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Infusing herbs and plants into oil is a great way to enjoy the benefits of plants and flowers without the potency of essential oils. You can, for example, safely use a rosemary infusion on your scalp and hair without having to worry about diluting it first. You can also use macerates as a base for other products and natural remedies that you want to create. Imagine a vanilla infused lip balm, or a lavender infused body butter! Dreamy!
If you want to start experimenting with infusions, we’re going to share with you everything you need to know to get started.
First of all, you need to choose a carrier oil as the base for your infusion. You want to choose something that has a neutral scent. Sunflower, jojoba, sweet almond, grapeseed, fractionated coconut, apricot kernel, safflower…. Those sorts of oils.
When it comes to herbs and plants, there’s so many to choose from. Flowers like lavender, rose, calendula and chamomile are really popular for macerates. Herbs like rosemary, oregano, sage and thyme also work well. You can even infuse vanilla in oil. (There’s a video of how to do this on our Instagram page!) It is best to use dried plant material for this, as fresh plants can introduce moisture and bacteria causing your infusion to spoil.
Once you have chosen your herbs and plants, it’s time to infuse them into the oil. There are a few different methods you could try to make an infusion listed below.
For a massage to feel good, you need something to lubricate the skin to minimise friction, something that will allow the hands to glide over the skin. We’ve created this cute little massage balm, that melts on skin contact, moisturising the skin and providing that perfect level of slip to deliver an incredible massage.
This recipe makes a 100g massage balm.
You will need:
- 60g Grapeseed or sweet almond oil – these are probably the most popular bases for massage and they’re super affordable oils.
- 15g Jojoba oil – jojoba elevates this simple balm recipe to something special; the colour and consistency are perfect.
- 15g Beeswax – you need a wax to thicken and give consistency to the balm
- 10g Shea butter – you know we love shea butter; it melts on skin contact making it perfect for a massage balm
- 1g of essential oils – we’ve chosen a sensual blend of lavender & ylang ylang
How to make:
- Place the wax and shea in a double boiler to melt.
- Add the carrier oils and mix to combine.
- Add your essential oils, then pour into a clean jar or tin to set.
To use – scoop out a small amount of balm from the jar or pot, and begin working into the skin, it should melt on skin contact. You have to try this, it will elevate your home massage, and this would be a great valentine’s gift too.
Probably the easiest method is a solar infusion. This means the actual infusing part of the process is powered by the sun. Label a jar with the date and the ingredients you’re using. Place your chosen herbs or flowers into the jar, then fully submerge them in a carrier oil, filling the jar up to the top. You then need to close the jar and place on a sunny windowsill for 2 - 4 weeks, giving the jar a shake whenever you remember. The warmth of the sun does all the work for you and will infuse the active botanicals into the oil. After 2 - 4 weeks you can use your infusion.
Solar Infusion
Probably the easiest one is making a solar infusion. This means the actual infusing part of the process is powered by the sun. Label a jar with the date and the ingredients you’re using. Place your chosen herbs or flowers into the jar, then fully submerge them in a carrier oil, filling the jar up to the top.
You then want to close the jar and place on a sunny windowsill for 2 – 4 weeks, giving the jar a shake whenever you remember. The warmth of the sun does all the work for you and will infuse the active botanicals into the oil. After 2 – 4 weeks you can use your infusion.
For a massage to feel good, you need something to lubricate the skin to minimise friction, something that will allow the hands to glide over the skin. We’ve created this cute little massage balm, that melts on skin contact, moisturising the skin and providing that perfect level of slip to deliver an incredible massage.
This recipe makes a 100g massage balm.
You will need:
- 60g Grapeseed or sweet almond oil – these are probably the most popular bases for massage and they’re super affordable oils.
- 15g Jojoba oil – jojoba elevates this simple balm recipe to something special; the colour and consistency are perfect.
- 15g Beeswax – you need a wax to thicken and give consistency to the balm
- 10g Shea butter – you know we love shea butter; it melts on skin contact making it perfect for a massage balm
- 1g of essential oils – we’ve chosen a sensual blend of lavender & ylang ylang
How to make:
- Place the wax and shea in a double boiler to melt.
- Add the carrier oils and mix to combine.
- Add your essential oils, then pour into a clean jar or tin to set.
To use – scoop out a small amount of balm from the jar or pot, and begin working into the skin, it should melt on skin contact. You have to try this, it will elevate your home massage, and this would be a great valentine’s gift too.
You may think 4 weeks is a long time to wait for your infusion to be ready and if you’re a little impatient, you could try this next method. Start by heating your chosen oil in a double boiler until it is warm (a double boiler is a pan of simmering water with another pan or bowl placed on top). Then, take the dried herbs and plants you have chosen, and place them into the oil. Allow the mixture to simmer for two to four hours, stirring occasionally. Leave the oil to cool before straining in a cheese cloth or coffee filter. Decant into a clean, sterile jar or bottle and label, don’t forget the date!
Double Boiler Method
You may think 2 weeks is a long time to wait for your infusion to be ready and if you’re a little impatient, you could try this next method. Start by heating the oil in a double boiler until it is warm (a double boiler is a pan of simmering water with another pan or bowl placed on top). Then, take the dried herbs and plants you have chosen, and place them into the oil. Allow the mixture to simmer for two to four hours, stirring occasionally. Leave the oil to cool before straining in a cheese cloth or coffee filter. Decant into a clean, sterile jar or bottle and label, don’t forget the date!
Another way to infuse herbs and plants into oil is to use a slow cooker. Place the dried herbs and plants in a slow cooker, and pour the oil over them until they are fully covered. Turn the slow cooker on low and allow the mixture to cook for 8-10 hours. When ready, allow to it to cool, strain the oil and discard the herbs and plants. Decant into a clean container and again don’t forget to label your infusion!
Once the oil is infused, you can use it in a variety of ways. You can use it as a massage oil, to make your own homemade products like face and body oils, creams, salves and balms, massage oils, the possibilities are endless!
Slow Cooker Method
Another way to infuse herbs and plants into oil is to use a slow cooker. Place the dried herbs and plants in a slow cooker, and pour the oil over them until they are fully covered. Turn the slow cooker on low and allow the mixture to cook for 8-10 hours. After 8-10 hours, strain the oil and discard the herbs and plants. Again don’t forget to label your infusion!
Once the oil is infused, you can use it in a variety of ways. You can use it as a massage oil, to make your own homemade products like face and body oils, creams, salves and balms, massage oils, the possibilities are endless!
Now you know how to make an infusion, why not give it a try and discover what wonderful creations you can make! And don’t forget to check out our socials for our ‘how to…’ videos!
