One of the most versatile and beneficial herbal remedies you can make for yourself and your community is herbal infused oils. Oils are a great way to harness the therapeutic properties of herbs, offering a natural remedy that can be used to soothe wounds and skin irritations, as deeply nourishing massage oils, for daily skin and hair care and more! Herbal infused oils provide a gentle yet effective way to apply the healing properties of herbs, making them a staple in any herbal medicine cabinet.
In this guide, we’ll walk you through the process of creating your own herbal infused oils, ensuring you have all the tips and tricks you need for success.
Choosing Your Herbs and Oils
The first step in making herbal infused oils is selecting the right herbs and carrier oils. Here are some popular choices:
Herbs:
- Calendula
- Chamomile
- Lavender
- St, John's Wort
- Comfrey
Carrier Oils:
- Olive Oil
- Jojoba Oil
- Sunflower Oil
- Almond Oil
Make sure to use high-quality, organic herbs and oils whenever possible. Fresh herbs can be used, but dried herbs are often preferred as they reduce the risk of spoilage and mold.
Methods for Making Herbal Infused Oils:
There are two primary methods that we like to use for infusing oils with herbs: the solar method and the heat method. Both have their own benefits and are simple to follow!
The Solar Method
- Prepare Your Herbs: If using fresh herbs, allow them to wilt for 12-24 hours to reduce moisture content. For dried herbs, simply measure out the amount needed.
- Fill the Jar: Place your herbs in a clean, sterilized and dry glass jar, filling it about halfway.
- Add the Oil: Pour your chosen carrier oil over the herbs, ensuring the herbs are completely submerged. Leave a little space at the top of the jar for expansion. We like to spritz the inside of the jar as well as the top of the oil/herb blend with alcohol to help prevent molding.
- Infuse: Seal the jar tightly and place it in a sunny windowsill or a warm spot. Let it infuse for 2-6 weeks, shaking the jar gently every few days to mix.
- Strain: After the infusion period, strain the oil through a fine mesh sieve or cheesecloth, squeezing out as much oil as possible from the herbs.
- Store: Pour the infused oil into a clean, labeled bottle, and store it in a cool, dark place. Properly stored, your oil should last about a year.
The Heat Method
- Prepare Your Herbs and Oil: Similar to the solar method, start with dried or wilted herbs and your chosen carrier oil.
- Combine in a Double Boiler: Place the herbs and oil in a double boiler or a heatproof bowl over a pot of simmering water.
- Heat Gently: Heat the mixture gently for 2-3 hours, keeping the temperature low to avoid frying the herbs. The goal is to warm the oil and encourage the herbs to release their properties without cooking them - you do not want the oil to boil or simmer at any point!
- Strain and Store: After heating, strain and store the oil as described in the solar method.
Alternatively, you can also purchase a garlic cooker which works surprisingly well for creating herbal infused oils! Garlic cookers allow you to set a steady temperature for days at a time which is perfect for using heat to infuse oils.
Tips for Success
- Label Everything: Always label your jars with the date and type of infusion. This helps keep track of freshness and contents.
- Use Clean Equipment: Ensure all jars and utensils are thoroughly cleaned and dried to prevent contamination.
- Test for Allergies: Before using your infused oil widely, do a patch test to check for any allergic reactions, especially if you're using a new herb.
Creative Uses for Herbal Infused Oils
Now that you have your herbal infused oils, the possibilities are endless. Here are a few ideas:
- Massage Oils: Use your infused oil directly as a massage oil for relaxing and therapeutic benefits.
- Skin Care: Apply to dry skin, minor irritations, or as a nourishing facial oil.
- Hair Treatments: Massage into your scalp or use as a deep conditioning treatment for hair.
- Bath Oils: Add a few drops to your bath for a luxurious, aromatic experience.
- Homemade Salves: Combine with beeswax and other ingredients to create healing salves and balms.
Creating your own herbal infused oils is a a great way to use herbal medicine in your home! Not only do you get to enjoy the therapeutic benefits of herbs, but you also create personalized, natural products that nourish your body and soul. Happy infusing!