How to Make Cough Medicine with Oregano Leaves

Prepare oregano leaves. To make oregano oil, start by drying the leaves. If there is water or if the leaves are damp, the oil may develop mold or become contaminated. Measure the amount of oregano leaves you need, such as half a cup or one cup.

Choose the oil. When making oregano oil, maintain a 1:1 ratio. This means equal parts oil and oregano leaves. For example, if you use half a cup of oregano leaves, you'll need half a cup of oil.

• You can use olive oil, grape seed oil, avocado oil, or almond oil.

Crush the oregano leaves. Crush the leaves before adding them to the oil to help release their natural oils. You can do this by tearing them or finely chopping them with a knife.

• Alternatively, place the oregano leaves in a plastic bag and crush them using a rolling pin or mortar and pestle.
• You can also grind the leaves in a mortar to break them down.

Warm the oil.

Before combining the oil with the oregano leaves, warm it slightly. You can do this by microwaving it or placing a glass bowl of oil in hot water. The oil should be warm, not hot or boiling.

• Warming the oil helps the oregano leaves infuse better.
• Another method is to place the jar in hot water after adding the leaves and sealing it. If using this method, leave the jar in hot water for 10 minutes.

Combine oregano leaves and oil. Once the oil is warm, add the oregano leaves to a sterilized jar and pour in the oil. Stir well to ensure the leaves are fully immersed. Gently press the leaves to release their oils.

• Seal the jar tightly after adding the oregano leaves.

Let the oil infuse for several weeks. The oil needs time to absorb the properties of the oregano leaves. Allow it to infuse for at least two weeks. Place the jar in a sunny window to speed up the process.

• Remember to shake the jar every few days.
• Some believe that a longer infusion enhances its medicinal properties, but avoid infusing for more than six weeks, as the oil may spoil.

Strain the oil. After letting the oil infuse for several weeks, strain out the oregano leaves using a sieve. Make sure to squeeze out any remaining oil from the leaves.

• Next, transfer the oil into a sterilized jar or dropper bottle. Store it in a cool, dark place away from direct sunlight.
• You can also refrigerate it for longer preservation.

Prepare the ingredients. To make the cough syrup, you'll need garlic, oregano leaves, and honey. Use half a cup of honey, 2 garlic cloves, and 2 sprigs of fresh oregano leaves. You can measure the oregano leaves using 1 to 1.5 tablespoons.

• Garlic, honey, and oregano have antimicrobial properties that help treat colds and coughs.
• You can also add half a cup of onions and one lemon if desired.

Simmer oregano leaves and garlic. Boil the garlic and oregano leaves with about half a cup of water for 5 minutes.

Add honey. Let the mixture cool for a few minutes, then stir in 1 cup of honey until well combined. The syrup is now ready to use.

Prepare by soaking overnight. Another method to make cough syrup is to let the mixture soak overnight. Place oregano leaves at the bottom of a jar, followed by garlic, lemon, and onions if using. Pour in water and honey, ensuring all ingredients are fully submerged. Seal the jar tightly and let it sit overnight. Strain the liquid the next morning and consume.

• Store the syrup in the refrigerator for up to a week.
• This method creates a potent cough syrup, as garlic and onions (if added) are highly effective when used raw.

Use oregano cough syrup. This syrup is safe to consume. Take a full tablespoon to relieve coughs or sore throats.

• Avoid giving this syrup to children under 1 year old due to the honey content.

Use oregano oil for cold and cough relief. Oregano oil can be ingested to alleviate cold and cough symptoms. If using a dropper bottle, take 2 full droppers when cold symptoms, including coughing, arise.

• Another way to use oregano oil is to add 5 drops daily to water, tea, orange juice, or take it directly.

Use oregano oil only when sick. Some people take oregano oil daily for health benefits, but most recommend using it only during illness. Oregano oil is a potent herbal remedy, so it’s best reserved for colds, coughs, or other illnesses to experience its full effectiveness.

Understand the healing properties of oregano oil. Oregano oil is known for its anti-inflammatory, antifungal, and antibacterial properties. Additionally, it is believed to act as a natural pain reliever.

• Oregano leaves can effectively treat coughs, colds, congestion, sinusitis, allergies, arthritis, muscle pain, toothaches, burns, ear infections, insect bites, and digestive issues like diarrhea.