Herbal infused oils are a staple in natural skin care, harnessing the powerful properties of herbs to create soothing, healing, and nourishing oils. Whether you’re a seasoned herbalist or a homesteading newbie, making your own herbal infused oils is an accessible and rewarding process. This guide will walk you through the most potent method of creating these oils, ensuring you get the maximum benefit from your herbs.
How to make the BEST herbal infused oil
Herbal infused oils are a staple in natural skin care, harnessing the
powerful properties of herbs to create soothing, healing, and nourishing
oils.
Materials
- Fresh or dried herbs of your choice (e.g., calendula, chamomile, lavender)
- Carrier oil (e.g., olive oil, jojoba oil, coconut oil)
- Blender
- Double boiler, slow cooker or dehydrator
- High proof vodka
- Cheesecloth or fine mesh strainer
- Glass jars for storage
Tools
Instructions
1. If using fresh herbs, ensure they are completely dry to prevent mold
growth (this does not pertain to EVERY herb, so make sure you read up on
which herbs need to be fresh).
2. Blend the herbs in a blender to break them into small pieces, increasing the surface area for infusion.
3. Place the blended herbs in a clean glass jar, about half way up the jar.
4. Add enough vodka to dampen the herbs. Let this mixture sit for 8-12 hours.
5. Pour the carrier oil over the herbs, ensuring they are completely submerged. Fill the jar all the way to the top.
6. Set the jar in a double boiler or slow cooker and fill with water half
way up the jar. Maintain a temperature of around 100-110°F (37-49°C).
Keep a thermometer in the water to insure it doesn’t get too warm.
7. Keep the mixture warm for 2-3 days, stirring or shaking occasionally to ensure even infusion. Dehydrators with temperature controls are ideal for this method, as it’s
much easier to put the jar in and not worry about the water getting too warm or cool.
8. After 2-3 days, strain the oil through cheesecloth, cotton cloth or a fine mesh strainer to remove the herb solids. Squeeze the cheesecloth to extract as much oil as possible.
9. Transfer the infused oil to a clean glass jar with a tight-fitting lid. Label the jar with the herb(s), type of carriers oil and date. Store in a cool, dark place to preserve its potency and extend its shelf life.
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Why Choose Herbal Infused Oils?
Herbal infused oils are a fantastic choice for skin care due to their ability to deliver the therapeutic properties of herbs directly to the skin. Scientific studies support the use of herbal oils for their anti-inflammatory, antimicrobial, and antioxidant properties, which can aid in healing skin conditions, reducing inflammation, and protecting against free radicals.
Benefits of Herbal Infused Oils
- Natural Healing: Herbal oils contain bioactive compounds that can accelerate wound healing and soothe irritated skin.
- Moisturizing: These oils provide deep hydration and help maintain the skin’s natural moisture barrier.
- Anti-inflammatory: Many herbs, such as calendula and chamomile, have anti-inflammatory properties that can reduce redness and swelling.
- Antimicrobial: Certain herbs like lavender and tea tree oil have antimicrobial effects that can help prevent and treat infections.
The Best Method for Making Potent Herbal Infused Oils
To create the most potent herbal infused oils, we use the hot infusion method, which involves blending the herbs and gently heating them in oil over a few days. This method ensures maximum extraction of the beneficial compounds from the herbs.
Step-by-Step Guide to Making Herbal Infused Oils
Ingredients and Tools:
- Fresh or dried herbs of your choice (e.g., calendula, chamomile, lavender)
- Carrier oil (e.g., olive oil, jojoba oil, coconut oil)
- Blender
- Double boiler, slow cooker or dehydrator
- High proof vodka
- Cheesecloth or fine mesh strainer
- Glass jars for storage
Instructions:
- Prepare the Herbs:
- If using fresh herbs, ensure they are completely dry to prevent mold growth (this does not pertain to EVERY herb, so make sure you read up on which herbs need to be fresh).
- Blend the herbs in a blender to break them into small pieces, increasing the surface area for infusion.
- Combine Herbs and Oil:
- Place the blended herbs in a clean glass jar, about half way up the jar.
- Add enough vodka to dampen the herbs. Let this mixture sit for 8-12 hours.
- Pour the carrier oil over the herbs, ensuring they are completely submerged. Fill the jar all the way to the top.
- Heat the Mixture:
- Set the jar in a double boiler or slow cooker and fill with water half way up the jar. Maintain a temperature of around 100-110°F (37-49°C). Keep a thermometer in the water to insure it doesn’t get too warm.
- Keep the mixture warm for 2-3 days, stirring or shaking occasionally to ensure even infusion.
- Dehydrators with temperature controls are ideal for this method, as it’s much easier to put the jar in and not worry about the water getting too warm or cool.
- Strain the Oil:
- After 2-3 days, strain the oil through cheesecloth, cotton cloth or a fine mesh strainer to remove the herb solids.
- Squeeze the cheesecloth to extract as much oil as possible.
- Store the Infused Oil:
- Transfer the infused oil to a clean glass jar with a tight-fitting lid.
- Label the jar with the herb(s), type of carriers oil and date.
- Store in a cool, dark place to preserve its potency and extend its shelf life.
Popular Herbs for Infused Oils and Their Benefits
- Calendula:
- Anti-inflammatory and healing properties.
- Ideal for soothing irritated skin and promoting wound healing.
- Chamomile:
- Calming and anti-inflammatory effects.
- Great for sensitive skin and reducing redness.
- Lavender:
- Antimicrobial and calming properties.
- Useful for acne-prone skin and relaxation.
- Rosemary:
- Antioxidant and antimicrobial benefits.
- Stimulates circulation and supports skin regeneration.
Scientific Support for Herbal Infused Oils
Several studies highlight the efficacy of herbal infused oils in skin care. For instance, a study published in the Journal of Ethnopharmacology demonstrated the anti-inflammatory and wound healing properties of calendula oil. Another study in the Journal of Applied Microbiology confirmed the antimicrobial effects of lavender oil, making it effective against various skin infections.
Putting it all together
Creating your own herbal infused oils is a simple yet powerful way to incorporate the benefits of herbs into your skin care routine. By using the hot infusion method, you ensure that your oils are potent and effective. Start experimenting with different herbs and oils to discover what works best for your skin’s unique needs.
For more tips on herbalism and homesteading, stay tuned to our blog, and don’t forget to share your experiences with herbal infused oils in the comments below!
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