Herbal infused oil
Herbal infused oils are base oils (e.g. sunflower, olive, grapeseed etc etc) that have had herbs soaked in them for a period of time.
Some medicinal qualities of the herbs infuse into the oils.
These are then used topically, on the outside of the body, as a rub.
Infused oils keep for long period of time, usually 1-2 years.
Choosing your herbs
Some herbs are only seasonal for a few weeks or months, so if you infuse them into oils when they are at their peak, they can be used all year round.
Infused oils are also more convenient to use, they are ‘ready to go’.
Common infused oils include calendula, Lavender, chamomile and Daisy’s . You can research what herbs are good for what. There is lots of information out there
Using oil to infuse herbs also adds warming properties that stimulate and soothe the body part when rubbed on.
Infused oils can also be used in other recipes: massage oil, bath oil, balms, ointments and creams.
The sun method
The method I use is a simple one which is known as The Sun method .
This traditional method allows the herb to steep in the sunlight over a period of time, usually 4-8 weeks.
Pros: enables all the constituents of the plant to thoroughly infuse the oil in the most traditional, heat-free and gentle method without the hassle of having to attend to a pan for hours such as with the heated pan method.
Cons: Though quick to start off, this takes time, and the lack of British sunshine can be frustrating (though bright days are sufficient).
I have taken this information from handmadeapothecary.co.uk
Which oils are best?
Which oils can be used?
Any carrier oil can be used to infuse herbs.
Here are some common examples:
• Sunflower oil – cheap and fairly neutral in scent and often comes from Europe, so more ‘local’ to UK buyers. For body rather than face use.
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• Rapeseed oil/Canola oil – cheap and neutral in scent. Also a more ‘local’ oil for UK buyers. For body rather than face use.
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• Olive oil – cheap, nourishing and good for those with nut/seed allergies. Thick, more moisturising for dry skin, slight scent. For body rather than face use.
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• Almond oil – for dry and sensitive skins, light scent. More expensive than the first two. Suitable for face.
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• Grapeseed oil – for oily skins, light and easily absorbed. More expensive than the first two. Suitable for face.
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• Jojoba oil – for all skin types, including oily. Matches natural skin sebum and therefore great for facial use.
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• Butters: In the UK shea, cocoa and coconut oil/butters are solid on purchase, with a consistency like very firm butter. When infusing butters, it is therefore best to use the heating methods to melt them to get the herb in. Once strained and cooled, butters also make a ‘cheat’s ointment’ suitable for vegans who avoid beeswax.
What you will need
What you need:
• Good quality oil, such as vegetable or olive oil
• Quantity of your chosen fresh or dried herbs, e.g. lavender, chamomile , marigolds, rose petals, thyme, St. Johns Wort (use fresh herb here)
• Clear glass jar or a wide mouthed bottle
Method
Fill a container half way with your dried herbs.
Cover them over with the oil, shaking slightly to get rid of air bubbles and ensure all plant material is covered. Any material sticking out of oil may go mouldy so press it down and use a small ramekin or glass marbles.
Place on the lid.
If you do choose to use fresh herbs, tie a piece of muslin over the mouth of the jar to allow any water to escape.
Leave the jar in a sunny place and shake slightly every day for 2-4 weeks until the herb has infused the oil, you will know this because it should take on a colour. E.g. you will find calendula oil will take on a golden hue, St. Johns wort will turn a ruby red, and rose oil will infuse a deliciously scented pink.
Old herbs can be strained out at this point and replaced with fresh to obtain a stronger oil. This would be the case especially for rose petals.
Make it stronger
Strain into a sterilised glass container.
Label and date.
Cautions
Caution:
NEVER take infused herbs internally (that is, eating or drinking them). When using FRESH HERBS and oil, a toxic bacteria called botulism can grow in the anaerobic (oxygen-free) conditions of an infused oil and cause fatal poisoning if eaten.
Don’t worry about using it on the outside though: Infused oils are perfectly safe to use ON the body as long as the user is not sensitive/allergic to any ingredients.
I hope you’ve found this infuriation as useful as I have.
I tend to make some balms with my oils; they also make great gifts. Keep an eye out for some recipes in the future
