An introduction to infused oils

Laura Clemmons CH
 
                                                          Infused Oils
 
 There are a few different methods to making an infused oil for your salves, massage oils, lip balms, lotions, creams, etc...
The Folk Method (fresh herb)

• It is very simple to make an infused oil using the folk method and you can make your oil directly in the field
• Collect your plant material (Comfrey)
• Take the leaves and tear them into as small pieces as possible you can also use scissors or a blender
• Place into a glass bottle or jar and pour a fixed oil  over the plant such as olive, almond, sesame, avocado, and castor oil.
• Let the herb settle and pour enough oil over the herb so it is covered with an additional ¼ inch of oil
• Sometimes a lighter herb will float and you will have an additional ¼ inch on the bottom of the jar  

(in the case of Comfrey the oil will turn rancid if it floats so DO NOT LET IT FLOAT make it sink by putting a rock on top of the plant material)

• Place a paper towel, cheesecloth, or a piece of muslin over top of the jar and secure it with the band of a mason jar lid or rubber band.
• Let it sit in the sun, in the shade, or in a paper bag in the sun for 2-3 weeks checking on it every day making sure to stir it to help release all the water to evaporate out of the oil.
• The oil will change in color and smell of the plant material ( note: this method will conserve the essential oil but as soon as the water is gone from the plant 3-5 days strain and cover to keep the essential oils from evaporating)
• Strain through a cheese cloth before storing in a clean dry glass jar in a cool dark place
• Most oils will last 6 months on the shelf up to a year in the refrigerator

 
The Digestion Method

• Grind dried herb to a powder

• Add a fixed oil of your choice in the proportion of 1 part powder by weight to 5 parts oil or a suitable ratio depending on the nature of the powder.
• Place in a water bath preferable in an electric “meat roaster vat” or something that you can control the temperature of your oil.
• We usually cook our oils no higher than 110 degrees.
• In Belize the women put a glass with the oils in a water bath in a large pot and turn the oven on the lowest setting propping the door open cooking for as little as 6-8 hours but preferably for a few days.
• If you have the time you can macerate the plant like this for up to 10 days
• Strain the oil  when it is still warm using a cheesecloth or a piece of muslin, coffee filter or paper towel
• let the sediment settle decant and bottle for use.

Always store your oils out of the light and heat using a dark colored bottle or just keeping them in the refrigerator.
                                                                 Herbs
Calendula Calendula officinalis skin healing helps hold the integrity of the skin cell as it grows back promotes wound healing
 
Comfrey Symphytum officinale rich in allantoin and mucilage, facilitates and activates the healing of damaged tissue. *Be careful that the affected area does not have an infection because comfrey works so fast that it could trap the infection under the skin creating a problem. Use in salves and ointments.
 
Dandelion Flowers Taraxacum officinale used topically for breast congestion and lumps.
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Plantain Plantago lanceolata used topically as a breast cancer preventative, for staph infection, dandruff, hemorrhoids, insect bites and stings, sunburn
 
Lemon Balm Melissa officinalis antiviral, antibacterial, used topically for herpes virus, and cold sores
 
Poke Root Phytolacca americana very strong lymphatic mostly used topically for breast lumps and all swollen glands
 
Roses Red Rosa spp (romantic and passionate love) and Pink (self love, self acceptance) : astringent and tones tissue encourages healing
 
St. Joan’s Wort Hypericum perforatum anti viral, anti bacterial and used for sunburns, burns, bruises, neuralgia, wounds, and trauma to the skin. It is an astringent for tissue topically and promotes healing helping with dried cracked bleeding lips or skin.
 
Yarrow Achillea millefolium astringent used for bleeding, dry skin, cuts and wounds.

                                                       Biblography
Duke, James A. The Green Pharmacy.Rodale Press emmaus, Pennsylvania: 1997 pp.500
Hoffmann, David. The Herbal Handbook A user’s Guide to Medical Herbalism. Healing Arts Press Rochester, Vermont: 1988 pp.211
Gladstar, Rosemary. Herbal Recipes for Vibrant Health. Storey Publishing North Adams, MA: 1989 pp.325-372.
Green, James. The Herbal Medicine-Maker’s Handbook. The Crossing Press Berkeley, Claifornia: 2000 pp.194-199