Oregano Oil is one of the most widely used home remedies. Almost every crunchy individual with even the most basic understanding of herbal remedies will probably tell you it’s their go-to for everything from cold and flu to fungus infections. Oregano oil, though simple, does it all.
Oregano oil, sometimes referred to as oil of oregano, has been shown to exhibit some rather potent antibacterial, antiviral, and antifungal properties. It has proven itself to be an effective agent against yeast infections like candida, intestinal parasites, and of course, cold and flu beasties. (source)
The only caveat? Buying oregano oil can be a bit pricey depending on the source. While I really love the P73 oregano oil by N. American Herb and Spice, it can cost upwards of almost $50 per ounce! Sure, it lasts a really long time (this wild oregano oil is super potent and you only use a drop or two), but when I run out of it it’s always a bit painful to pick up a new bottle.
If you’re in the same boat, the good news is you can easily make oregano oil at home and use it for a wide range of conditions.
Here’s how…
Oregano Oil Uses and an Oregano Oil Recipe
To make a good oregano oil, you will need:
- One large bunch of fresh oregano (cleaned and completely dabbed dry)
- Extra virgin olive oil
- A glass jar
- A muddler
Loving Preparation – How to Make Oregano Oil
1. To begin, make sure that the oregano is free of any dirt or debris by washing it thoroughly with water.
2. Dry it completely using a towel. You don’t want any moisture on it at all since water will breed bacteria in the olive oil. I will often dry it with a towel, then let it sit out to further air dry.
3. Next, remove the leaves from the stems and add them to the jar. If you use the stems, cut them up into pieces with scissors to help them macerate in the olive oil.
4. Use a muddler to crush and bruise the leaves. This helps release the volatile oils in the oregano which is where all that good medicine is.
5. Once you deem the oregano leaves to be well muddled, pour over the olive oil until everything is good and submerged.
6. Give it a stir to make sure everything is coated with oil and make sure the oregano is under the surface of the oil.
7. Let the oregano infuse the olive oil for two weeks, stirring on occasion, in a cool dark place. The oil will darken into a dark green-brown color and smell strongly of oregano.
8. Once two weeks have passed, use a cheesecloth or strainer to strain the oil into a jar.
I like to fill a 1oz dropper bottle with oregano oil and keep it in my medicine cabinet. The rest, I keep in a jar and store it in the fridge to keep it fresh.
Out of the fridge, oregano oil will last a few months. You will know when it isn’t good anymore when the olive oil starts to smell rancid like old crayons, you know, that tell-tale rancid oil smell.
In the fridge, oregano oil can last up to a year.
Oregano Oil Benefits and Uses
So now that you’ve made oregano oil, how do you use it? What is oregano oil good for?
Oregano oil is an amazing immune system supporter. It is antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, antibiotic, antibacterial, antiviral, antimicrobial, antifungal…the list goes on and on!
During cold and flu season, or even when I feel a bit worn and run down, I will often take 5 drops of homemade oregano oil orally followed by a chaser of either grapefruit juice or water once a day. Adding the oil directly to water or juice can help dilute it a bit.
It’s potent stuff!
When I am actually sick, I will take it twice per day in a homemade wellness shot for up to 10 days.
It is important to give your body a rest when using oregano oil since it’s so powerful. Usually, about 10 days on and 10 days off works well.
You can also take a few drops of oregano oil before meals to help ease indigestion, gas, and bloating.
Other oregano oil uses include:
- Can be used to treat fungal and yeast infections like athlete’s foot (source)
- Can ease the symptoms of SIBO (source)
- Fights bacterial overgrowth like candida
- Fights various infections including those in the sinuses and lungs
- Helps kill and expel parasites from the body (source)
- Helps relieve inflammatory conditions like rheumatoid arthritis, sciatic pain, and IBD when used topically
How to Use Oregano Oil
Because oregano oil can interfere with certain medications, always consult your physician before using herbal remedies. Oregano oil is not considered safe to use during pregnancy.
Oregano oil should only be used to help support the immune system and not as a replacement for medical treatment.
Here are some of the ways you can use oregano oil:
As a Natural Antibiotic
For conditions that require the use of antibiotics, you can take 3-5 drops of oregano oil 1-2 times daily for 10 days. You can also apply a few drops of oregano oil to the soles of the feet or over the abdomen. (source)
As a Treatment for Candida or Toenail Fungus
Apply a few drops of oregano oil directly to toenails and the surrounding area twice daily. Continue application for several weeks after symptoms are gone. (source)
For candida, take 2 drops of oregano oil twice daily for 10 days while avoiding sugar.
As a Treatment for Respiratory Infections
If you suffer from a sinus infection or bronchitis, take 3 drops of oregano oil twice daily for up to 10 days.
As a Treatment for Intestinal Parasites and Bacteria
Take 3 drops of oregano oil twice daily for up to 10 days. (source)
As a General Cold and Flu Preventative and Treatment
As a preventative, take 2-3 drops of oregano oil when exposed to others who are sick or when you feel run down during cold and flu season.
As a treatment, take 2-3 drops of oregano oil 1-2 times daily for up to 10 days.
Typical oil of Oregano Dosage
3-5 drops 1-2 times daily for up to 10 days.
Oregano Oil Side Effects
- Upset stomach
- Heartburn
- Irritation
These are all caused by either taking too much oregano oil or if it is applied to sensitive areas.
Where to Buy Oregano Oil
What have been your favorite uses for oregano oil? Please share in the comments below!
You may also enjoy reading:
Oregano Oil Roll-On for Cold and Flu Care
Oregano Oil Benefits You Need to Know
How to Use Oregano Oil as Herbal Antibiotic (+ what kind is best)
Thanks for clarifying that it needs to be stored in a cool dark place. Others have stated that it needs to sit in the sun for 2 weeks. I believe that creates the oil to go rancid.
can you use wild oregano to make this. I have regular oregano, but I just discovered a huge patch of wild, and it smells so good.
Thanks for this lesson on making oregano oil. Will spicy oregano work as well as regular for the uses you mentioned?
I have spicy oregano growing in my yard.
Hi Liz!
You can use any garden oregano for this recipe 🙂
Thank you for sharing. Where can I get the Oregano leaves?
You can often get fresh oregano from your local nursery or grocery store. Try to get organic if possible 🙂
I love your blog so much! There are so many useful things I have found. I am a fan of essential oils, aromatherapy, skin care, and eco-friendly living. Therefore, your blog is really helpful for me. I will try to make oregano oil too by following your instructions. Thank you 🙂