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Infused Oils

Infused oils are one of the oldest methods for extracting, preserving, and using herbs. Infused oils will contain essential oil constituents as well as other fat-soluble constituents. These can be very beautiful and useful tools.

Common Infused Oils

  • Lavender L. angustifolia
  • Rosemary R. officinalis
  • Arnica A. Montana
  • Mullein V. hapsus
  • Carrot D. carotus
  • Chamomile M. recutita or C. nobile
  • St. John’s Wort H. perforatum
  • Calendula C. officinalis

How to Prepare Infused Oils

  • Solar Method
  • Water Bath
  • Crock Pot
  • Alcohol Intermediary Method

Solar Method St. John’s Wort Hypericum perforatum Oil

  • Base oil: 1 cup
  • Dried herb or herb blend: ½ ounce OR fresh herb: 1 ounce
  • Important to make sure all the herb material is covered by the base oil. Seal the jar.
  • Allow to sit for several weeks.
  • Strain through muslin.
  • Can add Vitamin E oil (up to 1%) to help preserve the infused oil.

Water Bath Method Calendula officinalis Oil

  • Base oil: 1 cup
  • Dried herb or herb blend: ½ ounce OR fresh herb: 1 ounce
  • Important to make sure all the herb material is covered by the base oil. Seal the jar.
  • Allow to sit for several weeks.
  • Strain through muslin.
  • Can add Vitamin E oil (up to 1%) to help preserve the infused oil.

Crock Pot Method Lavandin L. intermedia Oil

  • For the crock pot method, put herb material and base oil in a sealed jar, same as the solar method.
  • Put ½ inch of water in the crock pot, then place jars in the crock pot.
  • Put crock pot on lowest setting, for 2 hours.
  • Strain through muslin.
  • Can add vitamin E as a preservative (up to 1%)

Infused Oils Formula 1

  • Rose R. centifolia
  • Lavender L. angustifolia
  • Roman chamomile C. nobile or
  • German chamomile M. recutita
  • Equal Parts of all three herbs
  • Carrier oil of choice.
  • Would use a light oil
  • Anti-inflammatory, calmative, nervine, antispasmodic.

Infused Oils Formula 2

  • Cleavers G. aparine
  • German chamomile M. recutita
  • Rosemary R. officinalis
  • Carrier oil of choice
  • Would use an oil with good penetration such as apricot kernel oil.
  • Anti-inflammatory, analgesic lymphatic system support

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Resources and Recording

References

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