The Benefits of Oregano Oil and How to Make It

Oregano oil is a lifesaver! I just spent the past week suffering from a horrible skin infection. I recently figured out it was a typical case of seborrheic dermatitis – a type of eczema caused by an excess of Candida albicans yeast cells on the skin.  As the infection spread across my face, causing a […]

Oregano oil is a lifesaver! I just spent the past week suffering from a horrible skin infection. I recently figured out it was a typical case of seborrheic dermatitis – a type of eczema caused by an excess of Candida albicans yeast cells on the skin. 

As the infection spread across my face, causing a sore, red rash, I was beginning to despair. Although I try to avoid antibiotics wherever possible, I was beginning to fear they might be the only solution. 

Fortunately, Colin had just completed a new batch of oregano oil and suggested I try that instead. That was yesterday, and already the infected area is less sensitive and is starting to lose some of its lurid colours. This rapid healing proves the effectiveness of oregano oil and illustrates why it’s believed to “rival antibiotics when it comes to treating or preventing various infections.” 

Oregano oil’s ability to control pain and reduce inflammation, alongside its strong anti-fungal and antibacterial properties make it a powerful medicinal herb. 

A popular culinary herb, oregano contains two compounds – carvacrol and thymol. These ingredients give the herb its antiviral, antibacterial, and antifungal properties.

You don’t need a lot of oregano to make an effective, healing oil, like the one we use in our Soothing Balm.  

A handful of fresh leaves and flowers can make enough oil to treat an infection and prevent it from recurring. This herb-infused oil isn’t as potent as an essential oil, so there’s no need to dilute it before use. It is, however, an affordable alternative to commercial products. 

How To Make Organic Oregano Oil

Ingredients:

Oregano leaves and flowers – dried, crushed, or chopped

Oil – I used organic olive oil, but you could also use grapeseed or almond oil. If you’re making oregano oil specifically to treat seborrheic dermatitis, it’s advisable to use coconut oil as this also has antiviral, antibacterial, and antifungal properties.

You’ll also need:

A clean glass jar with an airtight lid

If you can get your hands on some wild oregano, this will prove more powerful than anything you can grow in the garden. If not, try to source some organic oregano that’s been grown as naturally as possible.

Step One: Harvesting Oregano

If possible, harvest your oregano just before the plant starts to flower, as this is when it’s at its most potent. If the oregano is already flowering, you can harvest both the flowers and the leaves, although the leaves are more effective.

Harvest your oregano leaves before the plant flowers

Rinse your oregano in cold water and pat dry.

Step Two: Process the Harvested Herbs

You can make oregano oil using either fresh or dried herbs. I find that dried herbs tend to make a stronger product but, for this recipe, I decided to use fresh oregano. 

To prepare the oregano for soaking, strip the leaves from the woody stems.  

Strip the leaves from the stem

Chop the leaves into smaller pieces. This process will make it easier and quicker for the oil to absorb the oregano’s medicinal properties.  

Chop the oregano into small piecesStep Three: Prepare the Oil

Put your chopped-up herbs into a clean glass jar and cover them with the oil of your choice. Give the mixture a good stir or shake to help activate it.

Cover the leaves with oil

Heat a saucepan of water to boiling point. Turn the heat off before placing the jar, with its herbs and oil, into the saucepan. Leave it there to warm for five to 10 minutes. This warm bath helps activate the infusion process.

Heat the oil for 5 to 10 minutes

Step Four: Leave to Stand

Remove the jar from the saucepan and dry it off. Place the jar in a warm, sunny spot, such as your kitchen windowsill, for approximately two weeks, giving it a quick shake every couple of days. 

Leave the oil to infuse for 2 to 3 weeks

After two weeks to three weeks, your oil will be ready. To prepare it for use, strain out all the oregano leaves before transferring the oil into a dispensing bottle.

If you keep the oil in the fridge, it should last for up to 12 months. You can also extend its lifespan by adding a few drops of citrus oil to the mixture. 

5 Of The Best Medicinal Uses For Oregano Oil

#1 Apply oregano oil topically to treat skin infections like seborrheic dermatitis, other types of eczema, athlete’s foot, acne, and warts.

#2 Massage oregano oil into stiff muscles and joints to relieve pain and inflammation

#3 Oregano oil can help relieve respiratory problems, including asthma, bronchitis, coughs and other cold symptoms. Simply add a few drops of oregano oil to a steam bath and inhale. 

#4 Apply diluted oregano oil to minor wounds and scratches to protect them and accelerate healing. 

#5 Rub oregano oil into your skin to repel mosquitos and other biting insects 

You can also take your homemade oregano oil internally, which you can’t do with essential oil as it’s too strong. Be prepared for a very unpleasant taste, followed by a burning sensation in your mouth and throat. 

Some people are also allergic to oregano and may develop respiratory problems if using it in a steam bath or a rash if applying it topically. It’s also worth remembering that oregano is a powerful natural herb that can, in large doses, be toxic or even lethal.  

Conclusion

I’m delighted to have a garden full of natural medicine and particularly grateful to have found a cure for this uncomfortable and unsightly skin infection. 

Oregano oil is a powerful antioxidant with antiviral, antibacterial, and antifungal properties. As such, it is an effective treatment for a wide range of infections and ailments. Although homemade oregano oil isn’t as potent as a commercial product, it is effective, and its reduced potency makes it safe to use internally.  

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