Oregano essential oil should never be used undiluted. Always dilute it in a suitable carrier oil, such as olive oil, almond oil. It is also important, as with any essential oil, to perform a skin patch test before using oregano essential oil for the first time. To perform this simple test, just place a small amount of diluted essential oil on the inside of your elbow and apply a bandage. Wait 24 hours to see if there is any negative reaction, such as redness or irritation.
Oregano essential oil is very concentrated and therefore, a drop or two goes a long way. Usually, it is recommended to start out with a dilution rate of 1 part of Oregano Oil to 3 parts of carrier oil
For fungus, one simple recipe would be to dilute 1 teaspoon oregano essential oil in 2 teaspoons olive oil and apply with a cotton swab to the affected area up to three times a day. You can also treat the body by placing one drop of Oregano Oil to one 8oz glass of water or juice once or twice day. If you decide to use the under the tongue method, it's a wise soul it is to mix 1 tsp of honey or olive oil with the drop of oil before placing it under the tongue!
Another great idea is to use it in your bath water - but mix a couple drops of the diluted oregano oil with body gel, or shampoo and then add it to the bath water so that it is absorbed better and just doesn't sit on top of the water!
As a disinfectant, it's hard to beat - as it almost completely eradicates fungus and bacteria - so place a few drops in a spray bottle with a bit of detergent to act as a emulsifier, and spray your countertops!
As a precautionary note - do not use oregano essential oil - topically or internally - if you are pregnant! Nursing mothers should take extreme care as well, as we don't that sweet little baby accidentally ingesting any of this oil!
Topically, oregano essential oil may be irritating to the skin, and can cause burning. So just make sure it is always diluted properly and never use more of a concentration of grater than 1% to any mucous membrane! As with most of the more potent essential oils, children less than 2 years of age should not use it topically or internally.
Always use extreme care and safety when using any essential oil - and always make sure you can trust the supplier you buy your essential oils from. There are many synthetic or diluted essential oils out there on the market - and unreliable companies! Buy from someone you trust!
