Last Updated on June 1, 2025 by Nico
Oregano tincture uses only two ingredients and can help improve a range of health conditions. From reducing inflammation, fighting against bacteria, and even helping recover from colds and flus more quickly, this is an herbal remedy to stock in your home.
Oregano (origanum vulgare) has been used in herbal medicine for a long time. It was historically used as an antiseptic and for treating respiratory problems. It’s also been used to support the immune system and fight off colds and flus. Many people today grow it in their home gardens and consider it a cooking herb. But it’s also an excellent herb to use for medicinal purposes!
Fresh or dried herbs
You can use either dry or fresh oregano to make this tincture. If you are harvesting fresh oregano, make sure to do so in the morning, before direct sunlight reaches the plant. When plant leaves become hot or get direct sunlight, the oregano oil becomes less condensed. Try to harvest the oregano in the morning, before midday to make sure that the tincture has a more potent concentration of the plant’s essential oils and medicinal benefits.
Benefits of oregano tincture
Antimicrobial and antibacterial properties – Oregano contains thymol and carvacrol, which are powerful antimicrobial compounds. They disrupt the cell membranes of bacteria and fungi, which makes oregano helpful in fighting against various bacterial and fungal infections.
Can reduce inflammation – Oregano can help to reduce symptoms of inflammation like arthritic pain and asthma.
Supports digestion – Oregano promotes digestive health by helping the body maintain a healthy balance of gut microbiota. Its antimicrobial properties can help to prevent issues like bloating and gas, supporting overall digestive function.
Supports the immune system – Oregano’s antimicrobial properties can help ease respiratory issues like coughs and colds and support your overall respiratory health.
Full of cleansing antioxidants – Oregano is full of phenolic acids and flavonoids which help to protect our cells from oxidative stress and free radical damage. In the long run, this helps prevent chronic diseases and supports our overall health.
Improve oral health – Oregano oil, which is present when oregano is tinctured, can help improve oral health by reducing inflammation and mouth pain.
Oregano tincture recipe
Tools
An airtight container with a plastic lid – I use a glass mason jar with parchment paper between the metal lid and tincture or extraction to prevent the alcohol from corroding the metal.
Small amber glass bottles with dropper tops – I use these
A fine mesh strainer, cheesecloth, or coffee filter
A small funnel
A knife – for chopping up fresh oregano
Supplies
Fresh or dried oregano – Here’s a bulk, organic source
80-proof vodka (or 40% alcohol) – If you want to avoid alcohol, you can swap out the alcohol for store-bought apple cider vinegar or food-grade glycerin. I buy this bulk raw apple cider vinegar. If you’re using fresh oregano, consider using a high-proof alcohol, which will be more effective at preventing spoilage from the water content in the plant.
For complete measurements, see the printable recipe card below.
Instructions
Remove the oregano leaves from the stems. Fully wash the leaves and pat them dry.
Use a knife to chop the leaves into small pieces to maximise the surface area of the plant exposed to the alcohol.
Add the fresh or dried oregano to a sanitised clean glass jar. If using fresh leaves, fill the jar full. If you’re using dried leaves fill the jar ⅓ of the way full to leave room for them to absorb the alcohol.
Submerge the plant material in alcohol and make sure it’s completely covered.
Add the lid and shake the jar to ensure all of the leaves are completely covered by alcohol.
Leave the jar in a cool, dark place away from direct sunlight for 6-8 weeks.
Aim to shake the jar 3-4 times a week to keep everything covered in alcohol.
After 6-8 weeks, use a fine mesh strainer or cheesecloth to strain off the tincture.
Use a funnel to add the tincture to an amber glass dropper bottle.
Add the date and label the tincture to make sure you don’t forget what it is.
How much oregano tincture to take?
I take this tincture on a regular basis and take 1-2 droppers full per day in the wintertime to help prevent colds and flus. You can start by taking a small amount and work your way up.
How long does oregano tincture last?
Like many homemade alcohol-based herbal tinctures, oregano tincture has a long shelf life if stored away from direct sunlight. I like to use the tincture within 1-2 years.
How to make this without alcohol
You can simply swap the alcohol for store-bought apple cider vinegar or food-grade glycerin. Vinegar and glycerin aren’t as good as alcohol at extracting the beneficial compounds or preserving them. I like to consume vinegar-based extracts within about 6 months and glycerin-based extracts within a year.
How to consume this tincture
Directly – Add the dosage directly under your tongue. Hold it there for 30 seconds and then swallow.
Diluted in warm water or tea – Add the dosage to a cup of warm water or your favourite herbal tea. I like chamomile, lemon balm, or mint.
Mixed with honey – Add the dosage to a spoon with honey and swallow. This is a great remedy to take if you have a sore throat.
Topically – You can mix 20-30 drops (about 1 dropper) to a carrier oil like jojoba or fractionated coconut oil and apply the tincture typically to areas that are lighty inflamed or to help prevent infection.
Disclaimer – I’m not a medical professional and do not intend to offer medical or health advice in any content I create. I offer information for educational purposes and, as always, get your physician’s advice or the advice of a qualified healthcare provider before trying a new herbal remedy. There are always possible unintended consequences of trying a new herbal remedy such as an allergic reaction or unexpected side effects like interactions with other medication. And as always I recommend you do your own research.
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How To Make Oregano Tincture (Simple Recipe)
Ingredients
Equipment
Method
- Remove the oregano leaves from the stems. Fully wash the leaves and pat them dry.
- Use a knife to chop the leaves into small pieces to maximise the surface area of the plant exposed to the alcohol.
- Add the fresh or dried oregano to a sanitised clean glass jar. If using fresh leaves, fill the jar full. If you’re using dried leaves fill the jar ⅓ of the way full to leave room for them to absorb the alcohol.
- Submerge the plant material in alcohol and make sure it’s completely covered.
- Add the lid and shake the jar to ensure all of the leaves are completely covered by alcohol.
- Leave the jar in a cool, dark place away from direct sunlight for 6-8 weeks.
- Aim to shake the jar 3-4 times a week to keep everything covered in alcohol.
- After 6-8 weeks, use a fine mesh strainer or cheesecloth to strain off the tincture.
- Use a funnel to add the tincture to an amber glass dropper bottle.
- Add the date and label the tincture to make sure you don’t forget what it is.
I do not use alcohol, but do you taste it? I think the alcohol is better!
Alcohol is better than vinegar or glycerin at extracting beneficial properties from plants and at preserving but oregano is a great one to extract in vinegar because it’s savoury – you can add it into salad dressing or other herbal remedies like fire cider. Just try to consume vinegar extracts within about 6 months.