1. The study investigated whether oregano leaves can be used as an air freshener or insecticide. 2. Different mixtures of oregano extract and water were tested to determine which lasted longest as an air freshener. The 100% oregano extract lasted the longest without dilution. 3. It was concluded that oregano leaves make an effective natural air freshener and the scent strength depends on the concentration of oregano extract used.

1. THE STUDY OF OREGANO LEAVES (COLEUS AROMATICUS BENTH) AS AIR FRESHENER Abella, Meryl Ann C. Manuay, Khryssle Aprille A. Uy, Guinevere L. Santiago, Joshua O. De Leon, Edrian Cedrick C. Oesterdal, Mark Anton P. 2 nd Year Students of Stella Maris Academy of Davao, section Humility

2. Rationale of the Study

3. Significance of the Study The researches thought that if this study would be successful, it would be able to help the community in preventing harmful diseases from insects, most especially from mosquitoes, also in a way that it would be natural. Oregano is effective because it is versatile. Also because it can easily be found in the neighbourhood, so there would be no need for families, especially those less fortunates, to use money that can be used instead for food or other necessities.

4. Statement of the Problem This study wants to investigate if Oregano leaves can be used as insecticides or as an air freshener. Specifically, it aims to answer these questions: 1. Can Oregano leaves be an effective air-freshener? 2 . How can this air-freshener last long?

5. Methodology Materials The resources used in this experiment were: freshly picked Oregano (Coleus Aromaticus Benth), basin, blender, knife, chopping board, strainer and a pair of mortar and pestle. Collection The researchers collected ten (10) Oregano (Coleus Aromaticus Benth) leaves from one of the researcher’s backyard.

6. Methodology Procedure Washing the Oregano (Coleus Aromaticus Benth) leaves The leaves were washed thoroughly with water to eliminate dirt and other elements. After the leaves were washed, and then waited for the leaves to dry. Chopping of Oregano (Colues Aromaticus Benth) leaves The leaves was placed on the chopping board and chopped with a knife. The stem of the leaves was removed first then the rest were chopped. The chopped Oregano (Coleus Aromaticus Benth) leaves were placed in a seperate washed and cleaned basin.

7. Methodology Extraction of Oregano (Coleus Aromaticus Benth) leaves extract A blender was used to extract the Oregano (Colues Aromaticus Benth) leaves extract. The leaves were also poured a little amount of water in the process in which the extract will become juicy D. Preparation of set ups A. 100% pure extract B. 75% extract and 25% water C. 25% extract and 75% water

8. Methodology On set up A 100% pure extract, the scent of the Oregano leaves will become strong and no other things added on it. On set up B the extract and water added will be balanced because of the 75% extract and 25% water. On the last set up the scent of the Oregano leaves will become lesser because of the 75% water. E. Application The group decided to test the effectiveness of Oregano (Coleus Aromaticus Benth) leaves. The researchers applied to it 5 times to know the fastest effect of it. From morning until evening the researchers observed it until the researchers got the result.

9. Methodology Flow Chart Preparation of Materials Collection of Oregano leaves Chopping of Oregano leaves Extraction of Oregano leaves

10. Figure 2. Flowchart of Making Oregano Air Freshener Methodology Flow Chart Application of Oregano leaves Testing of Oregano leaves as air freshener Evaluation of Data

11. Results Trial 1 5 mins. 10 mins. 15 mins. The mixture with 100% pure Oregano extract and 0% water solution. The mixture was sprayed to a room and observed for 10 mins. After the time allotted, the scent was still there and it smelled good. After another 5 mins. the scent was still there but is didn’t stayed longer unlike the first 5 mins. Another 5 minutes the scent was gone. The mixture with 75% Oregano extract and 25% water solution. For this mixture, 5 mins. was the given time to observe and after that time, the scent was there but not that strong. After another 5 mins. , the scent was almost gone and it was fading. Another 5 minutes the scent was totally gone. The mixture with 50% Oregano extract and 50% water solution. The mixture was sprayed but a little amount of scent was only smelled. The scent was gone. No more scent.

12. Results Trial 2 5 mins. 10 mins. 15 mins. The mixture with 100% pure Oregano extract and 0% water solution. The mixture was sprayed to a room and observed for 10 mins. After the time allotted, the scent was still there and it smelled good. After another 5 mins. the scent was still there but is didn’t stayed longer unlike the first 5 mins. Another 5 minutes the scent was gone. The mixture with 75% Oregano extract and 25% water solution. For this mixture, 5 mins. was the given time to observe and after that time, the scent was there but not that strong. After another 5 mins. , the scent was almost gone and it was fading. Another 5 minutes the scent was totally gone. The mixture with 50% Oregano extract and 50% water solution. The mixture was sprayed but a little amount of scent was only smelled. The scent was gone. No more scent.

13. Results Trial 3 5 mins. 10 mins. 15 mins. The mixture with 100% pure Oregano extract and 0% water solution. The mixture was sprayed to a room and observed for 10 mins. After the time allotted, the scent was still there and it smelled good. After another 5 mins. the scent was still there but is didn’t stayed longer unlike the first 5 mins. Another 5 minutes the scent was gone. The mixture with 75% Oregano extract and 25% water solution. For this mixture, 5 mins. was the given time to observe and after that time, the scent was there but not that strong. After another 5 mins. , the scent was almost gone and it was fading. Another 5 minutes the scent was totally gone. The mixture with 50% Oregano extract and 50% water solution. The mixture was sprayed but a little amount of scent was only smelled. The scent was gone. No more scent.

14. Results Table 1 shows the rate of the lessening of the scent with lesser Oregano extract during a three-day period in three trials. As the table shows, there is a difference on the stronger scent between each trials. The more the Oregano extract the stronger the scent will be. This means that the more the Oregano extract ,the stronger the smell of the air freshener will be.

15. Conclusions and Recommendations Conclusion Based from the data gathered, the researchers concluded that the Oregano leaves can be an effective ingredient in making an air freshener. The leaves prove to be a potent component in making an air freshener. The researchers also concluded that the scent of the oregano is pleasant as an air freshener.

16. Conclusions and Recommendations Recommendations Based from the drawn conclusion, the researchers recommend the following.: 1. Prepare a lot of Oregano leaves that can make enough extract from it, is the most important ingredient of this study. 2. Squeeze the Oregano properly to produce natural extract. 3.In squeezing the extract from the leaves, wash it first thoroughly before extracting. 4. In placing the extract in a container, use a funnel so that no mixture will over flow.