Oregano is a perennial of the mint family having aromatic leaves. The name Oregano comes from the Greek word meaning "Joy of the Mountain". Four main chemical substances in oregano account for its tremendous healing qualities: alcohols, esters, phenols, and terpenes. Together these important substances are what really make Oil of Oregano such a powerful natural health aid. Phenols, such as carvacrol and thymol, act as antiseptics and antioxidants, while terpenes, which include pinene and terpinene, exhibit antiseptic, antiviral, anti-inflammatory and anesthetic properties. Linalool and bonreol are two long-chain alcohols found in oregano oil, which add to the antiviral and antiseptic qualities. Esters are potent antifungal agents. Two that are found in abundance in oregano oil are linalyl acetate and geranyl acetate.
When taking internally, 1-3 drops under the tongue, 3x/daily is a typical dosage. Acutely, you can do up to 3 drops every hour for the first day you are experiencing signs and symptoms of cold, flu or food poisoning (for up to 10 hours).