How to Make Oregano Oil (And What to Use It For)

Making your own oregano oil lets you take advantage of this natural home remedy's antimicrobial and anti-inflammatory properties. Plus, it’s easy to make with just a few simple ingredients! In this article, we'll show you exactly how to make oregano oil and use it to improve your health, including tips from Master Herbalist and Certified Aromatherapist Julie Brow-Polanco. Read on to learn more!

How do you make oil of oregano?

Mix equal parts chopped oregano and olive oil in a glass jar.
Boil a pot of water on high heat.
When the water reaches a rolling boil, turn off the heat.
Seal the jar of oil and oregano and place it in the hot water for 10 minutes.
Remove the jar from the water and give the contents a good shake.
Place the still-sealed jar in a cool, dry place.
Shake the jar once daily for 2 weeks, then it’s ready to use.

Section 1 of 4:

Making Oregano Oil

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1
Combine equal parts of fresh chopped or dried oregano and oil in a jar. When making oregano oil, the only ingredients you need are oregano and a plant-based carrier oil. Measure out ½ cup (24 g) of oregano and ½ cup (120 mL) of oil. Mix the oil and oregano in a sealable, sterilized glass jar so the oil just covers the oregano.^{[1]
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- Fresh or dried oregano are both acceptable to use. If you grow oregano in your garden, making oregano oil is a great way to use extra plants at the end of the season.
- Extra-virgin olive oil is the most common carrier for oregano oil, but any food-grade plant-based oil – like coconut oil or avocado oil – works just fine.
- When using fresh oregano, strip the leaves off the stem and rinse them. Then chop or crush them in a mortar and pestle to release the oils before using.^{[2]
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- This process makes an oregano oil infusion which is a type of extract that is less concentrated and safer to use on skin than essential oil.^{[3]
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Place the sealed jar in a pot of just boiled water and wait 10-15 minutes. Put just enough water to cover the jar into a cooking pot, but don’t put the jar in the pot yet. Place the pot of water on the stove on high heat and bring the water to a boil. Turn off the burner and place the jar in the hot water for 10-15 minutes.^{[4]
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- Heating the mixture allows the oregano to release its natural oils into the carrier oil.
- After 10-15 minutes, remove the jar from the hot water.
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Shake the jar and place it in a sunny window for 2 weeks. This helps the oregano oil better infuse into the carrier oil, making your herbal remedy more potent. Shake the jar once a day to a few times a week.^{[5]
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- Alternatively, skip heating the jar and place it directly in a sunny window to cold-process the oil.
- During the 2-week infusion period, the olive oil will turn a darker green. This is how you know the oregano oil is ready to use.
Place your kitchen strainer over a second container and pour the oregano oil through the mesh. Use the back of a spoon to press on the oregano leaves to push as much of the infused oil through the strainer as possible. Return the oil to the sealable glass jar or use a funnel to pour it into a glass eyedropper bottle.^{[6]
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Section 2 of 4:

Health Benefits of Oregano

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1
Oregano oil has natural antibacterial and antimicrobial properties. Studies have shown that oregano has antibacterial and antimicrobial properties that can help promote healing.^{[7]
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PubMed Central
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Go to source} Oregano contains carvacrol, a substance effective against Staphylococcus aureus, a type of bacteria that is one of the leading causes of food poisoning.^{[8]
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Centers for Disease Control and Prevention
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- There is some evidence to suggest that oregano oil is also effective against E. coli and Pseudomonas aeruginosa, common causes of urinary and respiratory tract infections^{[9]
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The oregano plant contains powerful antioxidants. Oregano is rich in antioxidants, which help your body fight off harmful free radicals. High levels of free radicals have been linked to health conditions like cancer and diabetes.^{[10]
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PubMed Central
Journal archive from the U.S. National Institutes of Health

Go to source} Eating herbs and foods that contain antioxidants helps keep you healthy and fight off serious diseases.
- The powerful antioxidants in oregano may help your body neutralize free radicals to prevent cell damage that is associated with cancer.^{[11]
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Oregano is a natural anti-inflammatory. Many of the compounds found in oregano have anti-inflammatory properties. Studies have shown some evidence that oregano oil can lower inflammation in human skin cells, making it a possible treatment for minor wounds and skin infections.^{[12]
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Science Direct
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- In the future, oregano oil may be used in skincare products that promote healing and reduce inflammation.
4
A component of oregano may help lower cholesterol. The carvacrol in oregano, along with another polyphenol called thymol, may help lower cholesterol. Currently, there have been animal studies that have shown that carvacrol was able to lower cholesterol in rats.^{[13]
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PubMed Central
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Go to source} It’s still too early to determine if it has the same effect in humans.
- Polyphenols are a type of compound usually found in plant foods that act as antioxidants.
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There’s some evidence oregano may help with weight loss. Some animal studies have also shown that mice given carvacrol, a component in oregano oil, showed fewer signs of carrying excess weight when fed a high-fat diet.^{[14]
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PubMed Central
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Go to source} Researchers found that carvacrol blocks part of the process that leads to making and storing fat.^{[15]
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PLOS ONE
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- More research is necessary to determine if it has the same effect in humans.

Section 3 of 4:

How to Use Oregano Oil

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Gargle oregano oil for a sore throat or mouth sores. Mix up to 3 drops of oregano oil with a glass (about 1 cup or 120 mL) of water.^{[16]
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Research source} Swish the mixture around your mouth and under your tongue for 30 seconds. Then, tilt your head back, open your mouth, and gargle by making a gentle “ahhh” sound. The anti-inflammatory properties of oregano and the texture of the oil may help soothe your throat and any sores you may have in your mouth.^{[17]
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PubMed Central
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- Oregano oil gargles may also be helpful for conditions like oral thrush and gingivitis.
- Warning: Brow-Polanco cautions, “Do not use it if you are pregnant, breastfeeding, or are on blood thinners.”^{[18]
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  Julie Brow-Polanco
  Master Herbalist & Certified Aromatherapist
  
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Apply it to minor skin infections, acne, and wounds. Because of its anti-inflammatory and antibacterial properties, oregano oil can help treat minor infections of the skin. However, it was tested in higher concentrations that may cause irritation. More research is needed to determine the right dosage for oil of oregano. Always dilute it in a carrier oil before putting it on your skin and stop using it if it causes irritation.^{[19]
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Go to source} Brow-Polanco adds, “It does have an antimicrobial action that can be useful for getting rid of acne.”^{[20]
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Julie Brow-Polanco
Master Herbalist & Certified Aromatherapist

Expert Interview}
- Because oregano oil also has antifungal properties, it may also help with yeast infections, infected nails, and athlete’s foot.^{[21]
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Take oregano oil as an antioxidant supplement. Due to its high concentration of antioxidants, oregano oil makes a great supplement. However, since it’s not possible to know what concentration of your homemade oil of oregano is, it’s safer to use an over-the-counter oregano oil tablets or capsules.^{[22]
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- Always speak to your doctor before adding a new supplement to your diet.
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Use it as a natural insect repellant. Brow-Polanco says, “It also has a strong odor that is rather disagreeable to many people.”^{[23]
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Julie Brow-Polanco
Master Herbalist & Certified Aromatherapist

Expert Interview} It seems that many pesky insects agree, including the common bed bug. A study found that oregano oil repelled between 50% and 100% of bed bugs.^{[24]
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PubMed Central
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Go to source} Mix 1 drop of oregano oil with ¼ cup (60 mL) of olive oil and apply it to your skin. Reapply every 30 minutes for the best results.
- The thymol and carvacrol in oregano oil have also been found effective for repelling houseflies and mosquitoes.^{[25]
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The soothing texture of the oil and anti-inflammatory properties of oregano make oregano oil a great choice for massaging sore joints and muscles. Dilute 4 drops of oregano oil in 1 teaspoon (5 mL) of a skin-safe carrier oil. Rub the oil between your hands to warm it. Then massage the diluted oil into sore areas of the body.
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Take oregano oil to improve your gut health. Many people take oregano oil to treat cramps, bloating, or irritable bowel syndrome.^{[26]
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Research source} While studies are ongoing, researchers have found that carvacrol fights types of bacteria that can cause abdominal discomfort. ^{[27]
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PubMed Central
Journal archive from the U.S. National Institutes of Health

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- When taking oregano oil for digestive health, many believe it’s better to eat it with a meal.
- While adding a few drops of homemade oil of oregano to a meal is unlikely to cause any harm, it’s also likely not concentrated enough to provide any benefits.
- Over-the-counter oregano oil supplements are more effective and safer.

Section 4 of 4:

Storing Oregano Oil

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Oregano oil lasts up to 2 years with proper storage. When kept in the refrigerator, oregano oil can last as long as 2 years. Unrefrigerated oregano oil can last up to 6 months as long as it’s in a cool, dark place like a pantry. Using a tightly sealed jar or bottle made of dark-colored glass helps protect the oil from exposure to sunlight after the initial infusion.^{[28]
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- If the oil smells sour, it has gone rancid. Throw it out and make a new batch.
- A change in color or weakening of the typical oregano scent signals that the oil may be losing potency.
- Add a few drops of lemon or grapefruit oil to your oregano oil to act as a natural preservative.

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Tips

Wear gloves to protect your skin from potential irritation from undiluted oregano oil.

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Ensure proper ventilation in your workspace to prevent inhaling the strong vapors

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When ingesting oregano oil, start with a small dose and gradually increase the amount if necessary.

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Warnings

Oregano oil may interact with diabetes medications and copper, iron, or zinc supplements.

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Swallowing too much oil or oregano can cause stomach upset.

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If you’re allergic to plants like basil, mint, and sage, avoid taking oregano oil.

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Don’t give oregano oil to children without consulting your pediatrician.

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