DIY: How to Make Oil of Oregano at Home

Have you heard of oil of oregano? This essential oil is known for its powerful antimicrobial properties that can help boost your immune system, fight off infections, and even prevent illnesses. While oil of oregano can easily be found in health food stores and online, making your own at home can be a fun and budget-friendly project. In this article, we will guide you on how to make your own oil of oregano step by step.

Making oil of oregano requires only a few basic materials and can be done in the comfort of your own home. With the right proportions and a little patience, you can extract the essential properties of oregano leaves into a highly concentrated and effective oil that can be used in a variety of ways. Whether you are an avid essential oil user or new to the world of aromatherapy, making your own oil of oregano is a rewarding way to take control of your health and wellness.

Section: How to Make Oil of Oregano

Oil of oregano is a potent and versatile natural remedy. It is extracted from oregano leaves, which are abundant in the Mediterranean region and have been used for medicinal purposes since ancient times. Oil of oregano has antibacterial, antifungal, antiviral, and anti-inflammatory properties, making it an excellent natural remedy for various health issues.

In this section, we will guide you on how to make oil of oregano at home. It is an easy process that requires only a few ingredients and some patience.

1. Choose the right oregano leaves

The quality of oil of oregano largely depends on the quality of the oregano leaves. You should use fresh and organic oregano leaves for making oil of oregano. You can grow oregano in your garden or purchase it from a trusted source. Make sure that the oregano leaves are not wilted or damaged.

2. Gather the materials

To make oil of oregano, you will need fresh oregano leaves, olive oil, a clean glass jar with a lid, a double boiler, a strainer, and cheesecloth. You can also use a dehydrator or an oven for drying the oregano leaves, but it is optional.

3. Dry the oregano leaves

Spread the oregano leaves on a clean surface and let them dry naturally in the sun for a few hours. Alternatively, you can use a dehydrator or an oven to dry the leaves. Set the temperature to 95°F (35°C) and let them dry for 12-24 hours. Make sure that the leaves are completely dry before moving to the next step.

4. Crush the oregano leaves

Once the leaves are dry, crush them using a mortar and pestle or a blender. The idea is to break them down into small pieces to extract more oil.

5. Add the crushed leaves to a glass jar

Transfer the crushed oregano leaves to a clean glass jar. Fill the jar halfway with the leaves.

6. Add olive oil

Pour olive oil over the crushed leaves until the jar is full. The oil should completely cover the leaves. Seal the jar tightly with a lid.

7. Heat the jar in a double boiler

Fill a pot with water and set up a double boiler. Place the jar containing the oregano leaves and olive oil in the pot. Heat the pot on low to medium heat for 4-8 hours. Make sure that the temperature of the oil does not exceed 100°F (38°C).

8. Strain the oil

Take the jar out of the double boiler and let it cool down for an hour. Use a strainer and cheesecloth to strain the oil of oregano from the leaves. Squeeze the cheesecloth to extract more oil.

9. Store the oil

Transfer the oil of oregano to a clean and dry glass jar with a tight-fitting lid. Store the jar in a cool and dark place to prevent oxidation. The oil will remain potent for up to 6 months.

10. Use the oil of oregano

You can use oil of oregano internally or externally. For internal use, mix a few drops of the oil with water or juice and drink it. It is advisable to start with 1-2 drops and gradually increase the dosage. For external use, apply the oil topically on the affected area. You can also add a few drops of oil to your bathwater.

In conclusion, making oil of oregano at home is an easy and cost-effective way of getting this potent natural remedy. You can use it to boost your immune system, fight infections, soothe skin irritations, and relieve pain. However, if you have any underlying health conditions or are taking medication, consult with your healthcare provider before using oil of oregano.

Choosing Your Ingredients

Making oil of oregano is a relatively simple process once you have all the necessary ingredients. Before you begin, it’s important to choose the right type of oregano plant and oil to ensure your oil of oregano is effective and healthy.

Choosing the Right Oregano Plant

Not all oregano plants are created equal, and some are more potent than others. The best type of oregano to use for oil of oregano is Origanum vulgare, also known as wild oregano or Greek oregano. This variety contains the highest levels of carvacrol, the compound responsible for the plant’s anti-bacterial and anti-fungal properties.

Choosing the Right Carrier Oil

The carrier oil you choose for your oil of oregano will determine its potency and effectiveness. It’s important to choose a high-quality carrier oil that is rich in beneficial fatty acids and antioxidants. Some of the best carrier oils to use include extra virgin olive oil, coconut oil, and avocado oil.

Choosing the Right Equipment

To make oil of oregano, you will need a few basic pieces of equipment, including a glass jar with a lid, a strainer, and a clean, dry bowl. It’s essential to use glass containers and utensils, as plastic can leak chemicals into your oil and compromise its quality.

Measuring Your Ingredients

The key to making high-quality oil of oregano is to use precise measurements. Use a kitchen scale to weigh out your oregano leaves and carrier oil to ensure the right ratio of ingredients. For best results, use 4-6 ounces of oregano leaves per cup of carrier oil.

Preparing Your Oregano Leaves

Before making your oil of oregano, it’s essential to prepare your oregano leaves properly. Wash them thoroughly and dry them thoroughly before using, to ensure they are free of dirt, debris, and moisture.

Storing Your Ingredients

To maintain the quality of your oil of oregano, it’s important to store your ingredients properly. Keep your oregano leaves in an airtight container in a cool, dry place, and your carrier oil in a dark, cool place away from sunlight or heat sources.

Infusing Your Oregano Leaves

To start the infusion process, add your oregano leaves to your glass jar, and then pour in your carrier oil. Make sure the leaves are completely submerged in the oil, and then stir gently to combine. You can add a few drops of vitamin E oil to act as a natural preservative and extend the shelf life of your oil.

Monitoring the Infusion Process

The infusion process typically takes around 2-4 weeks, depending on the potency you desire. Store your jar in a cool, dark place and shake it gently every few days to ensure the leaves and oil are well combined. You can taste your oil after 2 weeks to see if it’s potent enough for your liking and leave it to infuse for longer if necessary.

Straining and Storing Your Oil

When your oil of oregano is ready, strain the leaves out using a strainer and transfer the oil to a clean, dry bowl. Store your oil in a dark, glass bottle with a dropper to make it easy to use, and label it with the date and ingredients used. Your oil of oregano will last for up to 6 months when stored in a cool, dark place away from sunlight and heat sources.

How to Make Oil of Oregano: Procedure

Now that we have gathered the right materials and taken safety precautions, we can proceed with making our oregano oil. Below are the steps:

Step 1: Crush the Oregano Leaves

Take your Mediterranean oregano leaves and crush them using a mortar and pestle. The aim is to release the volatile oils from the leaves so that we can extract them easily. If you don’t have a mortar and pestle, you can bruise the leaves using your hands or chop them into small pieces.

Step 2: Place the Crushed Leaves in a Jar

After crushing the leaves, transfer them into a clean jar. Make sure the jar you use is clear and has a tight-fitting lid. We want to be able to observe the infusion process without opening the jar and risking contamination. Use a jar size that corresponds to the amount of oregano leaves you have.

Step 3: Add the Carrier Oil to the Jar

Pour the carrier oil of your choice into the jar with the crushed oregano leaves. Make sure the amount of oil you add is enough to cover the leaves by at least one-inch. For instance, if you have one cup of oregano leaves, add sufficient oil to fill the jar to the one and a half cups mark.

Step 4: Infuse for Two or More Weeks

Place the lid tightly on the jar containing the crushed oregano leaves and the carrier oil, then shake the jar to mix the contents. Choose a cool and dark place to store the jar for at least two weeks, preferably three weeks. During this period, the oregano leaves will be infusing with the oil and converting them into potent oregano oil. Shake the jar every day to ensure that the contents are well-mixed.

Step 5: Strain and Store Your Oregano Oil

After the infusion process, strain the contents of the jar through a cheesecloth or fine mesh strainer into a clean container. Squeeze the cheesecloth or strainer to extract all the liquid. Transfer your oregano oil into a dark-colored glass bottle that has a dropper. Seal the bottle tightly and store it in a cool, dark place. Your homemade oregano oil is now ready for use.

In conclusion, making your oregano oil is a doable process that takes some planning and safety precautions. When done right, the result is pure and potent oregano oil that you can use as a natural remedy for various ailments. As with any natural remedies, oregano oil should be used with care and under the guidance of a healthcare professional, particularly if you have an underlying medical condition or are taking medication.

Time to Make Your Own Oil of Oregano

Now that you know how to make oil of oregano at home, it’s time to start experimenting and taking advantage of its amazing health benefits. Don’t forget to use only high-quality ingredients and store it in a cool, dark place for optimum shelf life. Thanks for reading this article, and I hope you have fun creating your own oil of oregano! Come back soon for more natural health and wellness tips.