How to Prepare Oregano Oil

Oil of oregano is an essential oil derived from the leaves and stems of the oregano plant. It is recognized as having several medicinal properties. The oil can be used to treat ailments of the skin, hair and scalp; digestive tract; and sinuses. Depending on the specific use, different methods of preparation are necessary to safely use the oil.

Things You'll Need

• Oil of oregano
• Small bowl
• Olive oil
• Small jar with cover
• Spoon
• 8-oz. bottle of shampoo
• 8-oz. hot beverage
• Coffee cup
• Bath towel
• Saucepan

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Instructions

Topical Application

• 1

  Pour 1 oz. of olive oil into a small bowl.

• 2

  Add 10 drops of oil of oregano to the bowl.

• 3

  Mix the oils together thoroughly with a spoon.

• 4

  Test a drop of the mixture on an exposed area of skin. After a minute, you may feel a warm sensation. If not, repeat Steps 2 through 4, adding 3 to 5 drops of oil of oregano at a time, until the mix causes a slight sensation of warmth.

• 5

  Place the finished mixture in a small jar and cap tightly. Store out of reach of children.

Scalp Application

• 6

  Pour an 8-oz. bottle of shampoo into a small bowl.

• 7

  Add 10 drops of oil of oregano to the bowl; stir thoroughly.

• 8

  Test the mixture by applying a couple of drops to an area of sensitive skin, such as on the back of your hand. You should feel a slight sensation of warmth. If after a minute no sensation is felt, add an additional 2 or 3 drops of oil of oregano and retest on a fresh patch of skin. Stop adding the oil of oregano when a slight sensation of warmth is felt.

• 9

  Pour the finished mixture into the shampoo bottle. Cap tightly and store out of reach of children.

Internal Application

• 10

  Brew an 8-oz. hot beverage.

• 11

  Add 10 drops of oil of oregano to the hot beverage; stir thoroughly.

• 12

  Taste beverage.

• 13

  Repeat Steps 2 and 3, adding additional oil of oregano to taste. WebMD recommends 200 mg of oil of oregano 3 times a day. Note: 200 mg in a single beverage may prove unpalatable to some people.

• 14

  Consume as often as necessary over the course of the day to ensure a total daily dose of 600 mg.

Sinus Application

• 15

  Boil 1/2 to 3/4 cup of water in a saucepan.

• 16

  Pour boiling water into the coffee cup.

• 17

  Stir 2 drops of oil of oregano into the hot water.

• 18

  Cover the cup of oil/water mixture and your head with a bath towel; breathe in the vapor for 10 minutes.

• 19

  Discard the used mixture.