Herbal Oil Infusions

Infusing herbs in oil is the first step in creating salves, balms and other products that can be used to replace many over-the-counter preparations.  I use infused oils to create anti-itch salves, lip balm, sore muscle rubs, wound healing balms, deodorant, massage oils, insect repellent bars, and moisturizing lotions. Infused oils are used topically and should not be consumed.

Finished oils; birch leaf, St. John's Wort, red clover, and plantain.

Oil has the ability to extract health enhancing properties from herbs.  Although you are not ingesting these properties your skin will absorb them through a process called; transdermal absorption.

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Skin's role is to protect our body by serving as a barrier, but we often forget that our skin is porous. Think about the nicotine patch or scopolamine (motion sickness) patch we are prescribed.  The substance on the patch is slowly absorbed into our blood stream.  This absorption process can benefit our health or threaten it, based on whether the substance being absorbed is nourishing or toxic.

All the health and beauty care products we use; cleansers, lotions, deodorants, over-the-counter ointments, colognes, and makeup are absorbed to some extent into our bodies.  If those items are high in chemical toxins our bodies have to work hard to metabolize and eliminate them.

On the other hand, if we are using herbal infusions our body will be supported and nourished.  Soaking in epsom salts is a great example of adding minerals (especially magnesium) to our bodies using transdermal absorption.

It is possible to replace many if not all of the chemically laden products in your bathroom and medicine cabinet with equally effective and healthy herbal products and learning how to infuse herbs in oil is one of the first steps.

Dried/Fresh/Wilted

Herbalist have differing opinions on whether herbs should be dried or fresh when infused in oil.  When fresh herbs are used there is a risk of mold occurring due to the water content in fresh plants.  Dried herbs can be infused with little risk of spoiling.  I have experimented with both methods and found that certain herbs extract better when using fresh plant material, particularly St. John's Wort, plantain, comfrey,and red clover buds.

A compromise to the fresh or dry choice to to use plant material that has been picked and allowed to wilt overnight, thus removing some of the water content. A fun experiment is to infuse both dried and fresh plant material from the same herb and see if there is a difference in the final product.

Wilted plantain leaves.

Oil choices

Organic olive oil is most commonly used in oil infusions.  Select a good quality oil and start with small batches.  Using organic oils helps eliminate exposure to residual herbicides or pesticides associated with chemical farming practices. I have used grape seed oil and hemp seed oil as well and have seen recipes featuring coconut oil as a solvent.


Selecting an herb to infuse

Gathering information is the first step in choosing an herb to infuse.  It is helpful to think about what products your family uses regularly and select an herb that will meet that need.  These plants are commonly used for oil infusions;

• Plantain - soothes rashes/anti-itch - great for mosquito bites

• St. John's Wort - relieves muscle soreness and the sting of burns

• Comfrey - promotes healing (do not use on deep wounds)

• Arnica - helps bruises heal faster

• Yarrow - disinfects and promotes healing of surface wounds

• Mullein flower/garlic - promotes healing of ear infections

• Red Clover Bud - aids in breast health

• Calendula - soothing/healing for skin irritations/surface wounds

Making an herbal infusion

Assemble your supplies;

• Plant material - dry or wilted
• Organic olive oil (or a different oil of your choice)
• Glass jar with tight fitting lid - small and completely dry
• Marker
• Small plate

Process

• Chop your the leaves or flowers into small pieces.  The more exposed surface space the better the absorption.

Stack plantain leaves for easy cutting.

Roll up the leaves and cut in thin slices.

• Place chopped plant material in a small glass jar - if your plant material is dry fill half the jar.  Fill the jar about 3/4 full if you are using fresh wilted plant material.

Fill jar about 3/4 full of chopped plant material.

Chopped up plantain leaves in a glass jar.

• Pour in the oil, making sure all the plant material covered and under the surface of the oil.  Use a chop stick to remove air bubbles and move the plant material around until it is all coated with oil.   (plant material exposed to air will mold.)

• Finish filling the jar up to the very top with oil.

• Cover the jar with a clean dry lid, label with herb, type of oil used, and date.

• Place a plate or small bowl under the jars to catch the oil that will leak out over time.

• Place in a sunny spot for six weeks.

Red clover buds and St. John's Wort flowers and leaves in oil.

Nylon jelly bags work great for straining.

• Strain the oil by placing the jelly bag in a glass measuring cup or bowl and empty the jar into the bag.  Lift up the bag so the oil can drain into the measuring cup.  Gather the top of the bag together and twist and squeeze until all the liquid is in the cup.  Compost the left over plant material (marc).

A jar of plantain infused in hemp seed oil is strained through a jelly bag.

The oil is deep green in color and the plant material has reduced in size.

You will notice that the color from the leaves or flowers has bled into the oil.  St. John's Wort is especially fun as the oil will be red in color.  Each oil will also have a unique smell based on the plant that was infused.

Let the oil sit overnight.  If any water remains it the oil, it will settle to the bottom.  Pour the finished oil into a glass jar making sure the watery fluid does not get into the jar.  Refrigerate until ready to use.

Click here to learn how to make salves/ointments using your herbal infused oils.

Tips

• Save small glass jars from mustard or spices so you can make small batches. Then if the oil molds you have wasted fewer ingredients.

• If you see mold discard the mixture and try again using drier plant material.

• Glass jars and their lids can be thoroughly dried by placing them in an oven set at the lowest setting for several minutes.

• Vitamin E, A or grapefruit seed oil can be added to finished oils as a preservative.

Please note: The objective of this blog is to raise awareness of alternative ways to achieve wellness and to empower you to take an active role in your health decisions.  To accomplish this, you will need to explore these subjects in greater depth and then determine what makes sense for your life.  My hope is that this information will inspire you to start your own search into ways to make your life happier, healthier and more fulfilling.