In this article, I’ll show you how to use dittany essential oil in a DIY cleansing ritual. A natural, simple method to restore glow and clarity to your skin.

Why Does Acne Appear?

Acne begins when pores get clogged with sebum and dead skin cells. Bacteria then find the perfect environment to thrive and cause inflammation. The most common causes include:

• Hormonal changes
• Poor diet and excess fats
• Lack of sleep and increased stress
• Inappropriate or heavy cosmetics

If not treated properly, acne may leave marks or scars.

Nature’s Weapon: Dittany Essential Oil

According to traditional medicine, dittany (also known as ‘’Love’’ in Crete) has been used for its antiseptic and healing properties. Its essential oil soothes inflammation and helps heal irritated skin.

DIY Acne Treatment with Olive Oil & Dittany Essential Oil

Here’s a simple yet effective natural cleansing method. Apply 2–3 times a week for best results.

You’ll need:

• 1 tsp pure olive oil
• 2–3 drops dittany essential oil
• Natural soap (ideally unscented and chemical-free)

Instructions:

1. Cleanse: Gently wash your face with the natural soap.
2. Mix: In a small bowl, combine the olive oil with dittany essential oil.
3. Apply: With clean hands, apply the blend to the acne-prone areas.
4. Massage: Use gentle circular motions for 2–3 minutes.
5. Wait: Let the oil sit for 10 minutes.
6. Remove: Dab gently with cotton or a clean towel.

Tip: Avoid rubbing! Acne-prone skin needs gentle care—not harsh pressure.

Clear Skin Tips Beyond the Oil

Alongside dittany essential oil, support your skin with these wellness habits:

• Wash your face twice a day
• Avoid touching your face
• Choose light, natural cosmetics
• Drink plenty of water to flush out toxins
• Care for your sleep and diet (cut down on sugar and greasy foods)

Make Your Own Dittany Soap

Want to take your natural skincare one step further? Check out our recipe for a DIY soap with essential oils in our detailed article. Perfect for daily use and ideal for sensitive skin!

Read the full article here and get started today!

Conclusion

Nature gives you all the tools you need. Dittany essential oil is a natural and effective weapon against acne.

Try the DIY treatment we suggest and observe how your skin responds. If you notice improvements, share your experience in the comments!

To begin with, essential oils have gained popularity because of their beneficial properties. They offer wonderful fragrances, while also being known for their effects on both our mental and physical health. We get them from parts of plants that possess potent compounds and give it its characteristic aroma and taste. Essentially, they are highly concentrated, aromatic and fatty substances from plant parts such as leaves, flowers and fruits.

Their most well-known use, aromatherapy, has the ability to relax our minds and bodies. At the same time, they are extremely beneficial for sleep, concentration and stress management. Find more information about the unique practice of aromatherapy here and how it can refresh our lives! Essential oils are the most natural way to strengthen our bodies!

If you’re looking for ways to incorporate these amazing oleo-therapeutic elements into your daily life, then explore tofillo.com!

In general, there are many different ways in which we can use essential oils. But what we need to consider is the purpose. That is, whether it is a therapeutic purpose or just to use them as an aromatic. In case we want them for therapeutic purposes, we should first have done market research and take the advice of an expert.

Photo: ridofranz

The Basic Ways of Using Essential Oils

Essential oils enter the body mainly in three ways, by topical application to the skin, inhalation or ingestion. Let’s take a closer look:

Through inhalation:

Using essential oils through inhalation is a popular and effective method that allows the nutrients in the oils to quickly enter the body. The method of preparation is extremely simple as we only need the oil in boiling water (5-7 drops per liter of water). More specifically, inhale the steam and cover your head with a towel to trap the steam. This will open the pores of the skin. This is a pleasant and natural approach to enhance your well-being.

Thyme oil is ideal for treating colds, coughs and relieving muscle aches and pains. Through inhalation, these symptoms will be calmed while feeling a general sense of well-being. You will find it here.

Before you start using essential oils by inhalation, it is important to check their quality and purity. Choose essential oils from tofillo.com.

Via diffuser devices – vaporizers:

The vaporizer is an excellent way to use essential oils and apply aromatherapy. More specifically, they diffuse water along with essential oils, producing a light steam that disperses the oils into the air, creating an aromatic, therapeutic environment. An atmosphere filled with beneficial aromas that positively affect mood, energy and general well-being. In addition, diffuser aromatherapy can support respiratory health, as many essential oils have antimicrobial and anti-inflammatory properties.

Discover oregano essential oil for asthma and cough treatment.

Dosage: Put 3-5 drops, depending on the size of the room. Make refreshments as necessary according to your needs and your mood.

Use of oils through massage:

Aromatherapy through massage is an ancient and effective practice that combines the benefits of natural therapy with the relaxing experience of massage. This method enhances both physical and mental well-being, providing a complete treatment package. More specifically, we put the oils in a base oil, such as almond oil, to dilute and apply to the skin.

This is intended to help us relax muscle tension and stress, help reduce pain and inflammation, as some essential oils have anti-inflammatory and analgesic properties.

To get the full benefits, it is important to speak with a professional who knows the proper technique and selection of essential oils to suit your needs. Through essential oil massage, you can enjoy a holistic experience that empowers your body and spirit.

Ingestion:

Since the oil is pure and unadulterated (i.e. 100% from the distillation of the parts of the plant) we can consume it orally with the appropriate dilution in a fatty substance, such as olive oil. We can also use the essential oils for flavouring foods. In any case, whether the essential is suitable or not for use in food, you should know before using it.

Essential oils from tofillo, apart from their use for aromatherapy, are also suitable for eating. Of course, we should keep in mind that essential oils are extremely strong and there is a risk that ingesting them may cause various problems, such as irritation of the mucous membranes and disorders of the digestive system. The advice of a specialist is essential.

Other ways of using oils are:

In the bathroom:

Using oils in the bath can add a pleasant and aromatic dimension to your experience. There are several ways to incorporate essential oils into your bathroom, creating an environment that promotes relaxation and well-being. Drop a few drops of oil directly into your bath water and enjoy the benefits!

Footbath:

A great method for relieving the stress and pressure of everyday life. Use a few drops in a bowl of warm water and put your feet in it for about 20 to 30 minutes.

Hair:

In more detail, using essential oils on hair can not only provide a wonderful scent but also contribute to healthy looking hair.

There are several ways to use essential oils on hair:

1. Add to hair care products: Of course, you can add a few drops of oil to your daily hair care products such as shampoo, conditioner or hair spray. In addition, mix well before use for optimal distribution. Rosemary oil is known for its anti-hair loss properties. At the same time, it strengthens the hair while providing calmness after a long day. Make your order here.
2. Create a spray: Make your own hair spray by adding a few drops of oil to a spray bottle of water. Spray lightly on hair for instant freshness.
3. Create a hair mask: In combination with natural bases such as yogurt or honey, add essential oils to make hair masks that help moisturize and rejuvenate.

Photo: elenavolfphotos

How to test essential oils on your skin

We would recommend that you first do a small test locally on a spot on your skin before using products containing essential oils. More specifically, apply a small amount topically to a spot on your hand. If we notice any allergic reaction, such as swelling, itching or burning sensation, stop using.

What to look out for when applying them

• Essential oils should be avoided during pregnancy or lactation. In addition, we suggest you first get your doctor’s advice on any use of them.
• At the same time, avoid their use in children, while they are prohibited in babies.
• Always use natural base oils. Not synthetic ones.
• Avoid use by people suffering from hypertension and epilepsy without the advice of a doctor.
• At the same time, we recommend their use with caution and moderation.
• Some oils cause allergic reactions. Please discontinue their use in cases of redness, itching, etc.

Conclusion:

In conclusion, these were the main ways of using essential oils. The tofillo.com offers a rich variety of essential oils that enhance your daily life. With the power of plant extracts, essential oils are securing their place in a modern lifestyle that seeks balance and natural empowerment. Finally, by discovering the different ways to use them, we pave the way for a journey of well-being that strengthens body, mind and soul.

“In the following article we will examine what this practice is, its benefits and how we can incorporate it into our daily lives”

What is Aromatherapy?

Aromatherapy is a form of alternative therapy based on nature’s pharmacy. More specifically, it uses essential oils from plants, flowers, trees and herbs to improve mental, physical and spiritual well-being. These essential oils are obtained from various parts of plants, including the leaves, flowers, stem and roots, through distillation or pressing.

The use of aromatic extracts has deep roots in the history of mankind and we now consider it a modern method of treatment. More specifically, for over 6000 years we have been using it with the aim of improving physical and mental health. The National Holistic Aromatherapy Association (NAHA) defines aromatherapy as “the therapeutic application or medicinal use of aromatic substances (essential oils) for holistic healing.”

Picture by: pixelshot

The History of Aromatherapy

How did aromatherapy begin and how important was its use? The ancient Egyptians were among the first peoples to utilize aromatherapy. They used essential oils to make candles, jewelry and for healing purposes. At the same time, priests and doctors performed aromatic ceremonies and used aromatic oils to treat diseases. Additionally, in ancient China, essential oils were used for medicinal and religious purposes. Chinese doctors made aromatic mixtures to treat a variety of ailments and to restore internal balance.

During the Renaissance period in Europe, aromatic substances were intended to revitalize the body and spirit. Scientists developed an interest in the properties of essential oils and their therapeutic use.

Aromatherapy Today:

Nowadays, aromatherapy is a widely accepted form of therapy. Specialists in this field study the properties and applications of oils, offering individual solutions for various health and wellness problems.

More specifically, we use it in many fields, such as medicine, psychology, aesthetics, but also for our personal care. Its systematic use improves mood, reduces stress, treats the problem of insomnia and improves mental health.

The 5 Benefits of Aromatherapy:

The aim of aromatherapy is to heal the soul, mind and body through essential oils. Their scents activate the olfactory receptors in the nose and then send messages to the brain. Thus they activate some specific areas such as the hypothalamus which has to do with serotonin. That is, the hormone that makes us happy.

In addition, scents significantly affect mood, even evoking memories through the process of memory.

1. It reduces anxiety and stress and relaxes the mind and body: Many essential oils have calming properties that help relax the mind and body. A relaxing bath with oils after a hard day is ideal for rejuvenation.

2. Strengthens the body: At the same time, essential oils have antimicrobial and antioxidant properties, helping to strengthen the immune system.

3. Improves sleep quality: According to research, aromatherapy and oils significantly affect the quality of sleep and treat insomnia.

4. They help concentration and set the mood: Certain oil aromas help achieve deeper concentration and improve mood. Days when energy levels are low, essential oils like clary sage will stimulate blood circulation!

5. Treats pain and migraines Aromatherapy also relieves pain and headaches.

Εικόνα: Yan Krukau

Use of Aromatherapy

As for the ways to use aromatherapy, it can be done in a number of ways. Through inhalation One of the most common ways of applying aromatherapy is through devices that diffuse the aroma of oils into the atmosphere, the well-known diffusers or ceramic devices. That is, by adding a few drops of essential oil, you can enjoy it in the entire space. In addition to the smell, it offers disinfecting properties as well as psychological benefits. As the scent reaches the brain, it sends a message to specific hormones affecting our emotions, stress and blood pressure.

In addition, we can apply them to our skin in specific key points. Such places are areas rich in sweat glands and hair follicles such as the head or palms of the hand, which absorb oil effectively. Through massage

A third way is massage therapy. In areas where you will apply the oil it can enhance blood circulation and absorption. It’s a great relaxing way to introduce aromatherapy into your everyday life.

It should be noted that essential oils are never applied directly to the skin. It should always be in a carrier oil, such as castor oil or almond oil. Their use requires caution as they can cause allergies, irritations or even headaches.

Discover tofillo essential oils!

Rosemary essential oil: One of the top oils in aromatherapy that enhances memory and offers calmness on a busy day. In addition, rosemary oil is a well-known hair tonic with strong antiseptic and stimulating properties. You will find it here.

Dittany essential oil: Equally known for its medicinal properties, Dictam works as an antiseptic, anti-inflammatory, healing agent while also having a strong anti-aging effect. It also relieves burns and stings. It is worth incorporating into your daily routine. Click here.

Thyme essential oil: Its main constituent is thymol, which is used in medicine as a mild antiseptic. More specifically, in aromatherapy we use it to treat cold symptoms, such as cough and relieve muscle pain. Make your purchase here.

Oregano essential oil: Has antioxidant, antifungal and antibacterial properties. The aroma is intense and in aromatherapy we use it against asthma and cough. Make your purchase here.

Sage essential oil: Sage oil has a particularly strong aroma and in aromatherapy we use it against anxiety and insomnia. It helps to deal with hot flashes and night sweats while relieving headaches and dizziness. It enhances memory function while we also recommend it in case of colds and flu. You will find it here.

It is important, however, to use oils with care. Some can be irritating under certain conditions. It is always a good idea to consult an expert before starting any form of aromatherapy.

Conclusion

In conclusion, aromatherapy offers a natural, effective way to improve general well-being and psychosomatic health. We at tofillo.com gather all the magical power of herbs and offer it to you in a small bottle. The natural world is amazing. In a daily life that brings a sense of permanent stress and pressure, essential oils are a valuable means of offering relief and peace of mind. They are worth discovering!

Dittany of Crete

The herb dittany is one of the native plants of Crete and has been used for centuries for therapeutic purposes. Known by many names on the island, such as adichtamo, erontas, stomachochorto, it grows on mountainous and steep terrains, gorge slopes and steep cliffs. If you want to know more about dittany and its famous history, click here.

Dittany has been known since the Middle Ages as it was used as a medicinal herb. At the same time, the essential oil derived from this herb contains just as many active ingredients as the herb itself, which provide some interesting healing properties. Below we will discuss its valuable benefits and how we can make use of them.

Picture from: weisschr

The Properties of Dittany essential oil:

One of the main characteristics of essential oil is its anti-inflammatory action. It is known for its ability to relieve pain and bloating, making it ideal for treating muscle aches, arthritis problems and skin abrasions.

Also, dittany oil has antimicrobial properties. More specifically, it helps fight microbes and infections while strengthening and boosting the body. Equally important is its antifungal action. Scientific research has studied the action of the oil against fungi such as Penicillium digitatum. The results showed that the growth of the fungus was inhibited by 50%.

Another important advantage of dittany essential oil is its ability to help mental and physical relaxation. Its fragrance has soothing properties which results in reducing levels of anxiety and stress. This makes it ideal for use in aromatherapy.

Dittany oil has antioxidant and anti-aging properties. This can help maintain healthy skin and delay the signs of aging. It is worth mentioning that Cretan dittany contains more than 70 therapeutic substances. Two of these are thymol and carbacrol, which protect against oxidative stress and therefore contribute to healthy-looking skin.

A study published in the Journal of Agricultural and Food Chemistry in 2004 examined the antioxidant activity of dittany essential oil compared to other antioxidant oils. The results showed that dittany oil had a high antioxidant activity, mainly due to its phenolic content.

Dittany essential oil against acne!

Acne is not a problem exclusive to teenagers. Large percentages of adults develop rosacea suddenly during adulthood. This oil is ideal for treating acne as well as other skin problems. More specifically, it helps maintain the normal pH of the skin by removing sebum that causes redness.

Another property of the oil is its healing action. Due to the carbacrol it contains, dittany heals scars and wounds. Its healing properties have been known since antiquity with references to Aristotle in his work ‘On animal histories’. There he mentions that Cretan goats, after being injured, consumed Cretan dittany to heal their wounds.

The essential oil of dittany also acts as an insect repellent. Its characteristic scent protects the skin but also relieves it from insect and mosquito bites.

Why to use it?

Among the most popular aromatherapy methods are, massage for relaxation and muscle pain relief, scented candles and soaps for relaxation or inhalation to help with concentration, anxiety or sleep problems.

When you have a cold or flu and are looking for natural remedies, then dittany oil as well as thyme oil are ideal. They soothe the symptoms while strengthening the body faster. Even the European Medicines Agency has recognized the traditional use of dittany for soothing coughs from the common cold.

Picture from: pixelshot

Essential oils for strengthening your body!

Discover all essential oils here

As winter is approaching, we suggest you buy Thyme Essential Oil and Dittany Essential Oil from our online store. We recommend adding a few drops of essential oil to a steaming bowl of hot water and inhaling the steam to soothe your airways and any coughs or sore throats.

It is also recommended for nervous disorders, headaches and other diseases of the nervous system, and can also help in cases of amenorrhea due to exhaustion of the body.

In summary, Dittany essential oil is an exceptional natural product with amazing properties. From its anti-inflammatory action to its antimicrobial and antioxidant ability, this oil can help relieve many health problems and improve our well-being. If you are looking for natural solutions for your physical and mental health, go to our online store to get our essential oils.

Travel with the fragrances of Cretan Land yourself, through a small bottle and let the properties of the herbs enchant you.

What is essential oil?

Essential oil is an oil produced from plants and contains various compounds that give it its characteristic aroma and taste. They are highly concentrated, aromatic and fatty substances found in different parts of plants such as leaves, flowers and fruits.

In order to get the essential oils from the herbs we prefer the method of steam distillation. Specifically, they place the plant material in a device and atomize it. The steam extracts the essential oils from the plant. They then cool and concentrate the extracted substance to produce the essential oil. They use only water vapour at atmospheric pressure and maintain a temperature of less than 100 °C. This process yields a valuable liquid that retains the aroma and properties of the herbs from which it is extracted.

The herb thyme

Thyme is a native, perennial herb that blooms in the summer, making it a valuable beekeeping plant. There are over 350 species of thyme all over the world, while in the mountains of Crete we find the particularly aromatic and with its characteristic purple flower Thymus capitatus.

The name of the thyme comes from the ancient Greek verb ΄”θύω”’. This verb means sacrifice. In ancient times, people burned the herb on altars to offer it to the gods. Even then, they recognized its medicinal properties, with figures such as Hippocrates and Dioscorides making many references to it. In particular, they used thyme as a heating, diuretic, laxative and emmenagogue. Reports also say that people used it as a tonic, an aphrodisiac and a cure for headaches over the years.

Its use in cooking

It is impressive that this herb is equally tasty and beneficial to our health in any manner of its use. In cooking we use it widely and in both Mediterranean and Cretan cuisine it holds a distinct position. Fresh or dried thyme leaves can be added to soups, sauces, roasts and vegetables. Whole branches can be added during roasting to add flavour to meat, fish, poultry and vegetables.

Picture from: Slatan

Thyme as an essential oil

After we talked earlier about what essential oil is and how to get it from a plant, it is time to look at its uses. One of its most important uses is aromatherapy. This is a practice from ancient times that uses essential oils to improve psychosomatic well-being. Essential oils can be used in a variety of ways, such as massage, through inhalation or aromatic decorations (for example diffusers and candles).

The benefits of aromatherapy are many and varied, including relieving anxiety, reducing stress, increasing mental focus and boosting immunity. In addition, it can help treat many symptoms, such as headaches, sleep problems and respiratory problems. Aromatherapy is a natural way to boost your health and well-being with the help of the power of essential oils.

Add a few drops of thyme essential oil to your bath

Thyme essential oil is one of the most powerful and beneficial essential oils. Known for its antimicrobial and anti-inflammatory properties, thyme is ideal for refreshing massages and baths. When used, thyme oil provides a feeling of freshness and stimulation. This will help to relieve you from the tiredness of the day while providing mental and spiritual balance.

What could be better than an enjoyable bath after a long day?

Drops of oil in a bowl of boiling water for inhalation

Using it in inhalations is ideal for those who wish to enjoy the benefits of thyme by breathing. It can help treat respiratory problems such as colds and coughs. At the same time, it offers a feeling of refreshment and vitality making it ideal for use during a demanding day.

In addition, you can make your own essential oil soap and benefit from its properties. If you want to know how you can make your own “homemade” soap, click here.

The Medicinal Properties of Thyme Essential Oil

Let’s look at some of its most important properties:

• Anti-inflammatory action. It helps to relieve aches and pains and is also known for its ability to reduce inflammation in the body.
• Help in Breathing: It is often used to relieve breathing problems.
• Immune System Support. It can boost the immune system and help fight infections.
• Antiseptics: Since ancient times, it has been known for cleaning and disinfecting wounds.
• Insect repellent: Very often used as a natural remedy against insects.
• Antioxidant Action: It is rich in antioxidants, which can help protect cells from free radicals and premature aging.
• Relaxing, antidepressant: Aromatherapy with thyme essential oil can help relax and relieve anxiety and stress, while helping to increase energy and concentration.

In conclusion, this amazing essential oil is a natural way to improve your health and wellness.

Picture from: Africa Images

Tips

Thyme essential oil is a powerful oil with many uses and benefits. However, it is important to use it with caution as it can cause skin reactions or be irritating in some cases. Here are some tips for its use:

– It is necessary for safe use to dissolve the essential oil in a base oil, such as almond oil.

– Always dilute thyme essential oil before using it on the skin to a 1-2% thyme essential oil to base ratio.

– You can use thyme essential oil in aromatherapy. Add a few drops to an essential oil vaporizer or a bowl of warm water for instant relief.

– Anti-wrinkle care: Add a few drops of diluted thyme essential oil to a natural face cream or oil for anti-wrinkle care.

– Pregnant women should always consult their doctor before using any essential oil.

In summary, thyme essential oil is a powerful and multifunctional oil with important medicinal properties. We, at tofillo, have excellent essential oils from herbs of the Cretan land. Discover our essential oils of thyme, oregano, rosemary, dittany and sage and incorporate them into your daily routine to enjoy their benefits in a healthy and balanced lifestyle.

The combination of these natural ingredients provides antimicrobial, antioxidant and anti-inflammatory action to our skin, so it can and does rejuvenate, cleanse and help control oiliness.

Benefits of Soap with essential oils for the face:

Dittany: Dittany essential oil can help reduce dark circles under the eyes as it has anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties.

Sage: Sage essential oil can help regulate the oiliness of the skin, reducing the likelihood of acne.

Thyme: Thyme essential oil has antibacterial properties and can help reduce acne and bacteria on the skin.

Rosemary: Rosemary essential oil is known for regulating skin oiliness and reducing acne breakouts.

Oregano: Oregano essential oil offers antioxidant protection and helps to rejuvenate the skin.

For the recipe, you can use the following ingredients:

Soap base (glycerine base or castor oil base)

Essential oil of your choice (dittany, sage, thyme, rosemary, rosemary, oregano)

utensils for melting the soap base and mixing the ingredients

Soap shapes of your choice

The procedure includes:

Melt 200 grams of the soap base according to the manufacturer’s instructions.

Add 20-25 drops of the selected essential oil according to the manufacturer’s instructions.

Mix the ingredients well until they are combined.

Pour the mixture into the soap molds and allow them to cool and harden.

Remove the soaps from the molds and allow them to dry for 24-48 hours before using them.

For use

Rub your hands with the soap and water and create foam. Apply the foam to the face in gentle circular motions, avoiding the eye area. Rinse well with water and gently pat the face dry. You should follow up with a moisturizer.

With such a very simple procedure you can have a natural soap with essential oils of Cretan herbs, which will provide well-being and benefits to your skin, gently cleansing the face and leaving it refreshed and glowing.

What makes Oregano Essential Oil Beneficial?

We’ll explore the oil’s benefits below but first let’s explain why oregano essential oil is so beneficial.

The answer is in two of its compounds: carvacrol and thymol. These compounds – especially carvacrol – give oregano many of its therapeutic properties. When the herb is distilled into essential oil form, the compounds are concentrated and then significantly increase the therapeutic benefits available in the essential oil.

Carvacrol From Oregano Essential Oil and Benefits

It is carvacrol in particular that is responsible for many of oregano essential oil’s benefits. Oregano essential oil has a very high level of carvacrol (more than in most other herbs).

Benefits of carvacrol include its antioxidant activity, anti-inflammatory effects and antibacterial properties.[1]

Benefits of Oregano Essential Oil

Let’s explore now some of the benefits of oregano essential oil.

Beneficial for Skin

Researchers have found that oregano contains the highest antioxidant content of any other herb,[2] thanks in part to its carvacrol content.

This means that you can really get your bang for your buck when including the essential oil in your skincare routine! The antioxidants are great for fighting free radicals that can cause premature aging and skin damage.

Indeed, at tofillo, when we feel like our skin needs some extra care, we like to make a face mask that includes a few drops of our Oregano Essential Oil, to revive our skin!

Beneficial for Infections and Wounds

Another great oregano essential oil benefit is its significant antibacterial properties.

Researchers have found that oregano essential oil can in fact prevent the growth of certain types of bacteria, including antibiotic resistant strains![3] Other studies have also shown the antibacterial properties of the oil.[4]

Not only this, but research has also shown that its antibacterial properties help to fight common fungal infections, like athlete’s foot and yeast infections.[5]

This means that oregano essential oil can be helpful in the treatment and healing of minor wounds and minor infections.

Beneficial for Inflammation

Research has shown that a key oregano essential oil benefit is its ability to help reduce inflammation.

It’s because of its carvacrol content that the essential oil of the herb can have these anti-inflammatory effects. Researchers have found that carvacrol was able to reduce external swelling in animals by up to 57%.[6]

And in a separate animal study, researchers found that using oregano essential oil and thyme essential oil (which also contains carvacrol), helped to reduce internal digestive inflammation too.[7]

Indeed, our team at tofillo has found that massaging in some diluted Oregano Essential Oil on a sore muscle or swollen area has certainly helped in the past!

What is the Difference Between Oregano Essential Oil and Oregano Oil?

While you’re researching oregano oils online, you will come across another kind of oregano oil – ‘Oil of Oregano’.

Oil of Oregano is extracted from the oregano plant in a different way to oregano essential oil, and because of the different process, Oil of Oregano is much less concentrated. As a result, although it has its own benefits, it doesn’t have the same potency in its therapeutic properties as oregano essential oil.

How to Use Oregano Essential Oil

Now we’ve explored oregano essential oil’s benefits, what about the ways you can use it to obtain those benefits? Here are a few ideas.

1. Oregano Essential Oil for Skincare

One crucial step when using oregano essential oil on the skin is to dilute it with a carrier oil, to avoid irritating your skin.

To make the diluted form of of the oil, we make the following suggestions:

• Find a neutral oil – like jojoba oil – to act as the carrier oil
• For use on the face, use 1 drop of the essential oil to 1 teaspoon of the carrier oil. Scale up the amount as needed, keeping the same ratio of ingredients
• For use on the body, use 2 drops of the essential oil to 1 teaspoon of the carrier oil

Using these instructions, you can include oregano essential oil in your cosmetic skincare, healing of minor wounds and wellbeing massages!

2. Oregano Essential Oil for Soap

If you prefer to take your time in the bath or shower, why not include a few drops of oregano essential oil when making your soap? And then take your time when applying the soap to really let the essential oil do its work…

3. Uses Oregano Essential Oil for Candles

Similarly, why not add in a few drops of the essential oil next time you’re making candles – you’ll get a lovely, earthy scent when you burn the candles and perhaps enjoy some of the oil’s anti-bacterial effects on your indoor air quality!

We hope you found our introduction to oregano essential oil’s benefits and uses helpful!

To learn more about essential oils generally, see our previous article all about them.

And if you’re interested in incorporating some oregano essential oil into your lifestyle, jump to our page for our Oregano Essential Oil where you can learn more about the product and place an order.

We hope you enjoy it!

[1] https://onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/abs/10.1002/ptr.6103

[2] https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2002/01/020108075158.htm

[3] https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/23484421/

[4] https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/20021093/

[5] https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC4659158/

[6] https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/22892022/

[7] https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/18288268/

The herb sage has been used since the time of the Ancient Greeks and Egyptians for its therapeutic properties and is still recognised today for many of these.

So, let’s dive in and explore some of the benefits of this herb’s essential oil.

Benefits of Sage Essential Oil

In a previous article we explored some benefits of essential oils generally, such as for cognitive function, stress and hair growth. Many of these benefits – and more – apply specifically to sage essential oil.

1. Cognitive Function

Scientific studies have consistently shown that sage extracts have a positive impact on cognitive function and help prevent memory deficits. Studies also show that the herb and its essential oil can have protective effects against neurodegenerative disorders like Alzheimer’s.

Because of the way essential oils can affect brain function (learn how in our [previous article]), simply inhaling the essential oil on a regular basis can provide cognitive and protective benefits.

2. Stress and Anxiety

Similarly, inhaling sage oil can help ease some of the symptoms of stress and anxiety because of the oil’s effects on the limbic system. An added bonus – when the limbic system eases the stress and anxiety you are feeling, you might also find that you feel more alert and focused.

At tofillo, we like to keep a bottle of our own Sage Essential Oil on hand for busy periods at work!

3. Skin

Due to the high antioxidant activity of sage extract,[1] it helps to defend against free radicals, which are often a cause of inflammation and premature skin aging. So, when applied to skin topically (and always diluted by a carrier oil), the oil has potential anti-inflammatory and anti-aging effects.

Sage oil also has significant antibacterial properties. A scientific study showed that not only did the essential oil have properties that inhibited bacteria, but it was even more effective at fighting bacteria compared to most known antibiotics.[2] So, including the oil in creams and cosmetic treatments may help with limiting or treating mild breakouts.

Indeed, at tofillo, we like to add a few drops of our Sage Essential Oil to a homemade face mask to reap the benefits!

4. Cleansing

We’ve seen in the previous section that sage essential oil has remarkable antibacterial properties. Because of this, it also makes an excellent ingredient to include in home preparations of skin cleansers and remedies for minor wounds. Just remember to seek medical advice before using essential oils in a wound treatment.

5. Hair and Scalp Health and Growth

Did you know that because of sage oil’s antibacterial properties, it can also help hair and scalp health?

The antibacterial properties help keep your scalp healthy and can improve conditions like dandruff. And when your scalp is healthier, your hair becomes healthier! Your hair can grow stronger, and possibly even thicker.

6. Oral Health

Are you looking for a cost-effective, natural alternative to drugstore mouthwashes? Well, research has shown that extracts of sage can have anti-inflammatory effects against oral inflammation when used in mouthwash.[3]

In fact, popular mouthwash brands regularly include essential oils in their products. So when making your own mouthwash, add in a few drops of sage oil for an effective clean!

We’ve looked at some of the key benefits of sage essential oil and examples of how it can be used. Let’s take a closer look at some more of its uses.

Uses of Sage Essential Oil

In our previous article on essential oils, we explored how essential oils have therapeutic effects through the limbic system or skin absorption. Well, that’s how the following uses have their therapeutic effects.

Oil burning or steaming

Using an oil burner or a steam bowl with sage oil allows you to directly inhale the oil and experience relaxation, calmness and better focus.

Many cultures have burnt the sage herb directly to experience its benefits, and sometimes to ‘cleanse’ the atmosphere of negative energy. Indeed, the Ancient Greeks believed so strongly in sage’s protective powers when burnt that they dedicated it to the Greek god Zeus, whom they considered the most powerful god…

Although burning sage essential oils is a more indirect method than burning the complete herb, you will still reap the therapeutic and, if you so believe, cleansing benefits of the herb.

Sage Essential Oil for Candles

Similar to oil burning or steaming, including sage oil in your candles lets you get the benefits of the oil from inhalation, but in a longer-lasting and slightly more diluted way.

Sage Essential Oil for Creams

We’ve seen that sage oil has anti-bacterial and anti-aging effects. Including a few drops of the oil in your regular creams can help you get those benefits directly!

Sage Essential Oil for Soaps

By massaging in a soap that contains sage oil, you’ll not only help the health of your skin but will also get a relaxing, spa experience during your shower or bath…

Sage Essential Oil for Haircare

We saw above that sage oil has benefits for your scalp and hair health. Why not include, for example, a few drops in your favourite hair conditioning mask next time?

Conclusion

So there you are! A few of the key benefits and uses of sage essential oil. If you’re interested to try some of the uses for yourself, you can find our Sage Essential Oil in our online store.

Because tofillo’s essential oils are all organic, they don’t contain chemicals from pesticides. So you can use them with confidence knowing that they’re better for your health and that their therapeutic effects aren’t compromised!

[1] https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC5318325/

[2] As above

[3] https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC4003706/

[4] https://www.ajol.info/index.php/ajb/article/view/95425

[5] https://pubs.acs.org/doi/abs/10.1021/jf305472t#

Essential oils are highly concentrated extracts of plants and can have therapeutic benefits when used in aromatherapy.

Essential oils are extracted from their plants in different ways (for example, by distillation or cold-pressing). Because extraction requires a large volume of plant material to create a small amount of essential oil, the essential oil can have stronger therapeutic properties than their original plant.

Today we will be exploring just some of these therapeutic properties when essential oils are used in aromatherapy, and other ways you can use them around the home…

Aromatherapy

Aromatherapy is the practise of using essential oils for therapeutic benefits. This is usually by either inhaling the oil’s ‘scent’ or applying it to the skin in a diluted form.

Some of the most popular aromatherapy methods include massages to relax and relieve muscle pain, scented candles for relaxation or clarity, and inhalation to help with focus, anxiety or sleep issues.

Now, perhaps you’re wondering how essential oils create therapeutic benefits when used in aromatherapy? Well, this happens in two ways.

First, when essential oils are inhaled, they stimulate your limbic system which means they can have therapeutic benefits on the functions associated with this system (like emotions, heart rate and blood pressure).

Second, when essential oils are applied to your skin some of their plant chemicals are absorbed and create therapeutic benefits through absorption. Because of the strength of essential oils, they should only be applied to skin when diluted with a ‘carrier’ oil to avoid irritation.

Aromatherapy has existed for thousands of years and is still used all around the world today. However, there are still limited scientific studies on aromatherapy’s full effects – the science needs to catch up! So while we explore some of the great benefits of essential oils in the next section, just keep in mind that more research still needs to be done on this subject.

*If you’re receiving medical care for an illness, it’s important to speak to your doctor before introducing aromatherapy into your treatment plan.

Properties of Essential Oils

There is a whole world of essential oils out there to explore! We wouldn’t be able to examine all of them and their benefits in one blog post… So, for this article, we’re selecting just a few key benefits of these useful oils.

Cognitive Function

We all want to be able to focus when we need to and strengthen our brain power! Well, did you know that by simply inhaling certain types of essential oils, you could be improving your brain function? A study in 2012 showed that when participants inhaled rosemary oil, they performed better in certain cognitive tasks.[1]

Not only that, further research has shown that regularly inhaling rosemary[2] and sage [3] essential oils may help guard against neurodegenerative disorders like Alzheimer’s.

That’s a pretty remarkable effect from these humble plants!

Stress and Anxiety

Don’t you just love that relaxing feeling you get from some of your favourite scents? Well next time why not reach for some rosemary or sage oil!

A research study showed that rosemary helped reduce symptoms of stress in students before and during an exam.[4] That’s not a bad result for such a stressful situation! Indeed, in Greece we find people commonly using sage oil also for its emotionally calming effect.

At tofillo, we certainly find it helpful to keep our [osemary Essential Oil and Sage Essential Oil on our work desks during busy days. We like to take just five minutes to close our eyes, breathe in the aromas and recalibrate…

Hair Growth

As we get older, we sometimes experience hair loss. While it’s more common in men, it can also affect women due to hormonal changes later in life.

Amazingly, two essential oils – rosemary and thyme – have been shown to help protect against hair loss and potentially reverse it!

A study in 2015 showed that when men with male-pattern baldness massaged rosemary oil, diluted with a carrier oil, onto their scalp twice a day for six months, they experienced an increase in hair thickness. In fact, participants who used rosemary oil experienced the same increase in thickness as those that used a popular hair regrowth treatment.[5] And they experienced less scalp-itching compared to the regrowth treatment group.

Another study showed the effectiveness of thyme and rosemary oil, used alongside other essential oils, in improving hair loss (specifically alopecia areata).[6]

So if you’re starting to notice any patches of thinning hair, it might be worth trying those essential oils. You can find our Rosemary Essential Oil and Thyme Essential Oil in our online shop. Remember to always dilute them with a carrier oil when applying to skin.

Pain Relief

Essential oils have been traditionally used to maximise the pain-relieving benefits of massages and acupressure. Now, the science proves that it works.

In a 2007 study, stroke survivors who were experiencing shoulder pain were split into two groups. One group received acupressure to help with the shoulder pain, while the other group received the same acupressure treatment but with rosemary oil. The group that received treatment with rosemary oil experienced double the reduction in pain than the group without.[7]

Similarly, oregano oil has been shown to have pain-relieving effects in preliminary studies on mice.[8]

At tofillo, we like to keep our Rosemary Essential Oil and Oregano Essential Oil in our medicine cabinets, for those days when we need to soothe some aching joints or limbs. We dilute it with a carrier oil like jojoba and take a moment to massage it in and let it get to work.

Coughs and Colds

When you’ve got a cold or flu, you want to try everything you can to feel better! And if you prefer to try natural remedies to help soothe symptoms, then you’ll find that essential oils of thyme and dittany can help.

The European Medicines Agency has stated that dittany has properties that can help soothe coughs from a cold.[9] And a study in 2016 showed that due to thyme oil’s antispasmodic properties, it could be effective in helping to reduce coughs from an infection.[10]

With the winter season here, now could be a good time to stock up on our our [Thyme Essential Oil] and [Dittany Essential Oil] from our online shop. We recommend creating a steam bowl with hot water and a few drops of essential oil, and taking in the steam to help soothe your airways and any coughs or sore throats.

Those were just a few examples of the great properties of certain essential oils.

Aside from direct inhalation and massage, perhaps you want to know some other ways you can use essential oils for their benefits? Read on to find out…

Uses of Essential Oils around the Home

If you’d like to get even more benefits from essential oils, there are all sorts of products that you can use around the home.

For longer-lasting stress relief you can use rosemary or sage oil with an oil burner to infuse your home with a relaxing scent. Or if you enjoy making your own candles to burn at home, why not add in a few drops of rosemary or sage oil for a relaxing experience next time you light them?

Using essential oils in soap is a very popular technique. The other ingredients in the soap ensure that the essential oil is diluted so it won’t cause skin irritation. Our advice would be to take your time when bathing so that you give the oils in the soap time to work their magic!

And if you prefer to make your own home-cleaning products, why not add in some thyme or dittany oil to keep things smelling and feeling soothed and fresh? A lot of essential oils naturally have anti-fungal and anti-bacterial properties.

There are many options, but those are just a few to start with!

tofillo’s Cretan Essential Oils from Organic Farms

tofillo is a Cretan company and we take a lot of pride in our heritage. Cretan culture has used herbs from the island as remedies for thousands of years.

We believe that the soil of Crete itself gives the herbs that are grown on the island a special strength and uniqueness!

This uniqueness and the Cretan character of the herbs – strong, bounteous and brimming with great properties – passes through to the essential oils we make from them. We guarantee quality and tradition in every drop.

If that appeals to you and you’d like to buy any of our essential oils online, you can jump to our online shop.

We hope that in the moment you first smell or feel our essential oils, you feel the spirit of Crete and our island’s connection with these powerful herbs throughout the centuries…

[1] https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/23983963/

[2] https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/20377818/

[3] https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC5318325/

[4] https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/19258850/

[5] https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/25842469/

[6] https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/9828867/

[7] https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/17388768/

[8] https://onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/abs/10.1002/%28SICI%291099-1573%28199606%2910%3A4%3C342%3A%3AAID-PTR832%3E3.0.CO%3B2-W

[9] https://www.ema.europa.eu/en/documents/herbal-summary/dittany-crete-herb-summary-public_en.pdf

[10] https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/28214817/