Oregano is a plant that is not only used in cooking, but also in natural medicine to treat many ailments, including colds, coughs, digestive problems, aches and pains. If you have a cough and want to try a natural remedy, try using oregano to relieve the symptoms.
Steps
Method 1 of 3: Prepare Oregano Oil
Step 1. Get oregano
Before preparing the oil, you need to make sure that the oregano is completely dry. If there are water residues or damp spots, it risks being attacked by mold or bacteria that would reproduce inside the oil. Gather as much oregano as you like, such as half a cup or 1 cup.
Step 2. Choose the oil
When making oregano oil, you will need to proceed on a 1: 1 ratio. Then, you will need to add the same amount of oil and oregano. If you have half a cup of oregano, you need to fill half a cup with oil.
You can use olive oil, grapeseed oil, avocado oil, or almond oil
Step 3. Mash the oregano
Before adding it to the oil, crush it so that it begins to release the oily substance it contains inside. You can proceed in two different ways: chop it up with your hands or cut the leaves with a knife.
- You can also put it in a plastic bag and crush it with a meat mallet or rolling pin.
- If you have a mortar or something similar, try crushing it this way as well.
Step 4. Heat the oil
Before adding it to oregano, you need to make sure it's hot. You can do this by placing it in the microwave or in a glass container to put in hot water. However, make sure it doesn't get too hot or hot.
- By heating it, you will allow it to blend better with the oregano.
- Alternatively, you can put the jar in hot water after pouring the oregano inside, keeping it sealed while brewing. If you do this, leave the container in the hot water for up to 10 minutes.
Step 5. Add the oregano
Once the oil is heated, pour the oregano and oil into a sterilized jar. You will need to mix the mixture so that the oregano mixes well. Also try massaging the leaves if you want them to release the oily substance contained within.
Close the jar with the lid once you have added the oregano
Step 6. Leave the mixture to infuse for a few weeks
The oil must be infused for at least two weeks. You can leave it on a window sill so that the heat of the sun allows it to incorporate the flavor of oregano.
- Shake the container every two to three days.
- Some people find it best to leave the oil to infuse longer if it is intended for healing purposes. If you prefer to extend the infusion, leave it for up to six weeks, but no longer. It could be ruined.
Step 7. Filter the oil
Once the infusion is over after a certain number of weeks, remove the oregano residues inside the jar. Use a colander or gauze for this task. Make sure you drip all the oil trapped between the oregano leaves.
- Transfer the oil to a sterilized jar or bottle with a drip catcher. Store it in a cool, dark place.
- You can also store it in the refrigerator.
Method 2 of 3: Make a Cough Syrup with Oregano
Step 1. Get the ingredients
To make a natural cough syrup, you will need garlic, oregano and honey in these proportions: half a cup of honey, 2 cloves of garlic and 2 sprigs of fresh oregano. For the amount of oregano, you can also adjust using a teaspoon or a spoon.
- Garlic, honey, and oregano have antimicrobial properties that help fight colds and coughs naturally.
- If you want, you can also add 75 g of onion and a lemon.
Step 2. Bring the oregano and garlic to a boil
Boil the garlic cloves and oregano in approximately 120ml of water. Boil for about five minutes.
Step 3. Combine the honey
Let the boiling mixture cool for a few minutes, then pour it into a cup with honey and mix everything together. At this point, you can drink it.
Step 4. Make an infusion overnight
An alternative way to make this cough syrup is to let it sit overnight. Take a jar and put the oregano on the bottom, then the garlic and finally the lemon and onion. Pour the honey and water over the rest of the ingredients, making sure the water gets to completely cover them. Close the container with the lid making sure that no air enters and leave the mixture to infuse overnight. Strain it the next morning and drink only the liquid part.
- Store it in the refrigerator for a week.
- This process makes the cough syrup even more effective, because garlic and onion (if you decide to add it) have powerful healing properties if not subjected to a cooking process.
Method 3 of 3: Using Oregano for a Healing Purpose
Step 1. Use oregano syrup
You can take it orally. Take a spoon as often as you need to relieve a cough or sore throat.
Do not give it to children under 1 year old due to the presence of honey
Step 2. Take oregano oil when you are cooled and have a cough
You can take it orally to relieve symptoms when you are affected. If you have a dropper, use it to calculate the amount contained in two droppers and take it at the first symptoms of a cold and also when you have a cough.
Another way to use oregano oil is to take 3-5 drops a day when you have a cough. You can put it in water, tea, orange juice or directly in your mouth
Step 3. Use oregano oil only when you are sick
Some people take it daily to give themselves a boost of energy. However, many believe that it should only be used when sick. Oregano oil is considered a powerful and effective herbal remedy, so use it at the first symptoms of a cold or cough and when you are sick to take full advantage of its effectiveness.
Step 4. Learn about the healing properties of oregano oil
It is anti-inflammatory, antifungal and antibacterial. It is also considered a natural pain reliever.
