How to Make Herbal Oils

I took some time recently to make up a batch of Basil oil, which is simply olive oil infused with Basil.

If you’ve never tried Basil oil on a Caprese salad during the summer, you are missing out! Herbal oils are more than just a “pretty face”. Much like herbal vinegar, they can have multiple uses that are not confined to the kitchen.

Why Should You Make Herbal Oils?

• Because they’re so easy and inexpensive to make.
• They’re safer to use on children and the elderly than essential oils. Some are even safe for the family dog.
• They’re less expensive than essential oils.
• They don’t need to be diluted like essential oils.
• They can be used as the base for body lotions, lip balms, healing salves, cleansers, scrubs, foot soaks, hair rinses. perfume and so much more!

Don’t get me wrong, I love essential oils! They work really well but they can be expensive!  So if you can find an alternative that works just as well, cost less and is safe for everyone, why not use it? Save your essential oils for something else!

Step 1: Choose Your Oil

There are about as many options for oils as there are options for what to put in the oils. I have listed the ones I have used the most and had best results with. But don’t stop there! Play around with grape seed, sunflower or even avocado oil…have fun with it!

• Olive oil: least expensive, has a long shelf life and can be found at any grocery store.
• Almond oil: slightly more expensive, good for babies skin and usually the first choice for hair/skin products.
• Jojoba oil: expensive but has a long shelf life, is good for babies and elderly. generally available only at specialty stores or online.

STEP 2: CHOOSE YOUR HERB

The herb chosen will depend on what you want your final oil to be used for. Fortunately, many herbal infusions have multiple purposes. These are just a few of my favorites but again, play with it and make it your own:

• Calendula: makes a great salve for most skin irritations like rashes, acne, eczema, poison ivy, bug bites, cuts, scraps and scratches.
• Peppermint: use in foot lotions, scrubs or foot soaks for tired, achy feet. Great for use in lip balms.
• Lavender: makes a great massage oil, after-bath moisturizer or as a base for homemade perfume. Rub some on before bedtime and sleep better.
• Vanilla bean: Good straight from the bottle as a massage oil, after-shower moisturizer or used as a base for perfume and body lotion. I use it as a base for homemade shower gel.
• Rosemary: Great for itchy, flaky scalp. Teeth and gums benefit when used as a mouth rinse. Add it to any tomato dish or use in place of olive oil when roasting potatoes.

NOTE: IT’S IMPORTANT TO USE ONLY DRY HERBS. FRESH HERBS RETAIN MOISTURE WHICH MAY CAUSE YOUR OIL TO BECOME MOLDY AND UNSAFE TO USE.

STEP 3: CHOOSE YOUR METHOD

Solar: Place herbs in a clean, dry jar. Make sure the oil covers the herbs by at least an extra inch. Seal with a plastic lid or use plastic wrap under a metal lid. Place in a sunny window for 2-3 weeks, shaking regularly.

Cold Process:

Place herbs in a clean, dry jar. Make sure the oil covers the herbs by at least an extra inch. Seal with a plastic lid or use plastic wrap under a metal lid. Place in a cool, dark place for 3-6 weeks, shaking regularly.

Hot Process:

Place oil and herbs in the top part of a double boiler, making sure herbs are covered with extra oil. Heat on low for 1-5 hours, stirring occasionally. The amount of time you let the oil heat depends on when the oil starts to smell like the herb.

Some herbs will only take a couple of hours. Others may take longer. It’s really up to you how potent you want the infusion to be. By the way, this method also makes the house smell good!

Once you’ve sampled your infusion and it smells just the way you want it, strain thru several layers of cheesecloth. For storage, use a sterile, completely dry bottle with a tight lid or cork. Any moisture left in the bottle will ruin your hard work. Be sure to label your oil with the date, type of herb and oil used and suggested uses.Your herbal oils should last a year or longer if bottled and stored properly.Therefore, it’s important to use fresh oil. Steer clear of  used or expired oil. And if you really want to extend that expiration date a bit further, try squeezing one or two capsules of Vitamin E into the final product.

How to use herbal oils:

You can use your herbal oil straight from the bottle in most cooking recipes. Use it as a massage oil, facial cleanser or after-bath moisturizer. But I encourage you to be adventurous and play with the possibilities.

Try adding beeswax to make a lip balm or a healing salve. Add cocoa butter or shea butter to make an ultra moisturizing body lotion or foot lotion.

As I said, the possibilities of herbal oils are as numerous as you can imagine and oh so simple to make! Plus, they would make excellent gifts!

So the next time you’re cooking and start to reach for the olive oil, try replacing it with an herbal infused oil. It might just be the boost your cooking needs to take it to the next level.

Better yet, replace your store-bought, chemical-filled lotion with an herbal infused oil that suits your personality, mood and wallet.

Bonus: it’s also better for your skin!

Oh, and don’t forget to replace that olive oil with Basil oil for your next summer salad.  You can thank me later!

Keep it simple, friends!

lisa

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