Oregano is an amazing plant that I have come to honor for the pain relieving properties it has proven to provide for people suffering from arthritic pain. The gardens are filled with oregano and I really don't mind that it has spread. It's such a valuable plant to me that I let it go. If you want a more contained growth of your oregano, you might want to plant it in a pot.
A few years ago I read that oregano was a powerful pain reliever. Already into making oils and salves, I thought I would give it a try. I made some infused oil and then after it was completely infused (I leave the plant material in the oil for 6 weeks then strain until it is clear) I added some beeswax and asked a friend to try it for arthritic pain. And it did the job of helping with pain relief.
Oregano oil has the ability to penetrate deeply into the skin and reach the fluid in the joints. It's a wonderfully natural anti-inflammatory remedy. Oregano contains carvacrol which has the ability to assist T cells to increase action against stress protein and reduce inflammation. I am totally sold on this plant ally.
Apparently, wild oregano was used by the ancient Greeks for treating various ailments, ranging from simple skin diseases to digestive and respiratory disorders.
The variety of oregano in my garden has proven effective over the years and many people have reported good results with pain relief when using it. Myself included.
Infused oil is not the only way I use the oregano that grows abundantly in my gardens. I also make a tincture. And we use it internally to help control bacteria, parasites and fungi. Using tincture and infused oil is a preferred way to take oregano internally. I am not a fan of taking essential oil of oregano internally. It's great on a tooth ache but our internal organs are very delicate and as a certified aromatherapist, I learnied that it can be damaging to the organs if taken internally without the guidance of a certified Pratitioner.
I cringe when I hear people say they take oil of oregano (essential oil) daily in capsules. In my world, it's best to use the tincture ... a dropper full a day... safer than essential oil internally. And, the infused oregano oil can be used on salads and other culinary dishes for internal support.
So much oregano is around in my gardens right now that I have two quart jars of oil started and I have a lot drying in my drying room. I'll have some dried very soon. I picked the first batch just before flowering... as that is when the plant is very potent... pushing its energy into flowering. Cutting the tops for the first pick will result in being able to capture a second yield.
What to do with all that oregano. Well, we use it daily in cooking and we give it to the chickens to peck at. I will have a lot this year and I will be packaging some up to offer for sale at the local market where I live.
This infused oil is so versatile it can be used for salad dressings, or cooking.
If you are interested in making your own salve or tincture... head on over to the herbal recipes page on this site and get the free download on oregano. It will give you a brief overview of the plant and information on how to make infused oil and tincture.
Safety: Oregano oil is not advisable for infants and children. Pregnant or nursing women are discouraged from using oregano oil as there is not enough studies to prove its safety.
I believe we Honor Mother Nature by using her gifts for self care.
Warm blessings,
Dora