Herb infused oil is one of the basic recipes needed to create salves, oil serums, body butters and more. You can make a herbal infused oil by soaking dried herbs in a carrier 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. This process does not require any heating, it only requires time and patience.

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. Similarly, Infused oils are in skin care, hair care, and great for culinary purposes.

How to Make a Herb Infused Oil

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

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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. The oils that are used most by herbalists are 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.

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