Oil of Oregano to Combat Candida

Have you or a family member been diagnosed with candida? This is not uncommon! Research shows that over 70% of people will develop candida overgrowth during their lives. Not to feel overwhelmed, more often than not we can use simple herbal concoctions with like oil of oregano to combat candida, along with an anti-fungal diet.

Why is candida so common in individuals with anxiety? Candida is an overgrowth of yeast within the body. When you are overly stressed, anxious, or worried your bodies digestive habits get thrown out of whack, which can trigger yeast to grow rapidly and out of control.

On the flip side, if you are eating a diet full of processed foods, sugar or alcohol, are taking medication or antibiotics, your body can produce an overgrowth of yeast. It really is a two way street if you have candida it can cause cognitive dysfunction, causing further worry and anxiety!

This is a prime example of an anxiety sufferer who is going through therapy with a professional, they are making great progress emotionally, but they are still feeling bogged down with symptoms and irrational thoughts and feelings. If this sounds like you, or is you, it is time to get your gut health in order and further investigate if you have candida.

While there are many ways to combat yeast overgrowth, today we are going to begin with a powerful herbal remedy that can be used alongside an anti-candida diet.

Not only is oil of oregano my favorite side kicks to have on me when I feel a cold coming on or have allergies (it was the only thing that actually naturally cured my years of blocked nose) but it really is one of the best supplements to have on-hand if you are battling candida. Oil of oregano to combat candida in supplement form is amazing because it actually activates in the stomach to break down and kill the yeast at the source. However if you do have candida, it is not uncommon to have respiratory symptom side effects such as blocked or runny nose, swollen lymph nodes, ear aches, brain fog, dizziness, or even acne. This is when I like to use oil of oregano to clear up any of the yeast that has migrated to the upper respiratory system.

While oregano oil can be purchased through specialty stores and online, it is fun and easy to make your own version at home. Making essential oils at home can turn into a fun hobby that is beneficial for the entire family. In the case of oregano oil, it can also be cost efficient as you can easily grow your own oregano. A fresh bottle of homemade oregano oil even makes a great gift!

Keep in mind that no homemade oil is as potent as a purchased oil of oregano to combat candida. This is because it is near impossible to duplicate the complicated process with at-home materials, but oregano oil is such a strong oil that even the homemade version is still strong enough to be effective for the home and the body. The same safety precautions need to be taken since the oregano itself is such a strong ingredient.

Make oil of oregano to combat candida at home!

The quality of your oregano will determine the final product. Look for the freshest oregano possible. The best option is to use oregano grown at home (or buy a plant) and use the leaves the same day they are picked. You can use fresh leaves from a store, but your final oil will not be as strong. Look for healthy leaves without any brown or dry areas. Don’t use dried oregano leaves. There will not be enough oil left in them to make a strong essential oil.

The amount of oregano that you need will depend on how much oil you want to make. Keep in mind that the oil should be used within 6 months. You will be using an equal amount of oregano and oil. For example, a cup of oregano leaves would need a cup of olive oil (or other base oil) to create a homemade oregano essential oil.

What you will need:

*Mortar and Pestle This will help to release the oil. If you don’t have a mortar and pestle, there are ways to duplicate the process.* Double Boiler If you don’t have a double boiler, make your own by placing a pot inside a larger pot filled with water. *Large Glass Container This is what you will make the oil in so make sure that it is big enough to hold all of the oregano and oil. It should also have a tight-fitting lid. You can use an old food container as long as it has been cleaned thoroughly and is made of glass. A canning jar would be ideal.* Base Oil High-quality olive oil is recommended for making oregano oil. *Cheesecloth or Coffee Filter A cheesecloth will work best, but a coffee filter can be used in a pinch. * Glass Bottle This is what you will be storing your essential oil in. They store best in dark glass and will stay fresher longer this way. Try to use one with an eyedropper attached to the lid to make distribution easier. Be cautious if using a bottle that previously held a different essential oil. It can be difficult to completely clean the bottle and remove all the residue and fragrance from the previous oil, which can then affect the new oil that will be placed in it.

Instructions Wash and dry the oregano. Place it in the mortar bowl and gently crush the leaves to release the essential oils. If you do not have a mortar and pestle, cut the leaves and place into a plastic bag. Cover with a kitchen towel and pound on the leaves with a heavy kitchen tool, such as a meat mallet. Try not to tear the leaves. You only want to apply enough pressure to encourage the oil to release from the pockets in the leaves. Too much pressure will actually weaken your final essential oil potency.
Heat up the olive oil in the double boiler. The oil should never boil during the process. Add the oregano leaves to the oil and allow the leaves to simmer in the oil for several hours. If time allows, let the leaves sit for 5 hours but keep an eye on it so that the oil never boils. If the oil boils, the chemical makeup of the final product will be off. If time is an issue, use a slow cooker to keep the oil warm all day while allowing the leaves to soak. The oil will not get as hot in a slow cooker so the soaking time should be extended by a couple of hours.
After simmering, pour the oil and oregano into a glass container. Shut tightly and store in a cool, dry place for about 2 weeks, giving the jar an occasional shake. After the 2 weeks have passed, strain the solution using cheesecloth. Make sure to get the oil off of the oregano leaves as best you can before discarding them.
The remaining oil is your essential oil. Place the oil in a dark glass bottle and store in a dark, cool place. Use it as desired to help with reducing pain and inflammation, fighting off infections, relieving digestion problems or as a great flavor enhancer in the kitchen.
If you want to make a very strong oil, you have the option of doubling the amount of oregano (2 cups of oregano for every 1 cup of oil). Use this stronger oil with caution.

Oregano oil should be used within 6 months. Try adding a few drops of vitamin E oil to extend the life of your oil, if you are using it cosmetically. If you are using the oil for cooking, feel free to store it in a decorative glass container to store on your kitchen counter. Just check the oil before each use to make sure that it has not spoiled.

How to take oil of oregano to combat candida:

Oil of oregano is commonly sold with a dropper. To take oregano oil mix 1 drop of oregano oil with 1 drop of pure olive oil, place under the tongue and hold for 1-3 minutes and flush with water.

For antimicrobial effects to take place you will need a dosage of 500 mg, four times per day. Therefore, you will need to take it several times per day to be sure you are receiving an adequate dosage.

If you have any further questions or would like to find out more information about candida and anxiety, feel free to send an email to [email protected]

Happy oil of oregano making!

Robyn

Eat to Beat Anxiety