This DIY oregano oil recipe will be your go to when stocking your medicine cabinet with all natural remedies.
What is oregano oil?
Oregano, formally known as Origanum vulgare, is a small plant that belongs to the mint family.
The Oregano oil is extracted from the leaves and stems of the oregano plant.
Oregano Oil Benefits and uses
Aside from culinary uses, did you know oregano oil is also great for medicinal use? It’s true; the powerful compounds lend itself to the multiple health benefits from oregano oil.
Out of all the natural herbs out there, I believe this one is the best one to have around at all time.
Any time you feel yourself coming down with a sickness, take a dropper full of oregano oil. I’m tellin’ ya; this is a must have in your medicine cabinet.
This oil has effective antimicrobial properties and antioxidant properties, which makes it a popular holistic healing treatment.
Oregano oil contains:
- Anti-inflammatory properties
- Antifungal properties
- Antibacterial properties
- Antiviral compounds
- Antimicrobial properties
- Antioxidant properties
- Cancer suppressing agents
- Antidiabetic properties
1. Fights Bacterial Infections
Oregano oil contains high levels of carvacrol. Carvocrol is the main active compound in oregano oil. This type of antioxidant, called phenol, helps fight against and eliminate certain types of bacteria.
2. Fights Fungal Infections
Thanks to the high levels of thymol found in oregano oil, it’s a potent antifungal remedy.
Common fungal infections include athlete’s foot, yeast infections, infected fingernails or toenails, and oral thrush.
3. Reduces Inflammation
Although more human studies need to be done, the carvacrol found in oregano oil has been shown to reduce inflammation.
The thymol and Rosmarinus acid in oregano oil may help to reduce inflammatory conditions such as allergic asthma and autoimmune arthritis.
You can read more the the anti-inflammatory studies, here, in the National Library of Medicine.
4. Provides Antioxidants
If you are looking for a natural remedy to reduce your risk of heart disease, I suggest starting with a DIY oregano oil recipe, such as the one found here.
Oregano oil is an excellent source of antioxidants such as thymol, ocimene, carvacrol, limonene, caryophyllene, and terpinene.
5. Regulates Menstruation
According to a study on natural herbs, oregano oil acts as an emmenagogue. This substance helps stimulate the menstrual flow.
It also helps relieve menstrual symptoms such as menstrual cramps, headaches, and flatulence. As a woman, I believe this may be my favorite use for oregano oil.
Furthermore, oregano oil has been found to delay the onset of menopause, as well as relieve menopause symptoms. Your mood swings and hormonal imbalance could likely benefit from oregano oil.
6. Repels Insects
I’m an outdoorsy kind of gal, but I do not like the bugs. Oregano oil, when applied to the skin, acts as an insect repellent.
It’s a great way to keep the mosquitoes, fleas, bed bugs, and lice away!
7. Helps Lower Cholesterol Levels
The phenols carvacrol and thymol are thought to be the leading causes of oregano oil lowering cholesterol levels.
There are studies showing participants who’ve taken oregano oil for 3 months had lower LDL (bad) cholesterol and higher (HDL) cholesterol.
With those conclusions, it’s great to know natural remedies, such as the DIY oregano oil, can be great to prevent cardiovascular diseases.
8. Pain Reliever
If you experience pain, try using the oregano for relief.
There has been evidence in animal studies that oregano oil is an effective pain reliever.
Experiencing joint pain or sore muscles? Simply massage the DIY oregano oil to the affected joints or muscles as often as needed.
Other common pain symptoms are sore throats, ear aches, headaches, etc.
9. Healing Cold Sores and Canker Sores
Mouth sores, such as cold and canker sores, are painful.
Apply a drop of the DIY oregano oil directly to your sores. Be sure your hands are clean before application, or use a cotton swab.
Push past the initial burn, and hold it on the sore for almost 10 minutes. The longer it is in direct contact of your sore, the faster it will heal.
10. Boosts Immune System
The natural antifungal in oregano, known as thymol, protects against toxins and supports the immune system.
11. Helps with Respiratory Health
If you have respiratory problems from the cold or flu season, oregano oil can be used to treat your symptoms.
12. Helps Ear Aches
Ear aches are often a symptom of underlying issues, such as colds. Oregano oil has been proven to have strong antiviral properties that can help fight off those common illnesses.
Use a dropper to put a few drops of the DIY oregano oil (recipe below) into the affected ear. Never apply undiluted essential oil oregano directly to the inside of the ear.
13. Relieves Nasal Congestion
Oregano oil acts as a natural antibiotic. Because of this, it can help fight off bacteria that is causing nasal congestion.
14. Improves Skin Conditions
Not only does oregano oil help heal wounds on the skin, it can also help reduce blemishes.
15. Great Massage Oil
Using the DIY oregano oil recipe below, you will also have great massage oil.
Hopefully, you don’t mind the strong scent of oregano. If not, it’s a great massage oil to alleviate pain and inflammation.
What you Need to Make Oregano Oil
To make your own oregano oil for herbal remedies, or cooking purposes, you will need a few items.
- extra virgin olive oil (or a natural oil of your choice, such as coconut oil, grapeseed oil, or any olive carrier oils.)
- Fresh oregano or dried oregano
- Dark glass jar with a tight fitting lid and dropper
- Mason Jar
- Cheese cloth or straining bag
- Funnel
Before applying oregano oil to the affected area, do a small patch test on your skin. If there is not an allergic reaction, apply drops of oregano oil for topical use. The oregano oil is also safe to ingest.
Just a reminder to never apply undiluted oregano oil, such as oregano essential oil, directly to the skin. Always dilute it with a carrier oil.
The recipe below will be diluted, and is safe to apply to the skin.
How to Make Homemade Oregano Oil
Naturally, you can find different ways to make DIY oregano oil This is the recipe I have followed, and recommend to try. It’s an easy way that anyone can follow.
If you are using fresh oregano, you will start by detaching the leaves from the stem. Once removed, rinse your leaves to get them as clean as possible. Dry and chop the leaves.
Steps to Make DIY Oregano Oil
- Fill your jar half way with fresh or dry oregano.
- Once you get it half-way filled with dry oregano, you’re going to fill the rest of your glass container with extra virgin olive oil (EVOO).
- When the jar is full, stir the oregano and EVOO well. Once it is mixed, you may find there is room for more oil at the top. Add more to fill the jar. Stir again.
- Bring a small amount of water just to a boil in a pot. Just enough to cover the bottom an inch or so. Right before the water starts to boil, turn off the heat.
- Place the sealed glass jar into the pot for ten minutes. This process allows the oil to heat up – causing the oregano to release it’s natural oils.
- Remove the jar from the water, and gently shake it up.
- Set the glass jar in a dark cool place for 2-4 weeks. Be sure to shake it up every couple of days. Use a dissolvable label to mark the date you made it. This will help you remember when you need to sift it.
- After 2-4 weeks, strain it out using a cheese cloth. Place the cheese cloth over a bowl, then pour the oregano oil and contents over the cheese cloth. The cloth will allow the oil to sift through throughout the oregano leaves getting through.
- Squeeze the cheese cloth to get every bit of oil out.
- Transfer the oil into a dark glass bottle or jar with a tight sealing lid.
Last Thoughts on Oregano Oil
Keep in mind, this is an infusion and not the same as an oregano essential oil.
Again, essential oils cannot be used directly on the skin without a carrier oil. However, a DIY oregano oi, such as this, can be applied directly to the skin.
According to WebMD, “…the same thing that makes oregano oil so potent can also create complications for people with certain medical conditions.” Please do your research before taking oregano oil.
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