Oil of oregano, sometimes referred to as oregano oil (not to be confused with oregano essential oil), is made by infusing extra-virgin olive oil with dried oregano leaves, creating a robust and ingestible "natural antibiotic" widely used in the natural community.
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If you read my blog, The Truth About Antibiotics, you know antibiotics are widely used to treat infections and diseases caused by bacteria. While killing harmful bacteria, antibiotics also kill good bacterial strains that we need. Even a single antibiotic dose can lead to detrimental shifts in the composition and diversity of the gut flora (1).
Unfortunately, doctors prescribe about 47 million antibiotic courses annually for infections that don't need antibiotics (2). The unnecessary prescribing of antibiotics has resulted in about 1 in 3 people suffering from yeast-related symptoms or conditions like yeast and candida overgrowth (3).
So what can we do when we need an antibiotic but aren't comfortable with taking a prescription?
That's where oil of oregano comes in.
Oil of oregano is a robust and ingestible "natural antibiotic" widely used in the natural community. Much like mainstream antibiotics, oil of oregano will target both the good and bad bacteria, so it is important to take probiotics during the duration of an oil of oregano course. Probiotics should not be taken simultaneously, but at least 1-2 hours after taking oil of oregano. Learn more about probiotic strains in my blog, The Importance of Probiotics.
Benefits of Oil of Oregano
If you read my oregano herbal profile, you know oregano's medicinal properties stem from compounds like phenols, terpenes, and terpenoids, with powerful antioxidant properties (4):
Carvacrol is the most abundant phenol in oregano and has been shown to stop the growth of several bacteria types (5).
Thymol is a natural antifungal that supports the immune system and protects against toxins (6).
Rosmarinic acid is a powerful antioxidant that helps protect against free radical damage (7).
Before I go over my oil of oregano recipe, I figured I would share some premade oil of oregano options for those who may not be ready to start creating their own herbal remedies.
Gaia Herbs' Oil of Oregano Capsules are a source of natural antioxidants, containing phytochemicals that help support the body's natural resistance to immune challenges. Gaia Herbs' supercritical CO2 extract of oregano volatile oils contains phenols, including carvacrol and thymol. These oils help support the intestines and a healthy immune response.
Garden of Life's Oil of Oregano Drops offers traditional support with modern convenience, delivering 34mg of Organic oregano leaf extract in a base of cold-pressed extra virgin olive oil & mixed tocopherols from non-GMO sunflower.
I do not recommend MaryRuth's Oil of Oregano as they use aerial parts oil, also known as oregano essential oil, which is unsafe for consumption. Learn more about essential oil safety in my blog, How to Safely Use Essential Oils.
⚠️ Warning: The Holistic Hipppie is not a functional medicine practitioner. The FDA has not evaluated these statements. This content is not medical advice and should not be used to diagnose, treat, cure, or replace medical guidance. The Holistic Hipppie assumes no liability for the application of the information discussed.
Homemade Oil of Oregano
What You'll Need:
1 cup dried oregano leaves (I use Starwest Botanicals' Organic Oregano Leaf)
1 cup extra virgin olive oil
16 oz. mason jar (I recommend a Ball mason jar)
Directions:
Step 1: Add dried oregano and extra virgin olive oil to the mason jar and close it.
Step 2: Let steep for 4-6 weeks in a cool, dark cabinet OR fill a pot with water, place the jar in the water (ensure the water is covering the contents of the jar), and simmer for 2-3 hours.
Optional: If you simmered the tincture, safely remove the mason jar from the water with a canning jar lifter.
Step 3: After simmering or steeping, strain the mixture through a fine mesh strainer covered with an unbleached coffee filter.
Optional: Use a French press to extract the remaining liquid in the herbs. If you made 8 ounces, this step may be necessary to extract the liquid from the herbs.
Step 4: Transfer to a dark-colored, glass, airtight container for long-term storage. I use amber glass dropper tincture bottles.
Usage & Storage: 20-30 drops (1/4-1/2 tsp.) as needed for 10 consecutive days. When stored in a cool, dark place, such as a cabinet, it lasts 6-12 months.
Oil of oregano is safe for all ages. Safety while pregnant and breastfeeding is unknown. Most sources who caution against oil of oregano usage confuse it with oregano essential oil, which is unsafe during pregnancy and breastfeeding. Unfortunately, there is no scientific literature that has studied oil of oregano during these stages of life. From a personal perspective, I would use it over prescription antibiotics, but I'd recommend further researching this topic, gathering all the data, and making an informed decision based on what you find.
Note: Much like mainstream antibiotics, oil of oregano will target both the good and bad bacteria, so it is important to take probiotics during an oil of oregano course. Probiotics should not be taken simultaneously, but at least 1-2 hours after taking oil of oregano. To learn more about probiotics, check out my blog, The Importance of Probiotics.
What's your go-to natural antibiotic?
