Getting Through the Hype of Oregano Oil Products

A lot of research has been done on Oregano Oil and its chief chemical constituent, a phenol called Carvacrol; however, as powerful as Carvacrol is, it is not the whole story. In fact, 100% Carvacrol is proven to be only half as effective as pure 1st distillation Mediterranean Origanum Vulgare Oregano Oil.

This is because the Origanum Vulgare variety of oregano contains 3 other main classes of uniquely balanced chemicals which act synergistically to provide antibacterial, antifungal, antiviral, anti-inflammatory, antioxidant, analgesic, anti-venom, and antiparasitic benefits.

FACT: the highest NATURALLY OCCURING Carvacrol content of Vulgare Oregano Oil is approximately 84%; however, it is sometimes uncommonly recorded at up to 86%, but rarely.

Independent tests showing Carvacrol potency beyond 87% do not denote superiority. These higher numbers merely show that the oil is either not the Vulgare variety (virtually all published scientific data and health claims regarding Oregano Oil are based upon Vulgare studies) or it has been manipulated through Standardization, thereby rendering its healing properties inferior to unadulterated Vulgare oil.

Standardization involves alteration or adulteration in order to increase Carvacrol levels; in the case of Oregano Essential Oil, this does not benefit the consumer and can in fact be dangerous.

There are several different methods used to increase Carvacrol levels:

• Addition of Carvacrol to the water during distillation or to the oil after distillation
• Addition of other chemicals such as carbonic acid after distillation
• Fractionation of the essential oil after distillation ("boiling off" other natural/synergistic components of the oil to make the Carvacrol percentage higher in relation to what is left)
• Double Distillation is used to the same effect as Fractionation
• Use of the wrong oregano variety (anything other than Origanum Vulgare)

FACT: you cannot artificially increase Carvacrol levels without destroying nature’s own balance of healing substances within the oil; the unique balance of the Origanum Vulgare variety is most effective.

In each case above, the natural synergy of the oil is thrown out of balance without regard to the effect on the healing properties or safety of the end product as whole parts of the plant's makeup are removed in ignorance of their function. Also, the vast majority of published scientific studies outlining the medicinal benefits of these oils highlight the efficacy of Origanum Vulgare oil over any other variety.

Now, by considering this information and asking the following questions, anyone can make an informed decision of value for any Oregano Oil; proper labeling should answer these questions.

1. What is the Carvacrol Potency/Percentage? (this will shed light on Standardization)
2. What percentage of the bottle is Oregano Oil?
3. Is the Oregano Oil sourced from Origanum Vulgare?
4. What percentage of the bottle is Carrier Oil?
5. Is the Carrier Oil organic? (Mediterranean Oregano is Biodynamic - beyond organic certification)
6. What is the cost per mL?

See the following table to compare several of the Oregano Oil products available:

Company	Carvacrol Potency (%)	Oregano Content	Oregano Variety	Carrier Content	Carrier Oil Type / Organic?
ENEREX *	80 minimum	40%	Vulgare	60%	Olive / Yes
Hedd Wyn	80 minimum	20%	Minutiflorum	80%	Olive / Yes
Joy of the Mountains	75 minimum	25%	Minutiflorum	75%	Olive / Yes
New Roots C93	90 minimum	18%	Minutiflorum	82%	Olive / Yes
Natural Factors	80 minimum	20%	Vulgare	80%	Olive / Yes
St. Francis 1:3	75 minimum	25%	Hirtum	75%	Olive / Yes
St. Francis 1:1	75 minimum	50%	Hirtum	50%	Olive / Yes
Oreganol P73	76 minimum	25%	Mixed ?	75%	Olive / Yes
Oreganol P73 Super	76 minimum	50%	Mixed ?	50%	Olive / Yes
Now Foods	60 minimum	25%	Vulgare	75%	Olive / No
Organika	40 minimum	25%	Vulgare	74%, 1%	Olive & E / No
Pure-le Natural	20 (diluted)	Varies	Vulgare	Varies	Olive & E / Yes
Pure-le Super	40 (diluted)	Varies	Vulgare	Varies	Olive & E / Yes

* Enerex products can be purchased online through EssentialVitaminsAndMinerals.com.