An herb infused oil is one of the basic recipes you will need to learn if you want to create salves, oil serums, body butters and more. Not only can you use herb infused oils used in body care products but you can also use them in cooking and medicinal preparations like garlic ear oil. Once you learn how to make herbal oils you will want to keep making them! It's a great way to apply herbs topically and add herbal flavor to your cooking.
Methods for Making and Herb Infused oil
There are two methods used to make herbal oils. Herbalists refer to them as a cold infusion and a heat infusion. One method takes several weeks and the other can be made in a day. The method you choose may depend on the type of herb you are working with and what you plan to do with the finished oil.
Cold Infused Oil
A cold infusion is the easiest method but also takes the longest amount of time. Some herbs are best utilized with this method. Many herbalists believe this method creates the most potent oils. You will also avoid any risk of over heating the oil which can damage some types of oil.
Heat Infused Oil
You can make a heat infused oil by placing herbs in a pot, crockpot, or double boiler to apply heat to the oil. This method speeds up the process so that you can make an herbal oil in one day. Read detailed instructions on making a heat infused oil here. This method works better for some types of herbs and some types of oils. If I am infusing coconut oil, I alway use the heated method.
What is and Herbal Infused Oil?
An herbal oil infusion extracts all the active fat soluble ingredients from the herb into the carrier oil so you can receive all its healing benefits. The flavors and aromatic qualities are also extracted into the oil. For culinary purposes you can make oils infused with garlic, basil, oregano and use them in your favorite recipes. Herbs like lavender that have a strong scent can be infused into oil and used for the wonderful smell as a body oil all on its own. The cold infusion process detailed below does not require any heating, it only requires time and patience.
Are Herbal Infused Oil the Same as Essential Oils?
It's important to note that infused oils are not the same as essential oils. Essential oils are only the plant's volatile oils that are extracted by steam distillation. They are a concentrated distillate and must be used very carefully. Similar to essential oils, Infused oils are in skin care, hair care, and great for culinary purposes.
How to Make a Herb Infused Oil (Cold Method)
Standard Ratio
- 250g dried herb
- 3 cups carrier oil – olive oil, almond oil, coconut oil, or any other high quality organic oil.
Step by Step Instructions
- First, measure out your herbs and place in a clear glass jar.
- Pour oil until it completely covers the herb, close the jar, and shake well. Place the jar in a sunny spot, such as a windowsill, and leave for 4-6 weeks.
- After the infusion time is over, pour the oil into a muslin cloth, fine metal strainer, or use an herb press. Allow all of the oil to filter through and press or squeeze the remaining oil from the herbs.
- Lastly, pour the infused oil into a dark glass bottle, label and store.
Herb Infused Oil
Ingredients
- 250 g dried herb
- 3 cups carrier oil – olive oil almond oil, avocado oil, or any other high quality organic oil.
Instructions
- First, measure out your herbs and place in a clear glass jar.
- Pour oil until it completely covers the herb, close the jar, and shake well. Place the jar in a sunny spot, such as a windowsill, and leave for 4-6 weeks.
- After the infusion time is over, pour the oil into a muslin cloth, fine metal strainer, or use an herb press. Allow all of the oil to filter through and press or squeeze the remaining oil from the herbs.
- Lastly, pour the infused oil into a dark glass bottle, label and store.
How to Make an Infused Oil Faster
The process outline in this article is the folk method of making an herb infused oil. Some herbalists believe it makes the best and most potent infused oils. If you need or want to make an herb infused oil in less time it is possible by using heat. For detailed instructions on this method, read this article How to Make a Heat Infused Herbal Oil Quickly.
Tips & Tricks
Seedling Mat
If you are infusing multiple oils and don't have enough window sill space or it's winter and not sunny, use a seedling mat like this one to keep the jar lightly warm and to encourage the infusion.
Use Good Quality Herbs
Foraged herbs are usually the best quality and freshness. Many common herbs grow in your backyard and can be used to make herbal oils. You will not find all herbs in your local area so its important to buy good quality herbs. An online source for herbs that I like is Starwest Botanicals.
Always Used Dried Herbs
It's best to use dried herbs when infusing oils because fresh plant matter will release moisture into the oil which can cause mold growth. You can air dry fresh herbs by laying them out on a table, using an herb drying rack, or a dehydrator.
Storage
Store in a sterilized, airtight, dark glass bottle for up to 1 year, for best results, use within 6 months.
Many of the Holistic Mama handmade products contain infused oils such as Arnica Salve and Coffee Eye Cream.
How long does it take to infuse an oil?
Let your oil infused in a warm spot for at least 4-6 weeks, longer is better. For a quicker infusion, read the instructions in this article, How to Make a Heat Infused Herbal Oil Quickly
What oil is best to infuse?
Most oils that are in a liquid state are appropriate for infusing herbs. Most herbalists use olive oil, and avocado oil. Others may use sunflower oil, almond oil, castor oil or others. You can also use coconut oil with the heat infusion method.
Can you infused oil with fresh herbs?
You should typically not use fresh herbs when infusing oil. The moisture in the fresh herbs can cause mold or rancidity. The exception to this rule is fresh St johns wort flowers. They are most potent when fresh and can be infused into oil.
Thank you for reading this post, don't forget to subscribe to stay in the loop. If you are looking for some of the healthy tools and resources mentioned in my articles, take a look at my healthy shopping guide.
Some of our links are affiliate links, which means if you click and buy, I earn a small commission. The price is the same for you, though. Thank you!
You might also like these posts...