What would you do if you did not have access to a doctor or other healthcare professional and you are sick or hurt? What would you do?! Some would continue to get worse, some would panic, some might even die. What can we do?
Oregano!
- One herb I always have on hand is oregano! It’s easy to grow and easy to work with.
Growing Oregano
- Oregano can easily be started from seed and comes back year after year. I keep mine in a large flower pot as it can be invasive and spread throughout your yard or garden. It grows quickly and requires little attention, making it an awesome plant to have around. Oregano may also be split into several smaller plants if it outgrows a pot or you want to grow it in multiple areas. The health benefits of oregano are astronomical. It can be used as an antifungal or an antibiotic. Some researchers say that it has anti-inflammatory properties as well.
- Oregano can be used in many ways. It can be used dry, in oils or tinctures. I always keep oregano oil ready incase of illness or to use on cuts and scrapes to promote healing.
How to prepare it!
- Preparing oregano oil is easy so long as you are not forgetful. Add fresh oregano leaves to a jar until it is at least 1/2 to 3/4 full and top off with extra virgin olive oil leaving about 1/2 at the top. Next, put the lid on and store in a cool dark place. Shake the oil and plant mixture one or two times each week for 6-8 weeks. The longer you allow the plant to infuse in the oil, the stronger it will be. After 6-8 weeks, strain the plant matter out of the oil through a strainer or cheesecloth and add the oil to a clean jar. Finally, you are ready to take drops of the oil when feeling ill or dab some of the oil onto a cleaned cut to promote healing.
I recommend keeping oregano on hand in your garden and dried in your pantry. This is one of those “In Case of Emergency” herbs we should have on hand.