So, just what are infused oils anyways..
This is a process of extracting the medicinal properties of an herb/herbs.
We do this first by chopping and or crushing the fresh or dried herb then adding it to a carrier oil and then allowing it to soak in the oil over a slow period of time. The finished oil contains the healing benefits of the herbs used and also the healing benefits of the oil. You can then use this oil for making herbal salves, massage oils, bath oils, body oils, body butters (which are amazing by the way. If you have never used body butters you gotta try it!) shampoos, homemade soaps and so much more!
There are several different methods of infusing. I'm going to share my favorite method. Solar infusing. 🌞 For me, there is just something special about the oils when they have been infused by the warmth of the sun. They smell different to me. They have more of an earthy... a richer, fuller, sweeter smell. Especially dandelion infused oil. It's like capturing summer in a jar. Or perhaps it's the smell that reminds me of summer - it has a light, airy, (reminiscent of a warm summer breeze) slightly sweet fragrance. And chamomile oil, that has such a sweet, warming fragrance. Perfect for using as a body oil. Okay, so lets get into this now...
You can use fresh or dried herbs. If you choose to use fresh, make sure they are free from any dirt when you're picking them. Do not wash them as you don't want any extra moisture to contend with. Lay them on a screen or a cookie sheet for 24 hours before adding to your oil. This will allow for the moisture in the fresh plant to evaporate. If any moisture or water gets into your oil you stand the chance of it spoiling and you will have to throw it out and start over. And believe me, that is not fun.
Choosing what herbs to use depends on what you're wanting to use your oil for. Once you have that decided, then you can do research on what herbs will give you the particular medicinal benefits you're searching for.
Grapeseed Oil - cold-pressed or expeller-pressed - is a lighter, thinner oil. I like how it absorbs into the skin without feeling greasy. Contains your omega fatty acids for hydrating and moisturizing your skin cells. Rich in Beta- Carotene and vitamins C, D and E. Also has astringent properties that work to tighten skin and improve elasticity. Works well with most all skin types. Especially helpful for eczema and minor wound healing and sunburns.
Extra Virgin Olive Oil - is another good one to use. This is a thicker oil than the grapeseed. It also contains your omega fatty acids that the skin cells need, making it rich, moisturizing and hydrating for the skin. Especially dry skin, eczema and psoriasis. Contains antioxidants and squalane - anti-aging and hydrating properties. It helps to stimulate cell repair giving you soft, clear smooth skin. Also has healing properties for minor burns and wounds, which makes it a good oil for making herbal salves. Also for making soaps, bath oils or body oils.
uses the heat of the sun over a period of time to infuse the medicinal properties of an herb with the oil. There are several different thoughts as to how long one should let the oil infuse. You can go anywhere from 1 to 3 months. The longer you infuse, the stronger your oil will be with the herbs medicinal properties. This could come in handy if you're wanting to make an extra strong massage oil for sore muscles.
Supplies Needed:
Sterilized mason jar; mason jar ring
cheesecloth
labels or masking tape
fresh or dried herbs
utensil for stirring
mesh strainer
carrier oil
I'll mention some important tips before you get started. Regardless of what infusing method you use, always, always, sterilize your jars and any utensils you're using in boiling water before beginning.
Be careful to not let any water come in contact with your oil. If this happens you stand the chance of your oil spoiling. So make sure your jars, utensils and hands are dry before beginning.
Okay, just one more before we go on. When I first started learning how to make infused oils 17 years ago, I quickly discovered that the teaching methods varied, which was really confusing. What it came down to was that every herbalist has their own way of infusing, based on their own experience with trial and error and how they had been taught. That is what I have put together for you here, from my experiences. And it will no doubt be different from someone else's writings on infusing oils. So, take what feels right to you from here and continue learning from other herbal loving people along the way.
Place your herbs in your jar, about 2/3 of the way full.
Slowly pour your oil over the herbs about 1 inch from the top. Take your utensil and poke the herbs into the oil while gently stirring. Now take a piece of the cheesecloth and place that over the top of the jar, then screw the mason jar ring into that. I have learned from trial and error that using the cheesecloth instead of a lid allows the oil the breathe, therefor preventing any condensation building up inside the jar which will cause spoiling.
* If you are using dried herbs you can use a metal lid as there will be no moisture issues with your dried herbs.
Okay, now take your label or masking tape and write the date, the name of the herb used and the oil you used and place that on your jar. That's it! Now you're ready to set your jar out in the sunshine.
Be sure to bring the jar in every evening, take the lid off and give your oil a stir. This is to allow any air bubbles to escape. Then place your lid back on. This is what I do everyday for as long as I'm infusing the oil. If I want to infuse longer than 30 days, at each 30 day mark I will strain the used herbs from my oil then replace with more fresh of dried herb. Be sure to use a clean, sterilized jar, just like you did in the beginning.
* When using dried herbs you do not have to stir everyday. There will be no issues with moisture and or air bubbles.
When your oil is finished, strain and pour in a clean, sterilized jar. Be sure to label with the herb used, oil used and the date. Store the oil in a cool dark place. If you keep it in the refrigerator it will last longer.
Your oil is ready to use for a massage oil, bath oil, use in place of body lotions or for making herbal salves, body butters, soaps... so many possibilities for you to explore.
Fresh or Dried Herbs
You can use fresh or dried herbs. If you choose to use fresh, make sure they are free from any dirt when you're picking them. Do not wash them as you don't want any extra moisture to contend with. Lay them on a screen or a cookie sheet for 24 hours before adding to your oil. This will allow for the moisture in the fresh plant to evaporate. If any moisture or water gets into your oil you stand the chance of it spoiling and you will have to throw it out and start over. And believe me, that is not fun.
Choosing what herbs to use depends on what you're wanting to use your oil for. Once you have that decided, then you can do research on what herbs will give you the particular medicinal benefits you're searching for.
What oils to use?
Extra Virgin Olive Oil - is another good one to use. This is a thicker oil than the grapeseed. It also contains your omega fatty acids that the skin cells need, making it rich, moisturizing and hydrating for the skin. Especially dry skin, eczema and psoriasis. Contains antioxidants and squalane - anti-aging and hydrating properties. It helps to stimulate cell repair giving you soft, clear smooth skin. Also has healing properties for minor burns and wounds, which makes it a good oil for making herbal salves. Also for making soaps, bath oils or body oils.
Solar Infusing
uses the heat of the sun over a period of time to infuse the medicinal properties of an herb with the oil. There are several different thoughts as to how long one should let the oil infuse. You can go anywhere from 1 to 3 months. The longer you infuse, the stronger your oil will be with the herbs medicinal properties. This could come in handy if you're wanting to make an extra strong massage oil for sore muscles.
Supplies Needed:
Sterilized mason jar; mason jar ring
cheesecloth
labels or masking tape
fresh or dried herbs
utensil for stirring
mesh strainer
carrier oil
I'll mention some important tips before you get started. Regardless of what infusing method you use, always, always, sterilize your jars and any utensils you're using in boiling water before beginning.
Be careful to not let any water come in contact with your oil. If this happens you stand the chance of your oil spoiling. So make sure your jars, utensils and hands are dry before beginning.
Okay, just one more before we go on. When I first started learning how to make infused oils 17 years ago, I quickly discovered that the teaching methods varied, which was really confusing. What it came down to was that every herbalist has their own way of infusing, based on their own experience with trial and error and how they had been taught. That is what I have put together for you here, from my experiences. And it will no doubt be different from someone else's writings on infusing oils. So, take what feels right to you from here and continue learning from other herbal loving people along the way.
Place your herbs in your jar, about 2/3 of the way full.
 |
| Spearmint infused extra virgin olive oil |
Slowly pour your oil over the herbs about 1 inch from the top. Take your utensil and poke the herbs into the oil while gently stirring. Now take a piece of the cheesecloth and place that over the top of the jar, then screw the mason jar ring into that. I have learned from trial and error that using the cheesecloth instead of a lid allows the oil the breathe, therefor preventing any condensation building up inside the jar which will cause spoiling.
* If you are using dried herbs you can use a metal lid as there will be no moisture issues with your dried herbs.
Okay, now take your label or masking tape and write the date, the name of the herb used and the oil you used and place that on your jar. That's it! Now you're ready to set your jar out in the sunshine.
Be sure to bring the jar in every evening, take the lid off and give your oil a stir. This is to allow any air bubbles to escape. Then place your lid back on. This is what I do everyday for as long as I'm infusing the oil. If I want to infuse longer than 30 days, at each 30 day mark I will strain the used herbs from my oil then replace with more fresh of dried herb. Be sure to use a clean, sterilized jar, just like you did in the beginning.
* When using dried herbs you do not have to stir everyday. There will be no issues with moisture and or air bubbles.
When your oil is finished, strain and pour in a clean, sterilized jar. Be sure to label with the herb used, oil used and the date. Store the oil in a cool dark place. If you keep it in the refrigerator it will last longer.
Your oil is ready to use for a massage oil, bath oil, use in place of body lotions or for making herbal salves, body butters, soaps... so many possibilities for you to explore.
 |
| Dandelion infused grapeseed oil |