Making your own infused oils isn't as difficult as you may think! I use so many different oils for so many different all natural remedies, I love to make (most) of my own.
A FEW THINGS YOU MAY NEED: (depending on desired preparation)
- Your desired herbs / flowers *Organic is best* (I like to use dried herbs to prevent bacteria from forming in oil) (You can also crush the herbs if you'd like - this sometimes helps to pull out the most from the herbs)
- Large Storage jar with an airtight lid for infusion (I like to use Mason jars for this)
- Smaller storage jars (or you can keep oil in the larger one)
- Carrier oil that your herbs will infuse into (some options are Virgin Olive, Sweet Almond, Grapeseed, Hemp etc. it is best to look up the different oils to see which is good for what. Extra Virgin Olive oil is least expensive and easiest to obtain but I've put together a bit of a list HERE on choosing a carrier oil that's best suited for what you're making)
- A fine mesh Strainer or Cheesecloth
- Stove
- Pan
- Funnel
There are a few ways I do this.
Natural or Sun Infusion.
- Put herbs you wish to infuse in a jar that has an airtight lid. (Mason / jam jars work well for this)
- Fill the jar the rest of the way with your choice of oil (Or at least until the herbs are covered)
- Seal the jar with an airtight lid or cork.
- Leave the jar to brew on it's own, best in a sunny windowsill.
- Shake jar every few days - checking the scent / strength of the oil, straining and replacing herbs if a more powerful strength is desired. Usually allowing to brew 1-2 weeks or more.
- Strain using cheesecloth or a fine screen strainer & store in jar.
- Store in a dark cool place / in a dark bottle or depending - in the fridge.
Fast Infusion - Double Boiler / Heating Method
BE CAREFUL & USE OVEN MITTS IF HANDLING JAR!
- Put herbs you wish to infuse in a jar that has an airtight lid. (Mason / jam jars work well for this)
- Fill the jar the rest of the way with your choice of oil (or at least until the herbs are covered)
- Place the jar in a pan filled a quarter of the way full of water and turn on low - medium heat. (I leave mine somewhere between low & medium and I let it infuse for an hour - 2 hours or so. (I leave the lid off) Don't boil, and don't heat the glass up too hot as the jar may burst.
- Stir every few minutes. Be sure not to allow the water to get into the oil.
- Allow to cool,
- Strain out herbs using cheesecloth or a very fine strainer.
- Store in jars, either dark coloured or store in a cool dark place or in the fridge.
I recommend Mountain Rose Herbs & Starwest Botanicals for all of your herbal healing needs!
HAPPY INFUSING! ~ <3
Have you got any tips or tricks about infusing your own oils? Or even different blends you like to make? I'd love for you to share with me in the comments below!
Some of the links here are affiliate sites. & Please also see my disclaimer. Thanks Friends.
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