Herbal Infused Oil



What is an Herbal Infused Oil?

A herbal infused oil is a combination of a carrier oil and herbs/flowers that have been combined together to create a therapeutic remedy ormaybe for your favourite organic salad, medicinal balm or maybe for aromatherapy.

A carrier oil comes from the fatty part of the plant, such as the seed, or nuts. A Carrier oil is also what is suggests, it carries theherbal infused oil to the skin with minimal chance of irritation as maybe anessential oil can.

Essential oils are not as easy to obtain from some herbsand flowers, so infusing the herb or flower with a carrier oil can give thesames beneficial properties as an essential oil.

After the infused carrier oil has been made it with the herbs or flowers it then has the beneficial properties for either internal ingestion or applyingexternally depending on what you are making. Making a herbal infused oil is very easy...

It is preferable to use fresh, organically grown herbs or flowers.Herbs/flowers need to be picked at least a day before placing in the oilso the "wetness" has disappeared.

Various oils can be used, such as almond, olive, coconut or safflower.I would recommend olive oil as it rarely turns rancid, but you could try a few different oils for the flavour, texture etc.

When choosing a olive oil, assure that it is cold pressed and organic.

How to make an Herbal Infused Oil as follows:

Break up the herbs/flowers by hand and place in the jar 3/4 to full, the herbs must becompletely dry to avoid any mold ocuring once in the oil.The jar must be steralized (boil for 5 minutes) and dried thoroughly.Either leave jar in the sun or dry in the oven.

A jar with a wide neck is a lot easier to use later when you come to strain the oil.

Cover the plant with your chosen oil and be sure to entirely fill the jar to the top to eliminate any air pockets in the jar to prevent mold ocuring, which can happen quite easily.Place the jar in a dark cupboard (NEVER in the sun or on the window sill).

Shake the mixture as often as you can to help the healing properties of the herband the flavour to transfer into the oil. The jar needs to remain dark for atleast 10-15 days before using, longer is better, but you can use it earlier if you wish, (no longer than 6 weeks).

Strain the oil, using new clean muslin cloth or unbleached filter paper. It can takea bit longer with the filter paper but is more thorough in catching all the plant residue. If you want to have an even more potent infused oil (dependingon what you are making this for) repeat the process.

Note** Although I mentioned that olive oil doesn't usually go rancid, make sure all jars are steralized and dry, Vitamin E capsules (2)can be added to the oils (once decanted) to prevent rancidity.

Tips

  • Use only dry, organic, disease free plant
  • Loosley pack with coarse material
  • Make sure all air bubbles are removed by stirring the oil and topping up ifyou need to.
  • Cover and label clearly, if you are doing more than one infusion, you can keep track of dateswhen the oil is ready to use.
  • Leaving the oil any longer than 6 weeks may spoil the plant material.
  • Must be stored in a dark dry place.
  • You will probably need a saucer under the jar, as any air bubbles in the oil that surface can overflow.

After you try some of the recipes below you can see that working with nature in it's natural state is the way it should be. Not a trip to the drug store/pharmacy to relieve your ailment.

These are for ointments...as follows:

Calendula Ointment:

300ml Calendula infused oil 25g Beeswax

Melt beeswax in a pot, slightly warm infused oil in another pot. Add hot beeswax to warmed oil, whisking all the time. Pour beeswax into pot of oil and allow to cool and become solid. seal with lids. If the ointment/balm is too soft add more beeswax. Don't forget to label.

This ointment is very good for surface cuts and abrasions,leg ulcers, varicose veins, chapping, rashes and bruises. It is not intended for deeps wounds. Make sure surface wounds are clean and dry before applying ointment.

Lavender Sleep Balm:

300ml Lavender infused oilOptional several drops of pure essential Lavender oil25g beeswax

Melt beeswax in a pot, slightly warm infused oil in another. Add hot beeswax towarmed oil whisking all the time. Cool and allow to become solid, if the balm is too softadd more beeswax, (a little of trial and error here) seal with lids.Remember to label.

This sleep balm is great for restless little ones (and adults). Dab some balm on wrists, beside their pulse or on forehead at temple or on soles of feet, massage in lightly.Nice for a relax from your hectic day.

While your association with nature is to be sure the true way for well being, nature too has it's defence system. Many plants are poisonious or have some sort of poison in them,this is their protection for their own survival. Be sure to know your plants before you start experimenting with them, start with the basic herbs, such as lavender, basil, rosemary, sage, etc.

Our sense of smell and taste usually gives you the first clue as to whether this herb/flowershould be consumed or not. Rub the herb on your skin, if any rash or reaction occursthen maybe this is not the herb for you.

Not all poisons are fatal, some poisonous plants that are high on the deadly list stillhave to be consumed in large amounts to be fatal.

As your body is designed to eat plants, you do have your own defence system such as saliva (taste) and smell, if the taste is very bitter that can means it has acertain amount of poison. Try one herb at a time when making naturally infused oils, thisalso allows your body to absorb that herb for it's beneficial properties, or any reaction,also it's allows our connection with the plant and it's wonderous gift of nature.

Enjoy!

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