Learn how to make your own herbal infused oils, as well as some of the many ways you can use it.
This past year I had the biggest garden that I have ever had, and this year is even larger. I’ve grown more herbs than I have ever grown before in years past.
Besides the usual culinary purposes of herbs, I like to use them in other ways as well. Some I grew for teas, some I grow for medicinal purposes, and some can be used all three ways.
One of the new herbs that I grew was chamomile. While most people would think of chamomile as a flower or as tea, it can be used for many things, to include infused oil.
Infused oils are oils that have been infused with herbs and are used for a number of things, to include lotions, salves, massage oils, medicinal balms and more.
When making your own herbal infused oils, you would start of course with oil. You can use olive oil, grapeseed oil or coconut oil. If you are using coconut oil, you would use fractionated coconut oil. That is the oil that remains liquid, not the kind you cook with.
The herbs that you choose to use should be completely dry. If there is moisture in the herbs, you will run the risk of the herbs molding or becoming rancid.
How to Make Infused Oils
What You Need:
- 1 cup oil
- 1/2 ounce dry herbs (measured by weight)
- glass jar with airtight lid
- muslin or cheese cloth (or a very fine strainer)
- measuring cup
- kitchen scale
Instructions:
To make the infused oil, combine the oil with the dry herbs in an air tight, glass container. A mason jar works perfectly for this.
Place the jar in a sunny location, somewhere that you will see it every day.
Each day, give the jar a gentle shake. Allow the oil and herb combination to do its thing for 2 – 4 weeks.
After the oil has become infused, strain out all of the herbs using a very fine strainer, muslin or cheese cloth.
Save the oil in a fresh, glass, airtight container. I prefer to use amber glass jars or bottles for this, as they help block light.
Store the infused oil for up to 6 months in a cabinet, out of sunlight.
How to Quickly Infuse Oil with Herbs
If you are in a hurry, there is a quicker way to make your infused oils. Personally, I think the slow method is better, but if you are wanting infused oil quickly, for things like lotions or other products, this method works great.
Again, you would need the oil and dry herbs, but this time you will use heat rather than time to do the job.
You May Also Like: DIY Mint Extract Recipe
Combine the oil and herbs in an oven-safe dish. The herbs should be covered with oil, and not exposed to the air.
Heat your oven to 300 degrees.
Place the dish in the oven, and bake it at the low temperature for 2-3 hours. Strain the oil as you do in the other method, while the oil is still warm. Allow it to cool and store it as before.
There are many ways to use infused oils. You can use them as is, as an after shower oil. After bathe, towel dry off and rub the oils on your skin to help seal in moisture.
Another way to use the infused oil, is in other products that you may make, like lotions or lip balms. Here I share a recipe for making a salve from your infused oils.
I love hearing from you! Comments, thoughts and questions are always welcome. Manners are requisite. Your email address is never published. Don't forget to rate recipes!