How To Make A Herbal Infused Oil
To support the skin during Djeran season.
Infused oils are carrier oils that are used to extract the medicinal properties of herbs. The infused oil can then be used therapeutically to support the skin, joints, bone, tendons, muscles and fascia.
This article will guide you through making a simple infused oil. Once you have made your oil, you can turn it into a medicial balm using the guide here.
HERBS
Herbs are best used dried to prevent bacterial and fungal contamination of your oil.
Some of the herbs you can use in your infused oil includes:
Calendula: my absolute favourite skin herb! She’s the bees knees when it comes to healing. Soothes lumps, bumps, bruises, burns, insect bites, grazes, cuts and so much more. Has been shown to speed up angiogenesis to aid in wound healing. Anti-inflammatory, antimicrobial, vulnerary, astringent.
Gotu kola: increases blood supply to wounds to spped up healing, supports repair of connective tissue, anti-inflammatory and supports collagen synthesis.
Chamomile: supports wound healing, soothing for red, hot and irritated rashes, anti-histamine so can reduce itching of bites.
Plantain: wonderful for wound healing, reducing inflammation, has anti-microbial properties and can help relieve pain.
OILS
My favourite oil for infusing herbs is cold pressed extra virgin olive oil. I find that it carries the therapeutic properties of the herb so well, is cheap, easily accessible and contains it’s own medicinal properties.
Some oils that you can consider for your infused oil include:
Olive Oil: as mentioned above, carries the medicinal properties of the herb beautifully. Contains remarkable anti-oxidants, has large amounts of Vitamin E, phytosterols and squalene and is an emollient. Opt for cold pressed extra virgin.
Almond Oil: forms a protective layer over the skin helping to retain moisture. Rich in beta-sitosterol, squalene and Vitamin E. Leaves the skin feeling soft, nourished and revitalised.
Apricot Kernel Oil: has softening and moisturising properties, helps to improve skin elasticity and tone while diminishing the signs of aging. It is deeply penetrating so is useful in salves to the medicinal properties to it is needed.
INFUSION
Ingredients
Dried herb of choice, finely chopped
Carrier oil of choice
Vitamin E oil
Large glass jar
Place dried herb into jar with at least 5cm of open space at the top to cover with oil of choice. Ensure to herbs with at least 3cm of oil. Add 1% Vitamin E oil as an antioxidant to stop your oils from going rancid too quickly. Cap the jar tightly and label with the date. Use one of the infusing methods below to extarct the medicinal properites of the herbs.
Infusion Methods
There are 3 ways in which an oil infusion can be made: cold infusion, warm infusion and sun infusion. My preferred way is the traditional cold infusion, but warm infusion is useful when you want to make a batch of infused oil quickly.
Cold Infusion: Leave herbs in a warm, dark place, like the pantry, to infuse for 8-12 weeks. Shake daily so that as much oil as possible comes into contact with the herbs and their healing properties infused readily.
Warm Infusion: place the herb and oil jar into a slow cooker filled with water and leave to infused on low heat overnight.
Sun Infusion: cover the jar in a brown paper bag to avoid the sunlight spoiling the herbs. The sun is a degrader and will break down the medicinal properties if exposed. Shake daily for 2-6 weeks depending on temperature.
Straining
Once ready, strain your herbs using a sieve and a fine muslin cloth into a jar. Label jar with date of straining and cap. Store in a cool, dark place for up to 1 year.