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.
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.
Tip
There are several types of oils that work well as a base oil, such as olive oil, grapeseed oil, safflower oil, jojoba oil, apricot oil, avocado oil, sweet almond oil, coconut oil and macadamia nut oil. Store in a cool location to preserve the benefits of the oil of oregano. To learn how to distill oregano to extract its essential oils, visit the link provided below.
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Naima Manal's articles on health, diet, nutrition, alternative medicine, education, parenting, crafts, travel, home and garden and home improvement have appeared on various websites. Manal received her Bachelor of Science in biology/pre-medical studies from Molloy College in 1994 and has been a freelance writer, teacher and homeschooling mom since 1993.