If nature could name one of its most potent antibiotics, we believe this would be it. Oil of oregano contains incredible medicinal qualities that can aid your immune system next time you’re feeling sick. This herbal infusion contains the polyphenols carvacrol, thymol, and rosmarinic acid, which help stop the spread of certain bacteria, protect against toxins, and support the immune system.
Making this at home allows you to have direct control over the oil you choose for infusion, further ensuring the purity of your final product. Zimms HEAL EVOO is the perfect choice for this recipe, as its active polyphenols in tandem with the phenols found in oregano make this one powerful medicine.
ingredients:
- ½ cup dried oregano leaves or ¾ cup fresh leaves (as leaves will wilt)
- ½ cup Zimms HEAL EVOO
- A clean glass jar with a tight lid
- Dropper bottles (for storing)
method:
- Strip oregano leaves from their stems
- Using a colander, rinse the fresh leaves to remove any access dirt or debris. Dry with a cloth or salad spinner.
- Chop the leaves thoroughly to release their essential oils (you can also use a mortar and pestle or food processor).
- Place the crushed leaves into your jar. Pour Zimms HEAL EVOO over the oregano until the leaves are fully submerged. Stir gently and seal.
- To infuse, place the jar in a warm spot for 2–3 weeks. Shake the jar once a day. Consider also a taste test to determine when the oil is sufficiently infused, the oil should have a pungent, spicy flavor.
- After the oil is thoroughly infused, strain it through a fine mesh strainer or cheesecloth. Squeeze out any remaining oil and discard the leaves (or use them in your next recipe!).
- Pour the oregano oil into glass dropper bottles and store out of direct sunlight (the dropper bottle will make the oil more accessible for consumption).
Whenever you’re feeling under the weather or your body is in need of extra support, take this as you would an antibiotic. Every 3–4 hours, put 1–3 drops of oil under your tongue and swallow it with a sip of water for no more than 3 consecutive days.*
As the oil is quite spicy, a popular option is to dilute it in a glass of filtered water. Be mindful, though: since oil and water do not mix, the oil can occasionally stick to the sides of the glass.
*important notes:
- Use in moderation! Do not use daily as it can also begin to kill your good gut bacteria over time.
- Do not consume oil of oregano at the same time as a daily probiotic, as the antibiotic properties in the oil may negate the benefits of your probiotic. Consume them about 2 hours apart.
- Do not take if you’re on blood-thinning medication.
- Do not take if you have stomach ulcers.
- Take a few hours apart from certain supplements such as copper, iron, and zinc. By taking them together, you reduce the absorption of these minerals.
- Do not take if you are pregnant or breastfeeding.