Shelton RossApart from being a culinary herb, oregano is famous for its aroma and taste. It has also found its application in herbal medicine due to its powerful antioxidant, antibacterial, and anti-inflammatory properties through the ages. The best way to tap into the benefits of oregano is through oregano oil. This oil also contains other components such as carvacrol, thymol, and rosmarinic acid that provide several health benefits.
In this guide, we are going to discuss the process of oil extraction from oregano at home, the health advantages of the product as well as suggestions for its effective usage.
What is Oregano Oil?
Oregano oil is a concentrated form of herbal oil accomplished through oil infusion of oregano leaves or capture of its steam when distilled. Another form of Oregano oil is the Herba or plant oil if the above method is a bit challenging and complicated. This herbal oil like any other natural oil is usually used in alternative medicine to address several conditions including infections such as cold, stomach problems and skin complaints. While the dried herb is mostly active and full of botanical greatness, especially essential oil, Oregano oil is comparatively stronger than its heady essence due to high concentration of its active ingredients
- There are Two types of oregano oil ,Oregano essential oil, which is the purest form and made through steam distillation.
- Infused oregano oil, which is easier to make at home and still holds therapeutic properties. In this article, we will concentrate on how to infuse oregano oil, a practical and accessible option for home use.
Health Advantages Related to Oregano Oil
Thanks to the higher quantities of phenols, terpenes and flavonoids contained in oregano oil, it provides for a wide range of health advantages. These compounds are responsible for the anti-microbial, anti-inflammatory and anti-oxidant properties present in oregano oil. Some of the most complained health issues are addressed in these health benefits:
- Antimicrobial Properties: There is very strong antimicrobial activity of oregano oil which includes, antibacterial, antiviral and antifungal activity even on notorious E.coli and Candida albicans pathogens.
- Immune System Support: A person’s immune system can be fortified with oregano oil if there are no contraindications to such action thus avoiding diseases and better fighting infection than the body itself does usually.
- Anti-inflammatory Effects: One such molecule is carvacrol which is present in Oregano oil and is known to adequately resolve any inflammation in the body which can be helpful in managing arthritis or chronic pain.
- Digestive Health: In relation to digestive system oregano oil physicians recommend use of oral preparation which stimulates secretion of digestive juices thus increasing intestinal clearance of food matter and minimizing such unpleasant sensations as bloated stomach, gas or indigestion.
- Skin Health: Users of oregano oil have found out that with the application of diluted oil on the skin, skin issues such as acne vulgaris and psoriasis as well as skin fungi can easily be cured.
- Respiratory Health: Oregano essential oil can relieve cough ameliorate nasal congestion, fight the common cold and upper respiratory infections as well due to its antimicrobial and anti-inflammatory properties above. Ultimately Oregano essential oil has multiple therapeutic benefits.
Required Materials in The Preparation of Oregano Oil
There are some necessary ingredients that should be prepared before getting started with the preparation of oregano oil, which are as follows:
Ingredients:
Fresh Oregano Leaves: The availability of oregano is strictly required, as it should be the freshest possible. It is also possible to use dried oregano, but oregano leaves that are fresh tend to infuse better and might result in a stronger oil.
Carrier Oil: The carrier oil must be of good quality, so that the essentials of oregano will not be washed away by most of the oil. Good options are Olive Oil, grapeseed Oil and coconut oil.
Equipment:
Glass Jar: Requires sterilized glass jar with a lid for infusing.
Cheese Cloth or Fine Mesh Strainer: Used for oil straining after infusion through the infusion.
Mortar and Pestle (optional): Used for slightly smashing the oregano leaves to enhance the freshening of the essential oils.
Dark Glass Bottles: Used to pack the oil that has been prepared because there is a tendency that the oil might lose its strength over a period of time due to contact with light.
Detailed Instructions: Preparing Oregano Oil Mixture
Step 1: Harvesting Fresh Oregano
Begin with harvesting the fresh leaves of oregano. Wash the leaves to eliminate all dirt and pesticides. Once you have rinsed it, let the oregano dry out properly. Dirty and wet leaves can be air dried on a clean piece of cloth or even a salad spinner can be used to dry the leaves more rapidly. This is because if the leaves are wet, there will be a high risk of molds during the infusion.
When the leaves have dried out, you can break them down with your hands, and nothing else, or pound them in a mortar with a pestle. Breaking excess makes sense as it opens up sachets containing oils, which are important during the infusion.
Step 2: Which Carrier Oil Is Best?
It goes without saying that the carrier oil you choose features prominently determines the quality of the oregano oil which you produce. It serves well especially in that it has its own healthiness and rather neutral taste. In case you prefer lighter oils, grapeseed oil or coconut oil would be great replacements. Coconut oil is actually excellent in that it’s good base for oreganol skin oil blends as it has antibacterial activity.
For the purpose of this guide we shall be using olive oil as the carrier oil.
Step 3: The Infusion Process
Take the crushed leaves of oregano and keep them in a sterilized glass jar. Since it will be filled with oregano only half way, it is important to leave some headspace for any oil.
Cover the characters with olive oil and make sure the leaves are covered all the way. The oil should cover the oregano completely in order to eliminate chances of any fungus growth.
Secure the jar with a lid and keep it in a warm place, preferably on a sunny windowsill. Due to the warmth, the oil will absorb a greater amount of the essential oils from the oregano. Let the infusion stand for two weeks.
In the course of the specified time, slightly shake the jar on a daily basis in order to speed the infusion process up and make sure all the properties of oregano are dissolved in oil.
Step 4: Straining and Storing the Oil
Oregano oil will be ready for use after the second week. You may now open the jar and use a cheesecloth or very fine sieve to pour out the content of the jar. To prevent the oil from exposure from light, store it in a clean, dark, glass bottle and pour the oil in there.
Place the bottle containing the oregano oil in a cool dark area to ensure that the oil is still effective. If stored properly, it is possible to last for twelve months.
Some of the ways to use Oregano oil
Oregano oil can be used in different ways depending on your health needs:
Dermatological Use: To speed up the healing of acne, athletes Foot or insect bites, mix a few drops of oregano oil with a cream/coconut oil. Rub onto the area of interest.
Laryngeal Mumbling: If you want to rest your respiratory passages drain out some fluids, use a few drops of oregano oil in a basin of hot water. Covering your head in a towel inhaling for a few minutes will taste relief from blocked nose.
Administration: Oregano oil can also be taken by mouth for improvement of digestion or enhancement of immune system. It will be required to dilute it prior to taste it. One or two drops of it can be combined with a teaspoon of olive oil or water. Oregano oil should not be taken neat unless you want your digestive tract to be on fire.
Cleaning and disinfecting: Oregano oil acts as an antibacterial cleaner so it can be used to clean fresh cuts. Place some drops in your cleaning products whilst making them or use to clean surfaces after due to bacterial invading.
Safety Precautions
Oregano oil has notable health benefits; however, it has to be handled with care. Here are some important safety measures that should be observed:
Dilut Before Use: Oregano oil is so potent that it can be irritating to the skin or the mucous membranes if directly used. It should always be mixed with carrier oil before application.
Allergy concerns: People may be allergic to oregano or to most herbs of the mint family. Always perform a patch test if you plan to apply oregano oil on the skin directly.
Consult with a Doctor: Pregnant or breastfeeding women, and those with some disease should avoid self-medicating with oregano oil without contacting a medical doctor.
Avoid prolonged usage: Like other potent herbal drugs, oregano oil has to be used in moderation owing to its powerful nature. Overuse may cause stomach upset, skin rash or other side effects.
Conclusion
Preparing oregano oil at home is an easy and inexpensive way to utilize a strong natural treatment at home. This oil, in addition to its culinary use, has a lot of medicinal advantages, including enhancing immunity, and healthy skin development. If you are motivated enough, by adhering to the guidelines outlined in this guide, you can make your own oregano oil and enjoy the benefits at the comfort of your home.
And don’t forget to protect it and to use that oil responsibly – only in this case you will always have a powerful herbal remedy at hand.
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