My absolute favorite herbal products are herbal-infused oils. They bring me so much joy; oh, they are just so lovely, and versatile. When I first thought about transitioning from traditional allopathic medicine to herbal medicine, I was a little hesitant as I was intimidated by herbalism; I thought it might be too much for an old fart like me to learn. Once I tried making my first infused oil, I was hooked and have never looked back.
The beauty of making infused oils is that it is budget and time-friendly, you can use items found around the house and herbs found in the kitchen or yard. The products that you make more than rival the store-bought equivalents, your products will blow the socks off the store-bought stuff. You can use the infused oil for cooking, massage oil, as a carrier oil for essential oil roller bottles, foot baths, hair oil, beard oil, and warm oil treatments. Or you can use the oil as the base for making lip balms, hair creams, soaps, body butter, salves, and lotion. You will only be limited by your imagination.
Similar to cooking, making herbal oils is an art form that thrives on creativity, and leaves a lot of room for variability. There is no one-size-fits-all approach; instead, it's a blend of intuition, experimentation, and the environment in which you live. Which oils you use, which herbs you use, if you use one herb or a combination of herbs, how long you infuse, and which method you follow are all options that are up to you.
Why Make Herb-Infused Oils?
Besides that it is fun to make your own products, you should consider making herb-infused oils because of their health benefits. Not only do they offer positive health benefits, but they lack the negative effects that come with the toxins found in many store-bought products. Common herbs to start working with are calendula, plantain, rosemary, and lavender.
Calendula is a powerful vulnerary herb, meaning that it promotes wound healing and stimulates the regeneration of healthy tissues. Calendula is an ideal herb to use in first-aid salves, and in fact, is used in commercial cosmetic products.
Plantain is a common weed found in many yards and walkways in springtime. Plantain is another amazing vulnerary herb ideal for soothing stings, bites, splinters, and skin irritations. Plantain oil pairs well with calendula for first-aid salves.
Rosemary, well known for its aromatic culinary appeal, exudes a unique resinous, herbal-woody fragrance. Rosemary is a skincare treasure, owing to its rich antioxidant content. Its potent antioxidants make it a prized ingredient for topical applications, offering rejuvenation and vitality to the skin. Rosemary's ability to stimulate circulation is ideal for skincare products, illuminating and clarifying the complexion with its revitalizing touch. Moreover, rosemary oil takes center stage in hair care rituals, where its application to the scalp not only fosters hair growth by stimulating follicles but also combats dandruff, leaving locks healthier and more vibrant.
Lavender, an aromatic herb familiar to many, elicits strong reactions—it's either love it or leave it. For those enamored with its delightful scent, lavender is a cherished herb, perfect for infusing into oils. However, if the mere whiff of lavender prompts the desire to steer clear, fear not; there is a plethora of other herbs to explore. Beyond its aromatic charm, lavender wields remarkable emotional and physical benefits. It possesses a calming effect, easing emotions, alleviating muscle tension, and soothing headaches. Lavender has healing properties, particularly in the realm of wounds, infections, and bug bites. Its antiseptic and antimicrobial properties aid in wound healing while curbing infections and reducing pain.
How to Make Herb-Infused Oils
To get started you will want to gather some dried herbs, a carrier oil, and a container. Some herbs can be infused as fresh or freshly wilted, but to keep things simple, we will only focus on the dried herb method. This approach offers distinct advantages, notably in preventing the introduction of moisture, which can lead to mold and bacteria growth. Additionally, dried herbs can be conveniently stored for future use.
Carrier oils are fatty acid-rich oils pressed from seeds, nuts, or kernels, but also animal fats such as tallow or lard can serve as carrier oils. Carrier oils are used to carry other ingredients in a formula or blend: the foundation of an infusion. Ideally, they have little to no scent, have a long shelf-life, and are skin-nourishing. When it comes to picking the perfect carrier oil, you've got a whole buffet of options, including all the food oils, such as olive oil, grapeseed oil, avocado oil, coconut oil, and sesame oil. Jojoba and rice bran are also good carrier oils to consider. You can pick just one oil to work with, or try blending different oils. Consider blending a common, and affordable oil such as avocado oil with a luxurious carrier oil such as rose hip, raspberry seed, or hemp seed oil. Have fun, and enjoy experimenting. If you would like to look more into using tallow as a carrier oil, please consider checking out Bumblebee Apothecary.
The Folk Method
For those who relish the creative process, or just don't like following strict recipes, the folk method is a perfect fit. Loosely measure out your herbs and oils, filling the jar about halfway with dried herbs, and top off with your carrier oil, being sure that the herbs are fully submerged in the oil, but leaving a little headroom. Be sure to put a well-fitting lid on the jar, and don't forget to label your jar with the herbs, oils, and the day it all came together. Let your intuition guide you in choosing between the slow/traditional method, the solar method, or the quick (heat) method to infuse the oil. Each offers a unique infusion experience, allowing the oil to absorb the medicinal benefits of the herbs over time.
Slow/Traditional Method - With patience, tuck the jar away in a dark, cool cabinet or pantry, allowing the infusion to develop over at least 4 to 6 weeks. This method yields the strongest, most effective oils.
Solar Method - Using the power and energy of the sun, place the covered jar in a sunny, but not overly hot windowsill for 2 to 4 weeks. The gentle warmth can encourage the release of the constituents. In addition, a gentle daily shake can also enhance the oil's potency.
Quick (Heat) Method - Not the most ideal method, but works great in a pinch. Using a crockpot, double-boiler, or bain-marie, you can place the jar with your herb and oil into a warm water bath. Use the lowest setting that is possible to avoid degrading the herbs or the oil. The jar should be open so that you can stir it occasionally, but be sure that water does not get into the oil. Allow to heat slowly and gently for at least 3 to 8 hours.
After infusing, strain out the herbs from the oil, and store the oil in a dark-colored glass bottle (labeled), in a dark, cool place.
The Precise Method
Alternatively, precision seekers can turn to the math formula method, employing a ratio of 1 part dried herb (by weight) to 5 parts oil (by volume). This method guarantees consistency and replicability, ensuring your infused oils maintain their potency. For example, if you have 50 grams (1.75 oz) of dried herb, then you will use 250 ml (8.75 fl oz) of oil. Again, choose between the slow/traditional method, the solar method, or the quick (heat) method to infuse the oil.
Intermediary Option
There is one more option for infusing your oils. This option has the potential to give you an even stronger oil. This method comes from Kami McBride, and is a bit more involved, but produces a potent oil quicker than the traditional method. Working with dried plant material:
Powder and weigh dried herb, be sure to take note of the weight
Rehydrate the powdered herb with 100 proof vodka with a ratio of 2:1, dried herb by weight to volume of alcohol. Put into a covered container and allow to rehydrate for about 12 hours
Use a 1:7 ratio, by the weight of the herb to the volume of carrier oil
Put the rehydrated powdered herb and carrier oil into a blender, and blend just until warm at least 5 times a day for at least 2 days. The fluffier the herb, the longer that you will need to do this process.
After infusing, strain out the herbs from the oil, and store the oil in a dark-colored glass bottle (labeled), in a dark, cool place.
For example, 2 oz by weight of dried, powdered chickweed and mallow leaves
Rehydrate with 1 fl oz of 100 proof vodka, allow to sit covered for 12 hours
Put the rehydrated chickweed into a blender along with 14 oz of jojoba oil
Blend on high speed until warm, then turn off the blender. Repeat 5 times daily for 3 to 5 days.
Strain
Mix the chickweed-mallow-infused oil with beeswax and shea butter to make a body butter that is ideal for addressing eczema or psoriasis
No matter which method you choose, I encourage you to delve into the realm of herbal-infused oils. Enjoy the enchantment of experimenting with different herbs and oils, allowing your creativity to flourish. You will not only craft products that surpass commercial alternatives but also build a wealth of self-reliance and knowledge, and gain self-confidence. Trust your instincts, and let the delightful fusion of herbs and oils enchant your senses. May your herbal-infused creations bring you joy, well-being, and a newfound appreciation for the art of herbal healing. Happy infusing!
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