How to Make an Infused Oil with Healing Herbs
Making an infused oil for herbal remedies is the process of infusing herbs, flowers, or spices into an oil by letting it sit for several weeks to allow the oils to absorb the beneficial properties of the plants. This oil can be used in salves, balms or beauty products like soaps and lotions. Over the years, I’ve enjoyed figuring out ways to make new and incredible remedies for my own ailments (yea, the older I get the more I have).
There really are so many herbs and plants that have the ability to help with aches, pains, sooth rashes, help bug bites or minor cuts and many other common irritations. Back in the old days, that’s all they used and I love the idea of going old school. Some of my favorites herbs to use include lavender, calendula, chamomile, lemon balm, elderberry, and dandelion. As I plan my garden each spring I’m usually thinking about the things I want to make with the herbs I grow. I’ve even planted dandelion seeds, which my husband thought was insane. This year I’m planning on a few new things like peppermint and nettle and I can’t wait to try new recipes with those goodies.
To make an infused oil, you’ll need the following:
Dried herbs. Think calendula, lavender, comfrey, dandelion, etc. It’s easier to work with dried herbs as fresh herbs may lead to rotting or mold when keeping for long periods of time.
Oil. Olive oil is most commonly used but you can also use or integrate coconut, sweet almond, grapeseed or jojoba oils.
A glass jar. Any jar with a lid works great but I love using mason jars.
Strainer and cheesecloth. You’ll need to straining the herbs out of the oil when its ready.
Bottle or jar for storage. Amber glass bottles work great and can help your infusion last longer.
First you want to prepare your jar by making sure it’s clean and completely dry. Any water in the jar can lead to spoilage. Fill the jar with the herbs you want to infuse with.
Pour the oil into the jar over the herbs, adding enough oil to completely cover the herbs. The more of both ingredients you add the more magical oil you get. Cover the jar and give it a few shakes to make sure it has been mixed thoroughly.
You want to store your jar in a cool location out of the sunlight. Be sure to give your jar a shake every few days. Now you have to wait – 4-6 weeks to be exact! This is the hardest part but it’s completely worth it.
Once your oil infusion is ready, you want to strain the oil using a fine mesh sieve strainer and cheesecloth. Strain into a separate jar or bowl by pouring the infused oil into the cheesecloth placed over the bowl. Give the herbs a few final squeezes to get all the herb-soaked goodness out.
Finally pour the oil into your storage bottle and seal with your lid. Be sure to label your bottles so you know what you have and when it was made. The oil should last for up to 1-2 years.
Pretty simple, right. You can use infused oils in many recipes and if you’re looking for a few fun ideas using healing herbs, be sure to try this Dandelion Salve (my personal favorite) using an infused oil or Lemon Balm Tincture and Elderberry Tincture using herbs and vodka.
Happy infusing friends.
Peace & Love,
Nikki