As Future Pharm gets ready to introduce our new Wild Oil of Oregano, we wanted to educate our clients on the difference between oil of oregano vs. oregano oil. They sound similar but they aren’t the same, so it’s important to understand the difference. Here’s a quick overview of the difference between the two.

oregano oilOregano Oil

Oregano oil is oil that has been infused with oregano.  Oftentimes it has  been filtered and just retains the flavor  of the oregano.  You can find it in specialty stores and the gourmet section of your local grocery store.  You can add oregano oil into soups or on salads for an enhanced flavor. Oregano oil is strong and great caution should be taken if you consume it directly for anything other than a culinary enhancement. Look at the ingredients:  if “oregano” is the first ingredient in the product, that means it will be strong. Best to leave this oil for cooking!

There’s even an essential oil of oregano, similar in concept to a lavender oil you might add to your bathtub for relaxation. Essential oil is NOT to be taken internally or even used directly on your skin  as  these oils are quite strong and not always organic.

Oil of Oregano

Unlike oregano oil or essential oregano oil, oil of oregano can be used for natural healing alternative. It’s best known for it’s impact on colds and flus as it’s a powerful antimicrobial. It has antibacterial, antiviral, and antifungal properties. What makes oil of oregano so effective is the active ingredient carvacrol.  Carvacrol is what gives oregano a slightly spicy flavor, is colorless, and has a distinct warm odor. Carvacrol has a powerful anti-inflammatory effect and has been proven to reverse or reduce bacterial infections, allergies, inflammation, viruses and much more.

While oregano oil and oil of oregano SOUND like the same thing, they are not!  Want to add a little flavorful punch to your next culinary creation?  Try oregano oil. Want to have a powerful tool against colds, flu, inflammation and more?  Reach for oil of oregano! Oil of oregano is not as strong as oregano oil and is wonderful for all the reasons we just listed. Still confused?  Think of it this way:  the first ingredient in a product listing is the highest one present. If “oregano” is listed first, it’s strong and great caution should be used if you’re using it for anything other than cooking. If “oil” is the first ingredient (as it is with oil of oregano), it’s diluted to a safe amount that can be taken directly.

Stay tuned as we’ll be sharing more great information about oil of oregano as we near our launch date for our new Wild Oil of Oregano (WOOO!) product.