Let's talk about oils. First things first, oils are not the villains they're often made out to be. In fact, oils can be downright amazing! Unfortunately, the media has given oil a bad rap lately, but there's more to the story than what meets the eye. Sure, there are oils that can be harmful, and certain processes can turn an oil from good to not-so-good. However, amidst all the negativity, there exists a treasure trove of incredible oils that deserve our attention.
Carrier Oils—also known as lipid oils, fixed oils, or true oils. These wonderful oils are typically extracted from the seeds, nuts, or kernels of plants through pressing, yielding a rich, fatty-acid-packed oil. You're probably familiar with some popular carrier oils like olive oil, grapeseed oil, avocado oil, sweet almond oil, apricot kernel oil, and sesame seed oil. Some carrier oils are considered high-value or specialty oils. These beauties possess specific therapeutic properties that make them highly beneficial. While they might come with a higher price tag, you'll usually need only a small amount to achieve the desired results. Think of oils like rosehip oil, carrot seed oil, raspberry seed oil, blueberry seed oil, and hemp seed oil. These high-value oils offer unique benefits that can work wonders for your skin and well-being.
The term "carrier oil" itself stems from its primary role—it acts as a carrier for essential oils and the precious phytochemicals from the plants infused into the oil. Not only do carrier oils have their own remarkable qualities, but they also serve as a vehicle for delivering the goodness of other plant extracts and have been trusted companions in skincare and culinary endeavors for centuries.
Incredible Health Benefits - oils infused with medicinal herbs can offer a way array of medicinal and therapeutic benefits. Plantain is a common yard weed and is also commonly known as white-man's footprint or Englishman's foot because it was said that it commonly grew where settlers walked. This resilient herb's ability to not only survive but thrive despite frequent trampling speaks volumes about its tenacity. It serves as a powerful reminder that just as plantain nurtures the soil, it can also lend its healing properties to our bodies, which may have endured similar hardships. Its application can provide much-needed relief from bug bites, stings, and rashes and can even expedite the healing process by enhancing cell proliferation. Calendula, a beautiful resinous orange flower has equally impressive healing abilities as plantain. Calendula is known for its exceptional soothing properties, particularly when it comes to caring for the skin. It's no wonder that calendula is often included in commercial cosmetic products—it's simply that effective! Another beautiful common yard flower that has medicinal benefits is lavender. Lavender not only positively impacts your emotions but also brings a light antiseptic quality. This makes it a fantastic choice for dealing with acne or irritated skin. There are so many more amazing herbs with beneficial properties, such as antimicrobials, moisturizing, hemostatic, analgesic, and nerve-calming abilities. By creating your own herb-infused oils, you can unlock a multitude of benefits tailored to your specific needs. The properties of the herbs you choose will determine the outcomes.
It's important to highlight that herb-infused oils can be used in various applications. They are fantastic for massages, body oils, soap making, salves, body butters, and they can even be used for culinary purposes, as long as both the herbs and the oil are edible.
Herbs - When it comes to creating herb-infused oils, the options are truly abundant. I have a lineup of favorite herbs that I adore working with, especially for topical applications. Calendula, chickweed, yard daisies, purple dead nettle, lavender, plantain, rosemary, yarrow, rose petals, pine needles, resins, mints, juniper berries, ginger, and cayenne are among my top choices. I find it particularly satisfying to utilize herbs that grow right in my own yard, ensuring their organic freshness.
There's an interesting theory that suggests we can reap enhanced health benefits from plants that grow in the same area and soil we inhabit. This connection between local plants and our well-being adds another layer of significance to working with herbs from our surroundings. If you have local herb farms in your area, I highly encourage you to explore them and establish a connection with the farmers. Getting to know the source of your herbs and supporting local businesses can be incredibly rewarding. For the herbs that I do not grow and cannot find locally, I buy from a reputable herb retailer such as Starwest Botanicals - they have excellent quality, great customer service and rather fast shipping. It's crucial to rely on trusted sources when procuring herbs to ensure their potency and effectiveness in our creations.
Fresh or Dried Herbs - While fresh herbs can sometimes be a great choice, when it comes to making infused oils, dried herbs are generally the preferred option. The reason behind this is simple: moisture. Introducing any amount of moisture into the oil can create an environment conducive to mold growth, potentially leading to the oil going rancid.
By using dried herbs, you minimize the risk of moisture contamination and ensure the longevity and stability of your infused oil. Dried herbs have a lower water content, making them less prone to introducing unwanted moisture into the oil. This helps preserve the quality of the oil and reduces the likelihood of spoilage.
However, there may be certain rare occasions where fresh herbs are specifically called for in an infused oil recipe. In such cases, it's crucial to exercise extra caution to minimize moisture and promptly strain the oil from the fresh herbs to prevent any potential issues.
In general, though, it's advisable to rely on dried herbs when crafting infused oils to maintain the oil's integrity and prevent the growth of mold or the development of rancidity.
Choices - When it comes to making infused oils, there are indeed various approaches and techniques to choose from. Let's explore some of these options and the benefits and considerations associated with each.
Quick Method vs. Slow Method: The quick method involves heating the oil and herbs together to expedite the infusion process. This method can produce infused oils in a relatively short time frame. On the other hand, the slow method involves allowing the herbs to steep/infuse in the oil over an extended period, typically 3-6 weeks. This slower approach allows for a more thorough extraction of the herb's properties into the oil without risking degradation of the oil. Both methods have their advantages and may be suitable for different purposes or time constraints.
Infusion Location: The location where you choose to infuse your oils is another choice to make. Some herbalists, such as Rosemary Gladstar, prefer infusing oils in a sunny location (solar infusion), believing that sunlight enhances the extraction process. Other herbalists, such as myself, prefer infusing oils in a cool, dark location. Both are time tested methods, so it comes down to personal preferences.
Single Herb Infusion (Simples) vs. Multiple Herb (Formula) Infusion: In a single herb infusion, you infuse a single herb into the oil. This approach allows you to focus on the unique properties and benefits of each herb individually. These simple infused oils can be used as they are or combined with other herb oils to create custom formula blends. On the other hand, a multiple herb infusion involves infusing a combination of herbs into the same oil. This method allows for the creation of complex and synergistic blends that combine the properties of multiple herbs. Consider the specific goals and desired effects of your infused oil when deciding between the two approaches.
It's important to note that the choice of method and technique may depend on personal preferences, time constraints, availability of herbs, and the specific goals you have in mind for your infused oils. Experimentation and exploration will help you discover the techniques that work best for you and yield the desired results.
Storage - To ensure the longevity and quality of your infused oils, as well as uninfused oils, it is important to store them in cool, dark places. Heat, light, moisture, and oxygen (air) are the primary culprits that can lead to the degradation of oils. Light exposure, in particular, can be detrimental to the stability of oils. When possible, opt for dark or opaque bottles to limit the amount of light that reaches the oil. This helps to mitigate the damaging effects of light and prolong the shelf life of your oils. Furthermore, temperature fluctuations should be avoided, as excessive heat can accelerate the oxidation process and cause oils to spoil more quickly. Aim for a consistent and cool storage environment to maintain the oils' integrity. Moisture and air are also detrimental to oils, as they can promote the growth of mold, cause rancidity, and degrade the quality of the oil. Ensure that the containers used for storing oils are tightly sealed to prevent moisture and air from entering. By prioritizing cool, dark storage conditions, limiting light exposure with appropriate containers, and safeguarding oils from heat, moisture, and air, you can extend the lifespan and preserve the beneficial properties of your oils. The shelf life of the infused oil is dependent on the shelf-life of the carrier oil, most often one year is a reasonable expectation.
I forgot! - I forgot about my infusion and should have taken the herbs out months ago, it's ruined! ...Well hold on now... In actuality, leaving the herbs in the oil for a longer duration may have some potential benefits. When herbs are left in the oil beyond the typical infusion time, there reaches a point where the oil can no longer extract additional properties from the plants. At this stage, the herbs essentially remain in the oil without any further infusion taking place. Some herbalists believe that keeping the herbs in the oil can contribute to its stability during the infusion. However, it's essential to use your senses to assess the oil's condition. If the oil smells rancid, has a foul odor, or shows signs of mold or microbial growth, it should not be used and is considered spoiled. If the infused oil appears and smells fine, you can proceed with the straining process to remove the herbs. Remember, it's always a good idea to trust your senses and exercise caution when using infused oils. When in doubt, it's best to err on the side of caution and discard the oil if it appears or smells off.
Folk Method Recipes to Try:
Self-Heal Skin Oil
Ingredients and Supplies
Pint or half pint jar
Carrier oil of choice (olive, grapeseed or jojoba oil are all great options)
Freshly dried Self-heal (can substitute with plantain, chickweed or a blend of these herbs)
Rosemary extract or vitamin E oil as an antioxidant (optional)
Dispensing bottle
Instructions
Chop up your freshly dried herb and place it into your canning jar to about half full.
Pour the carrier oil over the herb and fill to shoulder of the jar, leaving a little head room for expansion.
Cover the jar and put a label on it so that you do not forget what's inside. Let it sit is a cool dark location for about 4 weeks.
Strain the mixture through a fine mesh sieve or muslin. If you are using muslin, you will want to carefully make a ball with the herbs inside the muslin and squeeze out the remaining oil.
Optionally, you can add 5ml of either rosemary extract or vitamin E oil to give your oil an antioxidant boost.
Pour the finished oil into the final bottle and be sure to label it. You can use this oil as a facial skin serum by rubbing a small amount onto your face every morning and night.
Golden Calendula Oil
Ingredients and supplies
Pint or half-pint jar
Olive oil (or carrier oil of choice such as apricot kernel or sweet almond oil)
Freshly dried calendula flowers
Dispensing bottle
Instructions
Fill your jar to about two-thirds full of calendula buds.
Pour olive oil over the calendula and up to the shoulder of the jar, leaving a little headroom for expansion.
Cover the jar and put a label on it so that you do not forget what's inside. Let it sit and infuse for about 4 weeks.
Strain out the flowers, rebottle, and label. You have the option to infuse another batch of calendula buds in the oil to make a double-strength infusion. You can use this oil by applying it to skin rashes, dry patchy skin, or use it as a massage oil, especially for lymph massage. You can also use this oil to make a salve to help all varieties of minor skin issues.
Muscle Rub Dandelion Oil
Ingredients and supplies
Pint or half-pint jar
Olive oil
Air-dried dandelion flowers (air dry at room temp for a couple of days, flowers that start fluffing are still ok)
Dispensing bottle
Instructions
Fill your jar to about two-thirds full of dandelion flowers.
Pour olive oil over the calendula and up to the shoulder of the jar, leaving a little headroom for expansion.
Cover the jar and put a label on it so that you do not forget what's inside. Let it sit and infuse for about 4 weeks.
Strain out the flowers, rebottle, and label. You can use this oil as a muscle rub, it is great for sore and spasming muscles after a day full of hard work. You can also use this oil to make a lotion with magnesium chloride for even more muscle soothing.
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