How to Dilute Oregano Oil to Use on Skin

Oil of oregano has achieved popularity in the natural healing community because it has proven antibacterial, antifungal, antimicrobial and antiparasitic properties according the "PDR for Herbal Medicines.” While you can ingest oil of oregano, you want to use it topically for skin abrasions and infections, foot and nail fungus or for other skin conditions. The essential oil is too strong to use alone, so you must dilute the oil before smoothing it on your skin.

Things You'll Need

• Oil of oregano
• Medium chain triglyceride carrier oil
• Glass dropper bottle

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Instructions

• 1

  Pour 1 ounce of oregano oil into a dark brown or cobalt blue glass dropper bottle.

• 2

  Add one ounce of a medium chain triglyceride carrier oil such as palm oil or coconut oil. Commercially prepared medium chain triglyceride carrier oils are also available in liquid or capsule form. If using commercially prepared medium chain triglyceride oil in capsule form, poke a hole in the capsule with a pin and squeeze the oil into a measuring cup or shot glass to get an accurate measurement of oil. Increase the medium chain triglyceride oil to 3 ounces if your skin is sensitive. Shake vigorously to combine the oils.

• 3

  Substitute extra virgin olive oil if you do not have access to medium chain triglycerides. The olive oil will turn rancid faster the palm or coconut oils, so mix it a drop at a time at a one-to-one ratio. Mix a one-to-one ratio for normal skin and a three-to-one ratio for sensitive skin. Use a finger from the other hand to swirl the two oils together.

• 4

  Use the dropper to drip the oil on the skin without touching the skin. Add a drop or two of carrier oil if the combined oils feel hot or irritating the skin.

• 5

  Store the glass bottle tightly sealed in a cool, dark cabinet if you used medium chain triglycerides.