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The ancient Romans and Greeks had a great appreciation for oregano, due largely to its many medicinal uses. Furthermore, the name “oregano” comes from the Greek words “ganos” and “oros,” which means joy and mountain. Therefore, oregano means “joy of the mountain!”
Oil of oregano has antioxidant, antiseptic, antimicrobial, antibacterial, antifungal and anti-inflammatory qualities, and is a carminative, which means it lessens gas formation in the stomach. Furthermore, it is also a cholagogue, enabling bile to be released more easily and aiding in the digestion of fats.
Extracting oil from oregano involves a distinct distillation process. However, there is an easy way to make your own homemade, oil of oregano. Here’s a simple recipe:
What You Will Need
- Oregano leaves, crushed or chopped
- Grape seed oil, olive oil or almond oil
- 2 sanitized jars with twist lids
What To Do
- Boil water in a saucepan. Let it reach a rolling boil, and then turn off the flame.
- Put your oregano leaves into a jar and then pour the oil of your choice over the leaves.
- Place the jar into hot water and allow it sit for 5-10 minutes. This process heats up the oil and allows the oregano to release its natural oils.
- Take the jar from the hot water and put it on a sunny windowsill for 1-2 weeks. Shake up the mixture every couple of days.
- After it sits for 2 weeks, strain the oil from the leaves into a second, sanitized jar. Store the oil in a cool and dark place.
To preserve homemade oil of oregano, add a couple drops of grapefruit oil. (If you decide to not make your own homemade oil of oregano, then make sure to use a quality, therapeutic grade essential oil.)
Uses For Oil Of Oregano
1. Respiratory illnesses
Many European respiratory remedies contain oregano as an important ingredient. It is used both externally and internally to treat asthma, bronchitis, colds and the flu.
It reduces inflammation caused by allergens. It also acts as a mild sedative, lessening the body’s reaction to the allergens.
Simply massage oil of oregano onto your chest to help relieve these ailments.
2. Skin ailments
People who suffer from eczema, psoriasis, candidiasis and rosacea can benefit greatly from oil of oregano. Remember, however, that oregano is a natural warming oil, so blend it well with jojoba, coconut or olive carrier oils and make sure to test it on affected areas lightly at first.
3. Fungal infections
Because of its antifungal properties, it is good for treating any fungal infections such as athlete’s foot and nail fungus. Again, remember that it is a natural warming oil, so dilute it properly and test it first.
4. Menstrual pain
Oil of oregano has been conventionally used to relieve menstrual issues such as amenorrhea and painful periods known as dysmenorrhea. Because oregano is an emmenagogue, it inspires blood flow to the pelvic region and encourages uterine contractions, enabling easier menstrual flow.
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Drink ginger tea mixed with 2-3 drops of your homemade oil of oregano if you have scanty or painful periods. Furthermore, you can add several drops of oil of oregano to chamomile tea to intensify its effectiveness.
To gain relief from menstrual cramps, massage a blend of six drops of oil of oregano and a teaspoon of coconut oil onto the lower abdomen.
5. Cardiovascular diseases
The antioxidant properties of oil of oregano can possibly guard your blood vessels and heart from free radical harm.
6. Arthritis and muscle pain
Because of its anti-inflammatory properties and its natural warmth, it is a wonderful oil for relieving aches and pains due to inflammation.
Simply use your homemade oil of oregano or mix a therapeutic grade essential oil with a carrier oil and massage it onto the affected area.
7. Animal conditions
- Skin conditions and external parasites. You can apply the oil of oregano to areas where the pets have lost fur due to ringworm infections, mange or hotspots. Animals tolerate oil of oregano well when it’s used diluted with carrier oils. Blend a teaspoon of oil of oregano with a gallon of tepid water and use it as a rinse after bathing your dog. This will aid in flea and skin parasite control.
- Treat arthritis in dogs. You can try adding several drops of oil of oregano to cod liver oil or moist dog food to make it taste better for your dog. Be sure to only use a drop or Don’t give it to cats; they have a problem metabolizing it.
- Replace antibiotics for chickens. Antibiotics are traditionally blended with poultry feed to keep the chickens strong and healthy and to aid them in gaining weight faster. Moreover, many organic farmers have now rejected antibiotics and turned oil of oregano as a replacement.
- Get rid of intestinal worms in dogs. Adding oil of oregano to moist dog food or cod liver oil will help kill internal parasites. Be sure to only add a drop or two.
8. Natural insect repellent
Oil of oregano can be used to get rid of head lice. Furthermore, you can successfully control household pests with this pungent oil.
Place 25 drops each of oil of oregano and lemon essential oil in a spray bottle and fill it up with distilled water. Shake it well. Spray the blend on surfaces and wipe it dry. Furthermore, you can drop several drops of oil of oregano on cotton balls and place them inside drawers and cabinets.
Oil of oregano is also a welcomed addition to any garden. Insects and pests hate the aroma. Blend oil of oregano and water and spray it on the plants in your garden.
Do you know of other uses for oil of oregano? Share your tips in the section below:
