How Do You Prepare Homemade Oregano Oil And What Are The Benefits?

Although its use is almost always limited to cooking, oregano oil can offer certain health benefits thanks to the properties of the components. We’ll tell you how to cook it.

Believe it or not, homemade oregano oil has benefits ranging from fighting bacteria to reducing inflammation. Are you aware of these amazing benefits?

In this article you will find many interesting facts about the properties of this plant and how to prepare it.

The benefits of homemade oregano oil

We usually find oregano in most kitchens. It is actually one of the most popular ingredients when it comes to spices. What many do not know, however, is that this spice, mixed with oil, has properties that can be very beneficial to our health.

Read on to learn more!

Antioxidant potential

According to a study published in Oxidative Medicine and Cellular Longevity , the ethanol extract of oregano has antioxidant activity. Some experts therefore believe that this spice can potentially prevent or delay oxidation caused by free radicals, which are responsible for cellular aging.

In addition to culinary use, oregano can also be used as a supplement to natural therapies.

It can help fight bacteria

Oregano can also be a natural alternative for fighting certain bacteria, according to this article published in the International Journal of Odontostomatology. Thanks to the antibacterial activity of the carvacrol and thymol components, this plant can act against bacteria such as Staphylococcus aureus and Bacillus cereus.

It is worth noting that it should only be used as a supplement to pharmacological antibiotics and not as a treatment for infections per se. There is no evidence that the application alone is able to eliminate bacteria.

It can help prevent viral infections

According to research published in the Journal of Applied Microbiology, the content of carvacrol in oregano, in addition to the antibacterial effects, can protect the body against some viral diseases such as norovirus. This is an infection that causes diarrhea, nausea and abdominal pain.

How to cook it at home?

Now that you know all about the main benefits, it’s time to start! The process of preparing homemade oregano oil is very simple. Also, it is a typical product you should always have on hand so that you can use it in many different ways.

Ingredients

50 grams of oregano leaves
200 ml olive, grape seed or almond oil
A glass container with a lid

Cooking

First, wash the oregano leaves and let them dry.
When they are dry, mash them with a mortar and pestle or similar tool. This is to release all the properties of the plant.
Transfer the leaves to the container where you plan to store the oil.
Add the oil of your choice and cover the oregano leaves completely. Let it rest for a few minutes.
Furthermore, boil a pot of water. When the water boils, turn off the heat and place the glass with the mixture in the pan.
Let the glass stand for about 10 minutes so that the oil and leaves mix.
Remove the container from the water, cover and store it in a cold, dry place for 2 weeks.

Once this time has passed you can strain off the oil and you have your own homemade oregano oil ready for use.
Do not forget that this oil adds good taste to your dishes in addition to having medicinal uses!

How to use homemade oregano oil

Now that we’ve described how to make the oil, it’s time to tell you how to use it.

You can take this oil or apply it directly on the area you want to treat. For bacterial infections, for example, you should dissolve three drops of oil in a glass of water before drinking it.

For muscle pain, rheumatism and sprains, you can take some oil in your hands and massage the areas that hurt. If you wish, you can also include some essential oils that provide similar benefits for these conditions.

In addition to this, many people claim that inhaling the vapor from this oil can help reduce the symptoms of the flu. When you feel the typical discomfort of the flu or a cold, you can take three to six drops of oil before your meals or add them to a humidifier or a bowl of hot water. It is safe to do this up to three times a day.

The uses of oregano oil can range from oral ingestion to topical applications.

Some recommendations for homemade oregano oil

Before you start taking oregano oil, you should make sure that it is not harmful to your health. Oregano oil is considered safe in most cases and in the right dose. However, there are certain risks for pregnant and lactating women or people who are allergic to this plant.

However, excessive intake can also lead to palpitations, nerve diseases, depression and drowsiness. Remember that there are no miracle cures, and it is always best to talk to your doctor if you suspect a serious problem.