Making Herbal Infused Oils
I make almost all of my "herbal infused oils". Carrier oils, the oils used as a base for Essential oils when making massage oils, bath oils, ointments, roll-ons...etc. can double as an agent of nutritional value and medicinal value by infusing them with the properties an herbal plant.
Nut and seed oils are able to have a pulling action to the medicinal properties of healing herbs, roots and other plant parts. Depending on what plant and part of the plant this will determine what method will be used to extract the healing properties. Some plants require low heat. Some just need agitation, patience, and time.
For example, Calendula flowers can sit in olive oil for a full lunar cycle (or one month) , shaken daily, and the healing properties of the plant will come out into the oil creating a supportive herbal oil. Roots are woodier and tough to break down so they require heat. One can choose to use a slow cooker for a few days on low to extract the properties.
These herbal oils are not unlike extracting herbs with other macerates (oil is the macerate). Preparations you might be familiar with are herbal infusions or teas, alcohol extraction (or tinctures) and glycerin extractions (or glycerates) These are the same concepts. When this process is done the plants active constituents have been transferred to the macerate or carrier and the plant matter can be let go.
FUN FACTS FOR your DIY:
Herbal oils are usually 1 part herb to 1 part oil.
Flowers are let sit in a jar and monitored for 1 month to 3 months depending on how strong you want your oil.
Shake the jar daily and check it for any signs of moisture which can cause mildew.
Keep in a dim cool place or if making a solar extraction, place in a window in direct sunlight.
While storing your oil , leave the herb in it as this seams to have a preserving effect. Olive oil will go rancid over time unless preserved with vitamin E oil. 500mg to every 1 ounce.
NOTE: coconut oil tends not to go rancid as fast. Also, Jojoba oil is actually a wax and will not go rancid at all.
When making massage blends with your infused oils often times you only need 20% infused oil to the rest a carrier oil. Olive oil has been the infused oil of choice for Herbalists for ages, however, other oils are acceptable and are just fine.
Examples: Safflower oil, Sunflower oil, Almond Oil, Hemp oil, Coconut oil.
Cold pressed oils have more nutrition for the body and skin, however they will have a stronger smell.
Also, different oils have different consistencies. Sunflower is thicker than Safflower. Coconut oil is very solid when Extra Virgin but light and cooling when it is Fractionated (less nutrition for the skin, however)
Sometimes I mix several together to get the consistency I want for whatever I will use the oil for. If it is for a facial product I might use Jojoba as it is non comedogenic (does not clog face pores).
Nut and seed oils are able to have a pulling action to the medicinal properties of healing herbs, roots and other plant parts. Depending on what plant and part of the plant this will determine what method will be used to extract the healing properties. Some plants require low heat. Some just need agitation, patience, and time.
For example, Calendula flowers can sit in olive oil for a full lunar cycle (or one month) , shaken daily, and the healing properties of the plant will come out into the oil creating a supportive herbal oil. Roots are woodier and tough to break down so they require heat. One can choose to use a slow cooker for a few days on low to extract the properties.
These herbal oils are not unlike extracting herbs with other macerates (oil is the macerate). Preparations you might be familiar with are herbal infusions or teas, alcohol extraction (or tinctures) and glycerin extractions (or glycerates) These are the same concepts. When this process is done the plants active constituents have been transferred to the macerate or carrier and the plant matter can be let go.
FUN FACTS FOR your DIY:
Herbal oils are usually 1 part herb to 1 part oil.
Flowers are let sit in a jar and monitored for 1 month to 3 months depending on how strong you want your oil.
Shake the jar daily and check it for any signs of moisture which can cause mildew.
Keep in a dim cool place or if making a solar extraction, place in a window in direct sunlight.
While storing your oil , leave the herb in it as this seams to have a preserving effect. Olive oil will go rancid over time unless preserved with vitamin E oil. 500mg to every 1 ounce.
NOTE: coconut oil tends not to go rancid as fast. Also, Jojoba oil is actually a wax and will not go rancid at all.
When making massage blends with your infused oils often times you only need 20% infused oil to the rest a carrier oil. Olive oil has been the infused oil of choice for Herbalists for ages, however, other oils are acceptable and are just fine.
Examples: Safflower oil, Sunflower oil, Almond Oil, Hemp oil, Coconut oil.
Cold pressed oils have more nutrition for the body and skin, however they will have a stronger smell.
Also, different oils have different consistencies. Sunflower is thicker than Safflower. Coconut oil is very solid when Extra Virgin but light and cooling when it is Fractionated (less nutrition for the skin, however)
Sometimes I mix several together to get the consistency I want for whatever I will use the oil for. If it is for a facial product I might use Jojoba as it is non comedogenic (does not clog face pores).
Disclaimer:
This information and statements herein are not intended to diagnose, treat, cure or prevent any health condition, illness or disease. They are for educational purposes in accordance with Opal's therapeutic training. She can make suggestions of what might help support and improve the client's current health based on her clinical training and ongoing study. However, these recommendations should not be a replacement for your current medical care.
Opal's Apothecarium does not claim to be a medical practitioner. You should always discuss treatment of medical conditions with your medical professional for any known interference in your current treatments (if any) before using any alternative therapies, natural supplements or vitamins. Blends made for the client are not meant to replace regular medications but to help support and fortify your natural body systems.
Information and statements regarding the efficacy of authentic aromatherapy, as applied to Opal's Apothecarium products, have not been evaluated by the FDA.
Products taken home by the client will be given specific instruction and precautions. Advice on their safe and proper use before leaving Opal's care with be given as well. After that the choice of the process used in application is the sole responsibility of the client. Opal's Apothecarium and any of those involved in blending, bottling and processing the products will not be liable for damages arising out of or in connection with the misuse and/or abuse of any product.
Note: Essential oils are NOT to be ingested
This information and statements herein are not intended to diagnose, treat, cure or prevent any health condition, illness or disease. They are for educational purposes in accordance with Opal's therapeutic training. She can make suggestions of what might help support and improve the client's current health based on her clinical training and ongoing study. However, these recommendations should not be a replacement for your current medical care.
Opal's Apothecarium does not claim to be a medical practitioner. You should always discuss treatment of medical conditions with your medical professional for any known interference in your current treatments (if any) before using any alternative therapies, natural supplements or vitamins. Blends made for the client are not meant to replace regular medications but to help support and fortify your natural body systems.
Information and statements regarding the efficacy of authentic aromatherapy, as applied to Opal's Apothecarium products, have not been evaluated by the FDA.
Products taken home by the client will be given specific instruction and precautions. Advice on their safe and proper use before leaving Opal's care with be given as well. After that the choice of the process used in application is the sole responsibility of the client. Opal's Apothecarium and any of those involved in blending, bottling and processing the products will not be liable for damages arising out of or in connection with the misuse and/or abuse of any product.
Note: Essential oils are NOT to be ingested