North American Herb and Spice Oreganol P73 Oil

What P73 means

P73 is North American Herb & Spice's designation for this oil of wild Mediterranean oregano, steam distilled rather than solvent extracted. In the company's words the P stands for potency, purity and phenolic power, and the 73 is the average carvacrol percentage of the oil. The label prints it as a natural carvacrol level of 73% plus; the company says the harvest year range is 68 to 78%.

North American Herb and Spice have used the same designation for decades, which is most of why people search for it by name rather than for oregano oil generally.

Take it seriously, it's strong

This is oregano oil in an olive oil carrier, not a capsule, and it is genuinely potent. Taken straight it burns. Most people put a few drops under the tongue or add them to juice or water. If it's uncomfortable neat, dilute it further. There's no advantage to toughing it out.

Start with fewer drops than you think you need and work up. Keep it off your skin undiluted and well away from your eyes.

Before you start

Oregano is in the mint family, along with basil, sage and lavender, so skip it if you react to those. It isn't suitable during pregnancy. Check with your doctor if you're nursing, taking medication or managing a health condition, and keep it out of reach of children.

These statements have not been evaluated by the Food and Drug Administration. This product is not intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any disease.