How to Make Oil of Oregano Tinctures

To some oregano is only used as a cooking herb, but like many herbs it has medicinal uses. An oregano tincture concentrates the plant's phytonutrients and extracts its oils, creating a concentrated liquid that can be taken orally or used topically. Oregano has natural antibacterial, antifungal and antioxidant benefits.

Things You'll Need

• Dried or fresh oregano leaves
• Glass jar with airtight lid
• 80 or 100 proof vodka
• Cheesecloth
• Glass bowl
• Brown glass bottles with air tight caps
• Funnel
• Labels

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Instructions

• 1

  Fill the glass jar with clean dried or fresh oregano leaves.

• 2

  Pour enough vodka over the oregano leaves to cover them completely. Run a butter knife or a chopstick to around the inside edge of the jar to dislodge any air bubbles. Screw the lid on the jar tightly and shake vigorously for one minute.

• 3

  Store the mixture in a dark place at room temperature for two weeks. Shake the jar every day for one minute. Add more vodka as needed to keep the oregano leaves covered as they steep.

• 4

  Pour the contents of the jar through the cheesecloth and into the glass bowl. Squeeze the oregano-filled cheesecloth ball to remove all of the tincture from the leaves.

• 5

  Pour the tincture through the funnel into the brown glass bottles. Place the cap on each bottle tightly. Label each bottle of tincture with the contents and the date. Store oregano tincture indefinitely out of direct sunlight.