Guide to Buying
Oil of Oregano

Natural Factors Oil of Oregano

Buying Oil of Oregano?

If you do a search on the Internet for "Oil of Oregano" you'll find there are a lot of different brands to choose from.

The question is how do you choose the right one that will give you the results you're seeking?

Here you'll find a few of my tips to help you choose the right oil for maximum health benefits.

How Much Carvacrol Are You Getting?

One of the most important things to look for when buying Oil of Oregano is the amount of Carvacrol and Thymol.

Research shows the benefits of oregano oil may be due to these two active ingredients.

Oil of Oregano can come in different strengths; the higher the carvacrol concentration, the stronger its antimicrobial effects.

Since carvacrol is one of the most active ingredients in Oil of Oregano, it makes sense that the best oil of oregano will have the highest percentage of carvacrol.

You'll find percentages range from 50% to over 85% in many different brands.

The oils with higher percentages of carvacrol will generally cost more than weaker solutions. Most supplement manufacturers will list the percentage of carvacrol or thymol you're getting in each dose. However, I have found a few that only list the amount of carvacrol.

Some supplement manufacturers claim the thymol level should be as low as possible. I disagree because thymol does have anti-microbial powers. I don't think it would hurt to have that extra boost of germ-fighting power in your oil. In fact, thymol is one of the ingredients found in Listerine mouth wash.

Plant Sources for Oregano Oil

Oregano plant (Oreganum Vulgare)

Oregano oil is extracted from the flowers and leaves of the oregano plant. Most supplement manufacturers use steam distillation to make the oregano oil. The highest quality Oil of Oregano is made from organically grown plants with no exposure to pesticides or chemicals.

It's important you're buying Oil of Oregano from a reputable company. A 'Satisfaction Guarantee' backed by the manufacturer is a good sign the producer stands behind their product.

Some of the higher quality oregano oils use plants that are:

• Grown wild on native soils

• Handpicked

• Pesticide and Herbicide-free

• Are ecologically-conscious

• Has conversation programs in place

What about Purity and Quality?

The level of purity is also important to the type of oil you're using. The higher the purity level, the better the effects you'll hope to receive from the product.

There are a few companies that produce Oil of Oregano from organically-grown oregano flowers, using Good Manufacturing Practices (GMP). These types of oil usually have a very high carvacrol percentage.

GMP is a set of regulations that companies follow when producing drugs, medical devices, and Active Pharmaceutical Ingredients (APIs).

Not all oregano oil manufacturers follow these practices. There are many high quality oregano oils that are not GMP-certified so you still need to research your products.

If you're buying Oil of Oregano based on purity and quality, the following factors may help:

• Is the oil GMP-certified?

• Is it additive-free?

• Steam-distilled oils are higher purity

• Free of solvents

• Non-irradiated

• 100% natural

• Unprocessed and raw

Capsule or Liquid Oil of Oregano?

Oil of Oregano is available in both capsule and liquid forms

When buying Oil of Oregano you may find it in both capsules and liquid form.

The liquid form is more popular, but you will find there are a few companies that sell the oregano oil packaged in capsules.

Below is a more detailed breakdown of the two forms:

1. Oil of Oregano Capsules:

Most capsules are made of gelatin. The gelatin can be made from animal sources or plant sources.

The capsules come in a variety of dosages, from 25 mg. to over 450 mg. You can get them mixed with other 'carrier' products such as olive oil, flaxseed oil and lecithin. The capsules are usually sold in quantities of 30, 60, and 90 capsules per bottle.

Prices for Oil of Oregano capsules range from $10 - $30.

These prices will also depend on the dosages, how many you get per bottle and the percentage of carvacrol.

2. Oil of Oregano Liquids:

You can get oregano oil in liquid form. The oil may be mixed with a 'carrier' oil such as:

• olive oil
• grape seed oil
• peppermint oil
• capsicum oil
• medium chain triglyceride (MCT) oil

Prices for liquid Oil of Oregano can range from $20 - $50 per ounce.

Remember that the lowest price doesn't guarantee you're getting the best product. I've found some of the higher-priced oils are of better quality and purity, but there are a few lower priced oils that offer high carvacrol percentages at a decent price.

While this healthy oil is now being marketed by large nutritional supplement companies, you can also find a variety of smaller, organic farms that produce some high quality oils.

Once you know what you want, try comparing different brands, prices, and purity levels before buying Oil of Oregano. These simple steps will help you get the best oregano oil for you and your family.

The Best Oil of Oregano Supplements

One of the most popular liquid oil of oregano supplements on Amazon.com is North American Herb Spice Oreganol.

This oregano oil has one of the highest customer satisfaction reviews with many people pleased with the potency and health benefits from it.

If you prefer taking oil of oregano in capsule form, NOW Foods Enteric Oregano Oil is the top choice for many Amazon.com customers.

Compare Oil of Oregano from Amazon.com


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