How to Make a Standard Oil Infusion Folk Method
Before we get started I want to be very clear that this is completely different from essential oils, which we are not making.
This is almost just like making a tincture. First, let’s talk about what an oil infusion is and its purpose. An oil infusion is when the plant matter from the plant is being extracted with oil.
Unlike tincture, there are so many options you can do with an herbal-infused oil. When the oil is done macerating, you can use it right away as body oil. I put some in tincture bottles and oil cleanse with it. You can use it to make salves and balms. When using culinary herbs you can flavor up the oil and then use it on your food.
Please don’t use vegetable oil, canola oil, or any seed oil. You can use olive oil, avocado oil, jojoba oil, apricot oil, almond oil, and coconut oil. If you are planning on making salves, balms, or plan on cooking with your oil, make sure that oil has a high smoke point. The oil I use the most is avocado oil. I love it because it doesn’t have a scent and it has a high smoke point. Olive oil is amazing for the skin, however, I am not a fan of the smell and it doesn’t have a high smoke point.
Here is how to make herbal infused oil:
With fresh herbs, fill your jar all the way to the top. Have it lightly packed. Then fill the jar all the way to the top with your oil.
With dried herbs, fill your jar halfway or all the way to the top, whichever you feel the most comfortable with. Then fill the jar all the way to the top with your oil.
Then tightly put your lid on the jar and give it a good shake. Add a label to the jar, with the herb’s name, today’s date, and when it is going to be ready. It would be a good idea also to add where you got the herb.
Place your oil in a safe, warm, and dark area. Shake it daily or every other day so it doesn’t mold or oxidize.
There are a lot of herbalists that will tell you to leave it in the sun, and they keep it in their windows. I have had a couple of work this way, but I also had one go rancid this way. The sun can make your oils go rancid. Most oils you buy at the store don’t come in clear bottles. This is to protect the oil from the sun, so it doesn’t go rancid. It does need to go in a warm area though.
Your oil should be ready in 4 to 6 weeks.
