LESS IS MORE. BARE IS BETTER

What you will need |

  • Ingredients |

    • Carrier oil (e.g., sunflower oil, olive oil, jojoba oil)

    • Dried herbs: Fresh herbs can contain too much water, which may lead to mold in the oil. Opt for dried herbs to ensure longevity. Common herbs for infusion include lavender, chamomile, calendula, rosemary, or rose petals. Choose an herb that benefits your skin the most. Check out our section about learning the herbs.

  • Equipment |

    A glass jar with a lid (such as a mason jar)

    • A cheesecloth
    • A double boiler or a heat-safe bowl and saucepan (for the slow method)
    • Storage containers (dark glass bottles or jars for storing the finished oil)
    • A stirring utensil
    • A Measuring Cup
    • A scale

  • *Optional |

    • A few drops of essential oils (such as lavender or tea tree) for added fragrance or therapeutic benefits.
    • Be sure you are not sensitive to essential oils and always be sure to dilute them in your prepared carrier oil.
Herbbotany Salve 4 oz Calendula Salve

Method 1: The Cold Infusion Method (Without Heat)

Step-by-Step Instructions:

  1. Prepare the Herbs: Measure out your dried herbs. The typical ratio is about 1 part dried herbs to 2 parts carrier oil. For example, use 1 cup of dried herbs to 2 cups of carrier oil.
  2. Combine Herbs and Oil: Add the dried herbs to a glass jar, and pour in your carrier oil, ensuring that the herbs are completely submerged.
  3. Seal and Store: Close the jar tightly and place it in a cool, dark area, such as a cupboard. Shake the jar once or twice a day to help release the oils from the herbs into the carrier oil.
  4. Infuse for 2-4 Weeks: Allow the herbs to infuse for 2-4 weeks. The longer you leave the herbs to infuse, the more potent the oil will be. Keep the jar away from direct sunlight and heat to maintain the integrity of the oils.
  5. Strain the Oil: After 2-4 weeks, strain the oil using a fine mesh strainer or cheesecloth. Squeeze the herbs to extract as much oil as possible.
  6. Store the Infused Oil: Transfer the strained oil into dark glass bottles or jars and store it in a cool, dark place.

( Many add vitamin E oil as an oil preservative, this is optional if you are using a carrier oil with high vitamin E content.)

Method 2: The Warm Infusion Method (Using Heat)

Step-by-Step Instructions:

Prepare the Herbs: Measure out your dried herbs. The typical ratio is about 1 part dried herbs to 2 parts carrier oil. For example, use 1 cup of dried herbs to 2 cups of carrier oil.

Combine Herbs and Oil: Place the dried herbs in a heat safe glass jar or container. Pour your chosen carrier oil over the herbs, ensuring they are fully submerged. Stir to mix and ensure the herbs are evenly distributed in the oil.

Warm the Mixture: Create a double boiler by placing the jar with the oil and herbs in a saucepan with about 3 inches of water. Heat the saucepan over low heat, keeping the temperature between 100°F to 120°F (38°C to 49°C). You want the oil to warm gently, not to overheat or boil, as high heat can degrade the properties of both the oil and the herbs.

Infuse the Oil: Let the mixture warm for 1 to 3 hours, stirring occasionally. Keep an eye on the temperature to avoid overheating. The heat helps extract the beneficial properties from the herbs into the oil.

Cool and Strain: Once you’ve infused the oil for a few hours, remove the jar from the heat and let it cool to room temperature. Strain the oil using a cheesecloth, or muslin cloth to remove the herbs. Squeeze the cloth to extract as much infused oil as possible.

Store the Infused Oil: Transfer the strained oil into dark glass bottles or jars to protect it from light. Label the bottles with the date and the herbs used. Store your infused oil in a cool, dark place. It can last for several months when stored properly. ( Many add vitamin E oil as an oil preservative, this is optional if you are using a carrier oil with high vitamin E content.)