Well, howdy there, folks! Bertie here, and today we're gonna talk about somethin' that's got more kick than a mule with a sore tooth - oregano oil antibiotic!
Now, I know what you're thinkin'. "Bertie, aren't antibiotics somethin' you get from the doctor?" Well, let me tell you, Mother Nature's got her own medicine cabinet, and oregano's right at the front of it.
So, let's roll up our sleeves and learn how to make this natural wonder right in your own kitchen!
What's Cookin' in This Article
- A Word to the Wise (Our disclaimer)
- What Makes Oregano Oil Nature's Antibiotic?
- Oregano Oil Extract vs. Oregano Essential Oil
- Whippin' Up Your Own Oregano Oil Antibiotic
- Using Your Homemade Oregano Oil Safely
- Oregano Oil vs. Modern Antibiotics
- Wrappin' It All Up
- Folks Been Askin': Your Burning Questions Answered
A Word to the Wise!
![Woman with hand indicating "stop" with "Caution" written on corner and bottle of oregano oil](https://www.bertiesbuzz.com/content/images/2024/07/Caution.jpg)
Now, hold your horses there, folks! Before we get to mixin' up this home remedy, I've got to tell you somethin' important.
When to Use Oregano Oil and When to See a Doctor
For everyday sniffles and sneezes, a little oregano oil might do the trick. But if you're running a high fever or feeling worse than a cat in a rainstorm, don't be a hero. Get yourself to a doctor, pronto!
This here oregano oil ain't meant to replace proper medical care. It's just a bit of old-fashioned wisdom passed down through the years.
If you're feeling sicker than a dog or have any serious health concerns, you'd best high-tail it to a real doctor. What I'm sharin' here is for informational purposes only, not medical advice.
Always check with your doctor before tryin' any new treatments, especially if you're takin' other medicines or have health conditions. Safety first, as my old pappy used to say!
![Oregano with little oregano sign in front with "Nature's Antibiotic" written across top right](https://www.bertiesbuzz.com/content/images/2024/07/natures-antibiotic.jpg)
What Makes Oregano Oil Nature's Antibiotic?
Folks, oregano's not just for sprucing up your spaghetti sauce. This little herb packs a wallop when it comes to fightin' off nasty germs.
You see, oregano's got these fancy compounds called carvacrol and thymol. They're like tiny soldiers, battling against all sorts of troublemakers in your body.
Oregano contains compounds called phenols, terpenes, and terpenoids. They have powerful antioxidant properties and are responsible for their fragrance:
Carvacrol. The most abundant phenol in oregano, it has been shown to stop the growth of several different types of bacteria.
Thymol. This natural antifungal can also support the immune system and protect against toxins.
Rosmarinic acid. This powerful antioxidant helps protect against damage caused by free radicals.
These compounds are thought to underlie oregano’s many health benefits. Healthline.com
The Power of Carvacrol and Thymol
Now, don't let them big words scare you. Carvacrol and thymol are just nature's way of saying, "Germs, you'd best skedaddle!"
These compounds work together to knock out bacteria, viruses, and even some of them pesky fungi. It's like havin' a whole army of goodness in one little bottle of oil.
Research has found a number of potential health benefits of oregano oil:
Antibacterial properties
Several studies have shown the powerful antibacterial properties of oregano oil, even against antibiotic-resistant strains of bacteria.
In one study that tested the antibacterial effects of a range of essential oils, oregano oil was found to be the best at hindering bacterial growth.
Because it can protect against bacterial infection, topical oregano oil has been shown to be effective in wound treatment and healing. WebMD.com
Oregano Oil Extract vs. Oregano Essential Oil: What's the Difference?
![Jar of oil soaked organo on left and bottle of oregano essential oil on right](https://www.bertiesbuzz.com/content/images/2024/07/oil-vs-essential.jpg)
Now, folks, before we go any further, let's clear up a little confusion. When we're talkin' about oregano oil, there's two different critters we might be referrin' to: oregano oil extract and oregano essential oil. They're as different as chalk and cheese!
Oregano essential oil is like the fancy cousin at the family reunion. It's made by steamin' the dickens out of oregano leaves and flowers.
The steam carries off the plant's oils, which then get separated out when it all cools down. It's a right fiddly process, and you need a heap of oregano to get just a smidgen of oil.
This stuff is powerful, like a bull in a china shop, so you gotta be careful with it.
Now, oregano oil extract, which is what we're makin' today, is more like your everyday, salt-of-the-earth relative.
We just soak the oregano in some good olive oil and let it sit a spell. The oil soaks up all the good stuff from the oregano, and when we're done, we strain out the leaves and keep the oil.
It's gentler than the essential oil, but still packs a punch.
So, when I'm talkin' about oregano oil in this here article, I mean the oil extract. It's easier to make at home and safer to use, but still gives you all the good oregano benefits.
If you're lookin' for the essential oil, mosey on over to Amazon and check out this one: SVA Oregano Essential Oil. It's got a super good ratin' and price. (We'll be havin' more reviews on the essential oils later on.)
Whippin' Up Your Own Oregano Oil Antibiotic
Alright, now here's where the rubber meets the road. Making your own oregano oil antibiotic is easier than fallin' off a log.
You don't need any fancy equipment, just some good ol' elbow grease and a bit of patience.
Gatherin' Your Supplies
Here's what you'll need:
• A bunch of fresh oregano (about 1 cup)
• 1 cup of extra virgin olive oil (the good stuff, mind you)
• A clean glass jar with a tight-fitting lid
• A sunny windowsill
• A fine-mesh strainer or cheesecloth
• A dark glass bottle for storing
![Image of 6 things needed that are listed above in order from top to right, bottom to right](https://www.bertiesbuzz.com/content/images/2024/07/Things-needed.jpg)
The Step-by-Step Guide
- Wash your oregano and pat it dry. We don't want no dirt in our medicine!
- Crush the oregano leaves a bit to release the oils. You can use your hands or give 'em a gentle bruisin' with a rolling pin.
- Stuff the oregano into your glass jar.
- Pour the olive oil over the oregano, making sure all the leaves are covered.
- Screw on the lid nice and tight.
- Put the jar on a sunny windowsill and let it sit for 2-3 weeks. Give it a little shake every day or so.
- After a few weeks, strain the oil through your cheesecloth or strainer into a dark glass bottle.
- Label it and store it in a cool, dark place.
And there you have it! Your very own batch of oregano oil antibiotic, ready to tackle whatever ails you.
Here's a great little YouTube video to watch about makin' your own! Vanessa likes to dry hers first, but either way is just fine and dandy!
How to make oregano oil at home
Using Your Homemade Oregano Oil Safely
Now, before you go guzzlin' this stuff like it's sweet tea, let's talk about how to use it properly. Oregano oil is powerful medicine, and a little goes a long way.
Proper Dosage and Administration
For internal use, start with just a drop or two mixed into a spoonful of honey or a glass of water. You can take this up to three times a day.
If you're using it on your skin, always dilute it with a carrier oil like coconut oil. And for heaven's sake, don't go putting it in your eyes or other sensitive areas!
Precautions and Side Effects to Watch Out For
While oregano oil is generally safe, it ain't for everybody. Pregnant women and little ones should steer clear.
And if you're allergic to plants in the mint family, you'd best give this a wide berth. If you start feeling itchy or break out in a rash, wash it off right quick and maybe have a chat with your doctor.
Oregano Oil vs. Modern Antibiotics
![Bottle of oregano oil on right and antibiotic pills on right](https://www.bertiesbuzz.com/content/images/2024/07/oil-vs-pills.jpg)
Now, I ain't saying you should throw out all your doctor-prescribed medicines. But for minor ailments, oregano oil can be a real blessing.
Unlike them store-bought antibiotics, oregano oil don't create superbugs. Plus, it's got other benefits like helping with digestion and easing them achy joints.
![Both fresh oregano, dried oregano, and bottle of oregano oil on table with "Wrappin' It All Up!" on right](https://www.bertiesbuzz.com/content/images/2024/07/summary.jpg)
Well, folks, there you have it. Making your own oregano oil antibiotic is as easy as pie, and it might just be the natural solution you've been looking for.
Remember, it's powerful stuff, so use it wisely. And always listen to your body - it knows what it needs better than anyone.
![Bottle of oregano oil with fresh oregano on woven placemat with FAQ on left in green](https://www.bertiesbuzz.com/content/images/2024/07/faq-3.jpg)
Can I use dried oregano instead of fresh?
You can, but fresh is best. If you're using dried, use about half as much.
How long does homemade oregano oil last?
If stored properly in a dark, cool place, it should last about a year.
Can I take oregano oil every day?
It's best to take breaks. Use it for a week or two, then take a week off.
Will oregano oil interfere with my medications?
It might, so always check with your doctor before starting any new supplement.
Can I use oregano oil for my pets?
Hold your horses there! Oregano oil can be too strong for our furry friends. Best to stick to human use only.
We're workin' on a whole slew of herb articles you might take a peek at:
Is Oregano Invasive?
Can You Eat Ornamental Oregano
Herb Garden Adventures
Best Dehydrator for Herbs
Plus lots of other home and garden articles! Be sure to check us out!
Thanks for stopping by our beehive! Have any comments? questions? Please let us know - you can email us at bertie@bertiesbuzz.com. We'd love to hear from you!
![](https://www.bertiesbuzz.com/content/images/2022/09/BertiesBuzz60x60-5.png)
Bertie
About the Author:
![](https://www.bertiesbuzz.com/content/images/2024/06/image-1.png)
About the Author: Hi, I'm Jacki, and I write under the persona of Bertie, my beloved maternal grandmother. Bertie, born in 1891, was the wife of a farmer and an incredible gardener. Although she wasn't formally educated, her intelligence and deep understanding of gardening and farming were unmatched. She passed away in 1974, leaving me with a rich heritage of grassroots living and a wealth of practical gardening knowledge. Through her memory, I reach back into this rich history to share timeless gardening wisdom with you.
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