Weird Oil Wednesday Spotlight: Oregano – More Than a Pizza Topping

A stalk of dried oregano

When most of us think of oregano, we perhaps picture the dried herb sprinkled over pizza or pasta, or my personal favorite, chicken marinated in lemon, garlic, oregano, and olive oil -- yum! I

t’s an herb I have growing in my herb garden. But did you know that oregano has a powerful history in both herbal medicine and aromatherapy?

As a professional aromatherapist, I rarely use oregano essential oil. It’s strong and spicy. But it’s an oil that I’ve seen included in “beginner kits” and definitely seen promoted for use in ways that could do more harm than good.

When used wisely it can offer incredible support, but there’s a reason why it’s listed in the “hazardous oil” section of The Complete Guide to Aromatherapy book by Salvatore Battaglia.

And let’s be frank. Its smell is penetrating and perhaps even harsh. Not exactly the kind of aroma that is welcoming or creates ambiance. It’s an oil that either needs to be tucked away under more pleasant oils or embraced and endured for its therapeutic benefits.

What Does Oregano Essential Oil Smell Like?

Oregano essential oil (Origanum vulgare) has a bold, spicy, herbaceous aroma. It’s warming and sharp, with camphor-like notes that make it feel clearing and invigorating. It’s not a “soft” oil by any means—oregano demands your attention, both aromatically and therapeutically.  

Bottle of oregano essential oil

Therapeutic Benefits

This oil is well-known for being potent and protective. Some of its key properties include:

• Immune support: Naturally antimicrobial, antibacterial, antiviral, and antifungal

• Respiratory care: Helps clear congestion and ease breathing

• Muscle & joint support: Provides warming, soothing relief

• Antioxidant power: Helps defend the body from oxidative stress

• Digestive support: In herbal medicine and dietary use, oregano can help with sluggish digestion

No wonder it has been treasured for centuries, from ancient herbalists to today’s wellness practitioners.

How an Aromatherapist Might Use Oregano

Because it’s so strong, oregano essential oil is not one I recommend using casually. In fact, I think of it as an oil for targeted support rather than daily use. An aromatherapist might suggest:

• A roll-on blend (highly diluted) to support the chest during seasonal challenges

• A warming muscle oil blended with carriers like jojoba or trauma oil

• A carefully balanced immune blend—where oregano plays a supporting role alongside gentler oils like lemon, rosemary, or lavender

• Inhalation support, used sparingly in a diffuser

• Clinically in herbal capsules or therapeutically targeted oil based blends (immune or digestive support for example)

Every “prescription” is tailored to the individual—taking into account health conditions, sensitivities, and lifestyle.

The Chemistry Behind the Magic

Oregano’s strength comes from its unique chemistry. It’s rich in carvacrol and thymol, compounds responsible for much of its antimicrobial activity. These molecules pack a punch, which is why the oil must always be used with great care and proper dilution (usually 1% or less in topical blends).

A Word on Safety

Because oregano is so powerful, it comes with some important precautions:

• Always dilute and avoid use in the bath or in steaming blends and use with care topically —it can irritate skin an mucous membranes.

• Avoid use during pregnancy, while breastfeeding, and with young children.

• May interact with certain medications (such as blood thinners).

• Can cause skin sensitivity if overused.

Think of it like a spice in your kitchen—you wouldn’t want to eat a spoonful of oregano powder, but sprinkled into a dish, it’s delightful and beneficial.

Oregano Beyond Aromatherapy

Oregano isn’t just for the diffuser or topical blends—it’s a beloved herbal ally and culinary treasure. In herbalism, oregano tea has been used to support digestion and immunity. In cooking, the herb adds not just flavor but also antioxidants and gentle antimicrobial support.

This is a beautiful reminder: sometimes the best way to benefit from plants is the simplest—by including them in our meals. Using oregano in your cooking provides many of the same supportive compounds you’d find in the essential oil, but in a much gentler, food-safe way. Try using the dried or fresh herb in pasta dishes, marinades, or salad dressings. And remember a little goes a long way.

Bringing It All Together

Oregano essential oil is bold, powerful, and protective—an oil that can truly support the body when used thoughtfully. Paired with its place in herbal medicine and the kitchen, it shows us how one humble plant can offer wellness on multiple levels.

If you’re curious about how to use oils like oregano safely and effectively, I’d love to guide you:

Join me for a class where we explore essential oils, blending, and safe usage (I plan to host a weird oils class sometime soon.)

Or, book a personalized consultation and we’ll create blends that meet your unique needs.

Let’s unlock the wisdom of plants—together.

Aromatic blessings,

Tricia