Chemistry of Oil of Oregano
Just a few drops...

CARVACROL

Powerful natural germ killer.
Kills strep.

ANTIBIOTIC

Oregano Oil is a safe and powerful broad spectrum antibiotic

SEDATION

Carvacrol desensitizes pain receptors

THYMOL

Thymol kills fungi

Oregano Oil Chemistry


Oregano (Origanum vulgare) is a species, native in Europe especially in the Mediterranean area and is characterized by high antioxidant effects due to a high content of phenolic acids and flavonoids. There are more than 75 identified constituents. The key to Oregano oil's amazing power is the synergistic combination of chemicals in their naturally occurring ratio. Turkish and Greek oregano are highly regarded, with the Turkish usually higher in carvacrol.
Terpenes
Terpenes that have been known for several centuries as components of the fragrant oils obtained from leaves, flowers and fruits. Monoterpenes, with sesquiterpenes, are prominent constituents of essential oils. Both γ-terpinene and p-cymene are prominent in wild oregano and may account for up to 15% of the oil.
Flavanols
Carvacrol and thymol are the principal active phenols. In the best of wild oregano oil, the carvacrol content can be over 79%, balanced against a low and safe thymol content of less than 6%.
A Typical Fundamental Short List of Components
Carvacrol, Thymol, Cymene, Caryophyllene, Pinene, Bisabolene, Linalool, Borneol, Geranyl Acetate, Linalyl Acetate, Terpinene, flavanoids, Myrcene.
Thymol and Carvacrol
Thymol and carvacrol are natural plant chemicals with antimicrobial properties. They are found in essential oils like thyme and are used in products like Listerine.

Thymol and carvacrol are members of a class of plant chemicals known as monoterpene phenols. They have potent natural antimicrobial properties and are major components of the essential oils of thyme and oregano. These natural chemicals have long been recognized for their antibacterial uses; modern research is now verifying these properties.

Monoterpene phenols are created by plants and are major components of essential oils. They are organic (carbon-based) molecules that are made up two connected rings of carbon.

Thymol and carvacrol, two different monoterpene phenols with similar properties, are isomeric molecules. This means they have the same chemical formula (C10H14O), but different structures.

In contemporary aromatherapy, essential oils that contain carvacrol and thymol are known as natural antibacterials and antifungals.

In the late 19th century, thymol as an isolated substance was an original ingredient of the antiseptic liquid Listerine (which was first used as a surgical antiseptic).
A recent U.S. Department of Agriculture study shows that oregano herb offers the most antioxidant activity of all herbs examined: 42 times more antioxidant activity than apples, 30 times more than potatoes and 12 times more than oranges. Oregano contains quercetin, which has strong antioxidant properties and may be especially protective against breast, ovarian and endometrial cancers.
© 2010 Oregano Oil Info Contact