Oregano Oils: What’s the Difference and How to Use Them Safely

Oregano is a powerhouse herb, long respected for its potent antimicrobial, antiviral, antibacterial, and antifungal properties. But when it comes to oregano oils, there’s often confusion between Oil of Oregano and Oregano Essential Oil. While both come from the same plant, they are very different in strength, preparation, and safe usage.

Let’s break down the key differences—and how to use each wisely.

1. Oil of Oregano vs. Oregano Essential Oil: How They're Made

🌿 Oil of Oregano

This is an infused oil made by:

• Soaking oregano leaves in a carrier oil (like olive or MCT oil)

This method captures both fat-soluble constituents and volatile oils, resulting in a therapeutic oil that’s much milder than a pure essential oil.

🌬️ Oregano Essential Oil

This is made via steam distillation, extracting the most concentrated volatile compounds—primarily carvacrol and thymol. Oregano essential oil is incredibly potent and must always be diluted before use.

2. Safe Internal & External Use

✅ Oil of Oregano

Internal Use (Adults Only):

• May be taken in capsule form or a few drops under the tongue (diluted).

• Common for short-term use in fighting colds, gut infections, or candida.

External Use:

• Can be applied topically to fungal infections (like athlete’s foot or nail fungus).

• Safe for diluted use on skin; spot test first.

Duration: Generally safe for up to 2 weeks of daily internal use unless directed by a practitioner.

⚠️ Oregano Essential Oil

Internal Use:

• Not recommended unless under the guidance of a qualified professional. This oil is extremely potent and can burn mucous membranes, damage the gut lining, or disrupt beneficial flora.

External Use:

• Must be diluted at a 1-2% dilution rate (about 1–2 drops per 2 teaspoons of carrier oil).

• Used for skin infections, warts, or as part of natural cleaning or diffusing.

Duration: Short-term, spot-specific use only. Not for long-term or daily application without practitioner guidance.

3. Who It’s Safe For

Group	Oil of Oregano	Oregano Essential Oil
Adults	✔️ Safe (short-term)	⚠️ Only topically when diluted
Children (over 6)	✔️ Possibly safe in very low doses; always dilute	❌ Avoid
Children (under 6)	❌ Not recommended	❌ Absolutely avoid
Pets	✔️ Sometimes used topically or internally (veterinarian guided)	❌ Highly toxic, especially for cats

4. When to Use Each

🛡️ Oil of Oregano

• Cold or flu support

• Candida overgrowth

• Parasite cleanses

• Topical fungal infections

  
  

💥 Oregano Essential Oil

• Spot treatment of warts, ringworm, or toenail fungus (diluted)

• Diffuser use for air purification (1–2 drops max- I don't recommend this, as it can aggravate airways)

• Natural cleaning blends (combined with other EO’s)

5. Cautions & Warnings

⚠️ Oregano Essential Oil:

• Never apply undiluted to the skin.

• Never ingest unless supervised by a trained professional.

• Not safe for pregnant or breastfeeding women.

• Can be toxic to pets, especially cats and small dogs.

• Avoid use on babies and children.

  
  

⚠️ Oil of Oregano:

• Can cause upset stomach or allergic reactions in some.

• Best used in cycles (e.g., 7-10 days on, then off).

• Avoid in pregnancy.

• Not for children under 2 years old.

In Summary

While both products come from the same aromatic herb, Oil of Oregano and Oregano Essential Oil differ vastly in concentration, potency, and safe usage. If you’re looking for a gentler, food-grade option to boost immunity or aid digestion, Oil of Oregano is your go-to. If you're targeting stubborn skin infections or creating a natural cleaning spray, Oregano Essential Oil can be effective—but always with caution and proper dilution.

When in doubt, less is more. Always consult an herbalist or practitioner when using concentrated plant extracts—especially around children, pets, or if you're pregnant or breastfeeding.