How to Make Oil of Oregano

Oil of oregano is a beneficial preparation. Oregano is an aromatic herb that has antiseptic, antibacterial, anti-fungal, anti-parasitic and antiviral properties. Its scientific name is Oreganum vulgare, and its name is Greek in origin, meaning "joy of mountains." Oil of oregano is used in cooking, as well as for massage. The essential oil of oregano can be extracted from the leaves through distillation, yielding the concentrated benefit of the bulk oregano herb for medicinal and therapeutic purposes. However, oil of oregano can be made from an infusion of oregano in a base-carrying oil.

Things You'll Need

Base oil
Fresh oregano
Pot

Glass container or jar with lid
Meat tenderizer

Instructions

Wash the fresh oregano and allow it to dry. Place it on a towel or paper towel and spread to air-dry.
Gently pound the oregano sprigs with the meat tenderizer on a cutting board, to break through the leaves' surfaces. Set aside.
Heat 1 cup oil until just slightly warm. Pour it into a clean glass container and cover.
Place the oregano in the warm oil. Agitate the jar to coat the oregano with the oil and to begin the process of releasing the oil of oregano into the base oil.
Let sit in the refrigerator for 3 days, to allow the oil of oregano to blend well with the base oil. Use for either food preparations or for massage.

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