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Oil infusions are the basis of many herbal formulations. From salves to soaps and lotions to skincare, before you can begin any recipe, you must first infuse your carrier oil with the desired botanicals. But like the old saying, “There’s more than one way to skin a cat,” there is also more than one way to make an oil infusion. In fact, there are three primary methods: the Cold Process, the Hot Process, and the Alcohol Intermediary Method. In our product line, we use a combination of all three depending on the formula and the desired outcome for the finished product.
Today, we are starting our three-part series on oil infusions with the cold process method, which is the simplest method to master.
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What Oil Should I Use For My Infusion?
The first question you may have is what the best carrier oil is, and the answer could get quite complex. But for today, we are going to keep it simple. If you are new to working with herbs, I recommend beginning with olive oil or fractionated coconut oil because they both have a long shelf life, are typically easy to acquire, and are suitable for nearly all applications, from skincare to culinary.
However, when it comes to carrier oils, there is no shortage of options, and you can find our Guide to Carrier Oils below for more information on other choices that may be suitable for you.
What is an Oil Infusion?
An infused oil is a carrier oil that has been infused with various herbal or plant materials. The infusion process can be used to transfer volatile oils, scents, medicinal compounds, and even flavors into an oil.
Should I Use Fresh or Dried Herbs for Oil Infusions?
Particularly when just starting out, I always recommend using the dried form of your chosen herbs, roots, barks, resins, or other plant matter. Fresh botanicals can be used for infusions, but they are not as easy to work with. They require extra planning and additional steps to ensure a stable finished product. Since they are fresh, the herbs will have an added water content that will need to be removed to ensure your finished formula doesn’t grow mold or bacteria. So, leave the fresh herbs for later in your herbalism journey.
Where Can I Purchase Herbs for Oil Infusions?
We grow or wild-forage most of the herbs we use in our apothecary line, and you can purchase certain herbs from us here in our Apothecary. However, when we need to purchase an herb or ingredient, we trust Mountain Rose Herbs and Starwest Botanicals (Use code CONNIE10OFF with our affiliate link for a 10% discount).
Supplies Needed For Herbal Oil Infusions
The good news is there are not a lot of fancy or expensive tools or equipment needed for a basic oil infusion, but here are the things you may want to have on hand:
Carrier oil(s) of Choice
Dried herb(s) of Choice
Parchment Paper
Dry Glass Jar (with a tight-fitting lid) Sterilized
Measuring Spoons
Cheesecloth or Fine Mesh Strainer (preferably both)
Labels and a Permanent Marker
Mortar and Pestle or Coffee Grinder (optional)
Pro Tips Before You Begin
Dried herbs should always be used to make culinary oils for cooking and eating to minimize the risk of botulism.
You can make your infusions with single herbs or blend herbs to create a custom formula. The choices are endless, and it's completely up to you!
Always use dry, sterilized jars with tight-fitting lids when making herb-infused oils.
When straining your infused oils, it is best to wear gloves. This is especially true when working with herbs like turmeric, which can stain your skin.
Amber-colored glass bottles will reduce exposure to light when storing your infused oils, which speeds up the degradation of your oils and herbal properties.
Be sure to label jars and bottles with dates and ingredients during the infusion process and after bottling for storage.
Measuring Your Herbs for Oil Infusions
Herb-infused oils can be made using either the traditional “folk method” or the more precise ratio method. The choice is entirely up to you. The folk method is typically preferred for home use because it is simpler and requires less work. However, if you plan to sell your herbal preparations, the ratio method will help ensure a consistent finished product.
Folk Method
The folk or traditional method is just about as simple as you can get. Fill your clean and sterile jar approximately ½ to ⅓ full with your desired herbs. There is no need to measure. Simply “eyeball” the quantities until they look good to you, the top with oil to just below the rim of the jar.
Ratio Method
To create an herb-infused oil using the ratio method, you will need a scale or measuring spoons. For this method, measure out 1 ounce of your dried herb or herb blend and add it to your clean and sterilized jar. Then, pour 10 fluid ounces of your desired carrier oil(s) over the herbs.
Oil Infusions - The Cold Process Method
This method requires 30 days of wait time but very little hands-on time. It is the most straightforward oil infusion technique for beginners to master!
The Supplies:
A sterilized jar with a tight-fitting lid
Carrier oil(s) of choice
Enough dried herb(s) to fill your jar ½ to ⅓ full
Cheesecloth and/or a fine mesh strainer
The Method:
Crumble your dried plant matter into your sterile glass jar.
Fill your jar with the carrier oil of your choice to about 1″ from the top.
Use a clean chopstick or spoon handle to gently stir the herbs and oil, and release any air pockets in the jar.
Seal your jar and place it on a shelf for 4 - 6 weeks, shaking it every day or two to help the infusion process.
Once the herbs have macerated for the appropriate time (4-6 weeks), strain all of the plant matter out of the oil using a cheesecloth-lined strainer.
Your infused oil is now ready to use, or it can be labeled and stored in a cool, dark place for up to one year (as long as you have used a shelf-stable oil.)
Welcome to Your Herbalism Journey!
We hope that this article has given you the confidence to boldly make your own oil infusions! Tell us all about your projects, or ask any questions in the comments below. Until next time,
Disclaimer:
Content from thisunboundlife.com is informational and not intended as a substitute for professional medical advice. Just because something is “natural” does not make it safe for every person. Many plants should be avoided when pregnant or nursing and some can cause extreme interactions with prescription and over-the-counter medicine.
While we strive to be 100% accurate, utilizing information from scientific studies, trusted sources, and verified publications, we are not health professionals, medical doctors, or nutritionists. It is solely up to the reader to verify nutritional information and health benefits with qualified professionals for all edible and medicinal plants listed on this website and to ensure proper plant identification.
The information provided by this site is not intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any disease. Before using herbal preparations, always research them, speak to a professional about any significant concerns, and seek medical advice when needed.