Making Herbal Remedies - Herbal Oil Hot Infusion Method

In this method of extracting essential oils, dried herbs are slowly heated in a vegetable oil base for 2-3 hours to aid in releasing their active components.  These types of oils are typically used for body ointments, massage oils, and creams.  Dried herbs, roots, and barks of your choice may be used in this method.

Equipment needed:

Double boiler pan, if you do not have a double boiler you make your own by placing a stoneware or other bowl suitable for heating inside of a saucepan

Muslin or cheesecloth

Nylon Sieve

A glass container to catch the oil as you pour it through the sieve

A funnel

Glass storage jars, preferably dark in color

Labels

Dried herbs of your choice

Base oil - use a light nonfragrant oil such as sunflower oil, safflower oil or grapeseed oil

You will need one part herbs to 10 parts oil


1. Place the dried herbs and base oil into the top pan of a double boiler or into a heat resistant bowl

2. Place enough water into the bottom pan as to not allow any water into the bowl containing the herbs         and oil

3.  On low to medium heat, let the water come to a slow simmer and place the bowl or top boiler pan in the water.  Let simmer for 1-3 hours, topping up the water as it evaporates. 

4.  Place a piece of muslin or cheese cloth in the sieve and pour the mixture through the sieve into the glass container.  When the mixture has cooled, squeeze any excess oil out of the cloth and into the class container.

5.  Pour the mixture into storage jars with airtight lids.  Label the storage jars with the contents and the date.  Most herbs will last if stored in a cool dark place for about a year, but they may lose some of their medicinal properties after 6 months.