Immunition

Safety
Oregano Contraindications (all routes): Pregnancy and breastfeeding 
"When Origanum vulgare oil was fed to pregnant mice for two weeks at 1,000ppm (equivalent to 150mg/kg) [about 5 drops], there was a related increase in the rate of embryonic cell death." Tisserand/Young page 376. The concern is that Oregano demonstrates embryotoxicity, and a complete absence of risk to the nursing infant is impossible to demonstrate conclusively. Keep in mind that the dose is a critical component of this toxicity, and adverse effects will only occur when the dose exceeds a certain threshold, but determining that threshold is not simple, as extrapolating from studies in pregnant animals is problematic. Specifically in regard to Oregano, 150mg (about 5 drops) Oregano was fed to female mice for 2 weeks prior to mating. Oregano significantly increased the rate of embryonic cell death. "The negative effects seen in this study may be due to the high doses used, but we do not know what a safe dose might be . . . we have therefore contraindicated Oregano [for use during pregnancy and lactation]." Essential Oil Safety by Tisserand/Young, pages 153-155.

Drug Interaction Caution for Oregano (oral): Diabetic medication, anticoagulant medication, major surgery, peptic ulcer, hemophilia and other bleeding disorders (Tisserand p. 376).

Drug interaction Caution for Clove (oral): Anticoagulant medication, major surgery, peptic ulcer, hemophilia and other bleeding disorders (Tisserand p. 255).

Tisserand notes that "since eugenol (in Clove) significantly inhibits human MAO-A (Tao et al 2005), oral doses of eugenol-rich essential oils may interact with pethidine, indirect sympathomimetics, MAOIs or SSRIs." Caution is advised when Clove essential oil is ingested in conjunction with certain foods if taking MAO inhibiting antidepressants. Those containing tyramine, which include cheese, may precipitate a hypertensive crisis (Blackwell & Mabbitt 1965), while tryptophan-containing foods may lead to elevated serotonin levels. Dermal Caution with Oregano: Oregano can cuase irritation of skin and mucus membranes if not appropriately diluted. According to Tisserand, maximum dermal use level is 1.1% (Essential Oil Safety, page 376).

Dermal Caution with Clove: Hypersensitive, diseased or damaged skin, children under 2 years of age (Tisserand).
Repeated use can result in contact sensitization. Skin test for sensitivity.

From Essential Oil Safety by Robert Tisserand, page 254-256: "There are three reports of non-fatal oral poisoning from clove oil, all in children. In 1991 a 7-month-old child was given one teaspoon of clove oil. Supportive care and gastric lavage were sufficient for total recovery following the resultant severe acidosis, CNS depression and urinary abnormalities (the presence of ketones in the urine). The second case involves a near fatal poisoning of the acetaminophen (paracetamol) type after ingestion of 5-10 ml of clove oil by a 2-year-old boy. Acidosis, deteriorating liver function, deep coma, generalized seizure and unrecordably low blood glucose were all noted. Heparin (an anticoagulant) was given due to the possible development of disseminated intravascular coagulation. The child was fully conscious by day six and eventually made a full recovery. In the final case, a 15-month-old boy developed fulminant hepatic failure after ingesting 10ml clove oil. . . . a 32-year-old woman, who self-injected an unknown quantity of clove oil intravenously, experienced acute respiratory distress due to pulmonary edema which had developed over one hour."

Oregano is not on the National Association for Holistic Aromatherapy (NAHA) avoid or use with caution list during pregnancy or nursing list.

Avoid contact with the eyes and other sensitive areas. Essential oils are both lipophilic and hydrophobic. Lipophilic means they are attracted to fat— like the membranes of your eyes and skin. They are also hydrophobic, meaning they do not like water. Applying a carrier oil will create another fat for the essential oil to be attracted to other than the membranes of the eyes or skin. Tisserand suggests: "With essential oils, fatty oil has been suggested as an appropriate first aid treatment, though the advantage of saline [eyewash] is that the eyes can be continually flushed, and this is less easy with fatty oil.” We are not aware of a case where essential oil in the eyes caused permanent injury or long-term discomfort, but if you feel concerned, please call your health care provider.