How to Make Infused Oils with Herbs?

Ask the Aromatherapist:

I WOULD LIKE TO MAKE INFUSED OILS. CAN YOU SUGGEST WHAT PLANTS(AND WHAT PARTS OF THE PLANTS)TO USE AND IF THEY SHOULD BE DRIED OR FRESH. I WOULD LIKE TO USE EVENING PRIMROSE AND ST JOHNS WORT. ALSO WHAT IS THE BEST VEG.OIL TO USE?

Infused herbal oils are a more peripheral tool in the aromatherapy tool box, but useful nonetheless and valued for their own healing properties. An infused oil is NOT the same as an essential oil. Essential oils are usually distilled from plant matter, and require a very large amount of plant matter to produce tiny amounts of essential oils, which are very concentrated substances. Infused oils are made by placing a small amount of plant matter in a carrier oil and allowing molecules of the plant to infuse into the carrier oil.

Infused oils are quite easy to make, and can be used as carrier oils for essential oils. Herbs that can be used to make infused oils include:

• lavender
• calendula
• peppermint
• chamomile
• St. John's wort
  

Suitable carrier, or base, oils to use for infusing are those with little or no scent and with a long shelf life. You might want to try:

• olive oil
• jojoba oil
• coconut oil
• or some combination of these, perhaps with small quantities of other oils

You can use either fresh or dried herbs, though dried may be more convenient if you don't grow your own. The dried herbs shouldn't be too old, and they should be slightly crushed (but not powdered) for infusing. In most cases you would use the flowers and small stems, or in cases where there are no flowers, use the top, more tender leaves and stems. For some herbs, the roots should be used, as these parts of the plant have most therpeutic value. You may need to do a bit of research to find out what part of the plant you should use.

Use 1/2 (dried) or 1 cup (fresh) herbs, in 2 cups of carrier oil. You can heat the mixture very gently (not more than 100 degrees F) for a few hours in a crock pot. Or, you can allow the infusion to take place over several days (allow up to a month) at room temperature. After the infusion is done, strain out the plant matter by pouring the mixture through a funnel with cheesecloth or a piece of muslin lining it. Collect the infused oil in a clean jar, and be sure to store it with the lid tight.

Though you mentioned evening primrose, this botanical is usually more valued as evening primrose oil, which comes from the seeds of the plant. Of course, you can certainly try making an infusion using the foliage.

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