressure steam distillation to produce the essential oil.

We preserve the composition that this process yields. Carvacrol is an important constituent, but the essential oil contains other naturally occurring compounds too. We do not add carvacrol or remove constituents to manufacture a fixed percentage.

We number each batch and check its composition through laboratory analysis before using it in our blend.

Our oregano oil sourcing and preparation page explains this approach in more detail.

Why the olive oil matters

Our finished formula contains one part oregano essential oil to four parts certified organic cold-pressed extra virgin olive oil. This dilution provides safety, as the pure Oregano oil is caustic. This formula is strong enough to be effective and easy to take. Herbal wisdom states that “stronger is not better” and may, in fact, cause more harm than good.

Our commitment to certified organic ingredients therefore includes the olive oil as well as the oregano essential oil.

Certified organic ingredients cost us more, but we have kept our pricing competitive. We want the product we offer you to reflect the choices we make for ourselves.

Taking oil of oregano for the first time

The oil has a pronounced herbal taste and can feel hot in the mouth. Our usage information includes taking measured drops under the tongue, to be held there a minute or two before swallowing. This allows the oil to penetrate the thin skin in your mouth and go directly into the bloodstream for faster results. For people with sensitive palates, you can mix it with a teaspoon of honey or in juice. Follow your current bottle’s adult dose, frequency, and preparation instructions. Drink a few glasses of water throughout the day. 

Before your first use:

1. Check the bottle and directions. Confirm the expiry date and that the seal is intact.

2. Measure individual drops. A full dropper contains much more than a single drop.

3. Stop if it causes discomfort. On occasion, some people who have parasites or infections may experience a Herxheimer reaction, which manifests as a headache, flu-like symptoms, or fatigue. Should this occur, it simply means the oil is doing its job. Stop taking the oil and drink lots of water to help flush toxins from the body. Resume once you are back to normal.

Do not use during pregnancy or breastfeeding, or if you are allergic to mint-family herbs. Consult a healthcare professional before use if you take medication, particularly blood thinners, or have a bleeding disorder or peptic ulcers. For external use, avoid eyes, mucous membranes, broken skin, and sensitive areas; stop if burning or redness develops.

If you need clarification about our preparation instructions, contact Hedd Wyn Essentials.

Where Tamanu oil fits into skin care

For improving dry or problem skin, we offer wildcrafted Tamanu oil. This is a different type of oil from oregano essential oil: it comes from pressed fruit kernels and serves as a skincare oil in its own right.

Tamanu comes from Calophyllum inophyllum. Harvesters collect the fruit after it falls from wild trees, then dry the kernels before cold pressing releases their rich oil. The finished oil has a woody, spicy aroma.

Our 100% pure wildcrafted Tamanu oil contains that single ingredient. It may benefit dry-feeling skin as part of a moisturising routine, including after bathing. It is also useful for other skin problems. Follow its directions and test a small skin area before wider application.

Choose Your First Bottle From Hedd Wyn Essentials

Hedd Wyn Essentials is based on Denman Island, British Columbia. We bring together hand-picked Mediterranean oregano and certified organic extra virgin olive oil in a prepared blend, with a glass dropper for measured use.

Shop Hedd Wyn Essentials Wild Mediterranean Oil of Oregano and choose your first bottle.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I take oil of oregano every day?

Follow the frequency and any duration instructions on your bottle. Discuss longer-term daily use with a qualified healthcare professional so the duration suits your circumstances.

Does a stronger taste mean better quality?

Taste is subjective, and our taste perceptions vary almost daily. What may seem strong one day may feel milder the next or vice versa. The ratio we use has a balance that has proven itself for three decades to be effective and is better tasting than many similar products. 

Can children use the same oil?

The oral guidance here concerns adults. Ask a qualified healthcare professional about children’s use rather than reducing an adult dose yourself. In general, children over 6 can be treated by rubbing a drop or two on the soles of the feet, or by placing the oil on a tissue and placing it near the bed at night or diffusing it in the air through a vaporizer.

Can I use oil of oregano for animals?

Human directions do not establish an animal dose. Horses, dogs, chickens, livestock, and most animals, including birds, respond favorably to both internal and topical use. Always start with low doses, mixed with food, to determine acceptance and response.  Cats require particular caution with essential oils due to liver sensitivity. 

Do I need Tamanu oil to dilute oregano oil?

No. Our oregano product already contains an olive oil carrier. Tamanu is a separate skincare oil and is not intended for internal use. Use certified organic olive or coconut oil for further dilution.

Can I use another brand’s dosage with this oil?

No. Use the directions on our bottle. The amount of oregano essential oil in a blend varies between products, so the same number of drops can deliver different quantities.