Oregano Essential Oil (Yayla)

Oregano (Yayla Kekiği) Essential Oil 

Oregano belongs to the plant family Labiatae.  Labiatae family members are easily hybridized. That is, there is interbreeding of different species, making it difficult to define species and subspecies. Thyme is probably the aromatic plant with the most diverse range of chemotypes [1].

The thyme genera used commercially in Turkey, all of which belong to the Lamiaceae family, are Origanum, Thymbra, Coridothymus, Satureja and Thymus [2].

Origanum minutiflorum L. is one of the endemic species native to the Western Mediterranean, grows naturally in the high-altitude mountains (such as Dedegül Mountain) and plateaus (such as Anamas plateau) of the Sütçüler region of Isparta,  Turkey. It is known as “Sütçüler Kekiği” or “Yayla Kekiği”. Yayla Kekiği essential oil is obtained as a result of steam distillation of the tops and leaves of Origanum minutiflorum L. This essential oil contains a very high amount of the phenolic phenolic monoterpenoids such as carvacrol. Carvacrol has been reported to possess antifungal, antibacterial, antispasmodic, antiseptic, antimicrobial, cytotoxic, antioxidant activities [3,4].

This essential oil poses a higher risk of causing irritation and sensitization. This oil should not be used topically on children age 2 or younger [5].

Directions:

Yayla Kekiği essential oil may be applied via inhalation or topically. Before using this essential oil, carefully read Warning & Safety Requirements.

To apply to the skin, do not use undiluted essential oils on your skin. For topical applications a 1% or less dilution is recommended [5].

Used topically, Yayla Kekiği essential oil helps to promote blood circulation. This essential oil can help in relieving the pain of arthritis, muscle and joint pains. Since It has potent antibacterial and antifungal properties, It can be used to treat wounds and skin infections. This oil poses a higher risk of causing irritation and sensitization when used in the bath. Avoid using it in the bath, even if it is diluted [5].

Suggested Uses:

*Try adding it to a bath or diffuser as aromatherapy, or combining with different essential oils to strengthen its effect.

Thanks to its antifungal and antiseptic abilities, this essential oil helps to prevent infection from harmful bacteria and microorganisms. Try diluting (1% or less ) in a carrier oil and applying it to any wound to prevent infection and help the body to heal.

Warning & Safety Requirements:

• If you are pregnant or lactating, please consult with your doctor before using any product containing essential oils.
• For external use only.
• Can cause skin irritation, avoid contact with eyes and mucous membranes.
• Not suitable for children.

Storage Conditions:

Store oils in a cool dry place away from direct sunlight and out of reach of children.

References:

• [1]. Clarke, S.. Essential Chemistry for Aromatherapy. 2nd Ed. Elsevier Health Sciences. 2008.
• [2]. Meriçli-İlisulu, F., Tanker, M., The volatile oils of some endemic Thymus Species Grown in Southern Anatolia. Planta Medica, 340, 1986.
• [3]. Baydar, H. Yayla kekiği (Origanum minutiflorum O. Schwarz et P.H. Davis)’nde farklı toplama zamanlarının uçucu yağ içeriği ve uçucu yağ bileşenleri üzerine etkisi. Akdeniz Üniversitesi Ziraat Fakültesi Dergisi, 18(2), 175-178. 2005.
• [4]. Kaçar, O., Göksu, E., Azkan, N., İzmir Kekiğinde (Origanum onites L.) Farklı Sıklıkların Bazı Agronomik ve Kalite Özellikleri Üzerine Etkisinin Belirlenmesi. U.Ü. Ziraat Fakültesi Dergisi Sayı: 2. Cilt: 21. 2006.
• [5]. Tisserand & Young Essential Oil Safety, 2nd Edition Churchill Livingstone Elsevier. Edinburg 2014.