Infused oils are best used for skin and hair, and food depending on the herb. Not all are edible, although some that are not edible can still be used in skin and hair care. For example, arnica is toxic internally, except when in a homeopathic form, but is great for topical application.
My favorite ways to make herbal infused oils is the solar-infusion method. This is great if you have sunlight and a couple weeks before you need it. I like to find a flat rock, sandy, or concrete area to concentrate the heat.
Solar-Infused Oil
Place the herbs in a widemouth glass jar and cover with oil. Make sure the oil is well above the herbs. The amount of herbs used depends on the particle size.
Place the jar in a warm, sunny spot and let the mixture steep for 2-3 weeks.
Strain out the herbs, using a fine cloth, such as cheese cloth or muslin.
Pour into containers.
Label with name, date, and contents.
The other way to make infused oil is the double boiler method. This is good when you don’t have sun or time.
Double Boiler Method.
Chop the herbs and put them in the top part of a double boiler. The double boiler is to keep it from overheating and destroying the herbs and oil.
Cover the herbs with oil.
Slowly bring the oil to a very low simmer, just a few bubbles. No rapid boiling. The lower and slower the better the oil.
Simmer 30-60 minutes, checking frequently. When it smells herby, it is done.
Strain the herbs, using a strainer and fine cloth
Pour into containers.
Label with name, date, and contents.
When using fresh herbs, make sure to wilt them first. You can do this by placing them on a screen or basket for a few hours. This will evaporate the water from them. This is important, because water will cause your oils to go rancid sooner.
Infused oils can last a few months, up to a year. To extend the shelf life, make a big container, to pour into small container. And, store the extra in the fridge.
Carrier Oils
There are many carrier oils to choose from. Which is something you can explore more. I will just mention 3 common ones here.
Olive Oil – Olive oil has been used cosmetically since ancient times. Olive oil — particularly extra-virgin olive oil — is a good all-around natural moisturizer and is recommended for dehydrated skin. It’s super rich in fatty acids and vitamin E. It helps maintain skin elasticity. It contains antioxidants to protect skin from damage. Because it is rich in essential fatty acids, olive oil is good for dehydrated and aging skin. Olive oil is similar to the oils naturally produced by our skin and so is absorbed well into the skin. It is best for very dry skin. It has a great conditioning effect and can be used in almost all applications because of its stable nature. It typically does not cause allergies, but because it’s a heavier oil, those with acne should avoid using it on their face. Do not expose to extended periods of light, except when infusing.
Coconut Oil – This is a great oil for general moisturizing and serves as a protective layer, helping to retain the moisture in your skin. Coconut oil is the first choice for most people in the cosmetics and soap industry. Will melt at 76-79 degrees and turn to liquid. Coconut oil isn’t able to easily penetrate the deeper layers of the skin. Instead, it sits on surface layers of the skin more like a wax. For this reason, it doesn’t provide the long-lasting moisture most of us are looking for. However, its 12-carbon fatty acid structure allows it to penetrate the hair cuticle and help provide flexibility and strength.
Sunflower Oil – An oil wealthy in oleic acids and vitamins A, D, and E. Sunflower oil also has beneficial amounts of lecithin, and unsaturated fatty acids. Deeply nourishing and conditioning for the skin. I like to use this when I need a really fast absorbing oil. Stores well under any condition but extreme heat and light will lessen the shelf life.
Remember, your skin is your largest and most absorbent organ.
A study published in the American Journal of Public Health looked into the skin’s absorption rates of chemicals found in drinking water. It showed that the skin absorbed an average of 64% of total contaminant dosage. Other studies found the face to be several times more permeable than broad body surfaces and an absorption rate of 100% for underarms and genitalia. And another peer-reviewed study showed 100% absorption for fragrance ingredients.
When choosing any oils or herbs, be sure to select organic. Otherwise, you will be infusing oils with toxic chemicals. And, many oils are processed using toxic chemical solvents.
