How can I make oregano oil?

To make oregano oil, place fresh oregano leaves in a plastic freezer bag and pound them with a meat mallet to help release their oils. Add warm olive or grapeseed oil and squeeze gently for a couple of minutes. Pour the mixture into a glass jar and store in a cool area for two weeks, then strain the leaves from the oil before using.

1. Wash and dry oregano leaves

   Rinse the fresh oregano leaves in a colander under cool running water. Dry them by gently patting with paper towels.

2. Pound oregano leaves in a plastic bag

   Place the oregano leaves in a plastic freezer bag and cover with a kitchen towel. Use a meat mallet to gently pound on the bag to help the oregano leaves release their oils.

3. Heat the oil

   Heat warm olive or grapeseed oil in the microwave or a saucepan just until it's warm to the touch. Do not boil or make too hot.

4. Add the oil to the oregano

   Pour olive or grapeseed oil into the bag with the oregano. Use an equal amount of oil to oregano. Squeeze the bag multiple times to help mix the oregano and oil together.

5. Transfer the mixture to a glass jar

   Pour the mixture into a clean glass jar and seal tightly with the lid. Place the jar in a cool, dry place, such as a pantry, for two weeks.

6. Strain oregano from the oil

   After two weeks, strain out the oregano leaves by pouring the mixture through a fine mesh sieve and into a dark glass bottle. Store the bottle in a cool, dark area.