Creating herbal oils is a simple and enjoyable process. Herbal Infused Oils can then be made into salve, lip balm, cream, used for culinary purposes, or simply used as a massage oil. There are several ways to make herbal infused oil: 1- Solar infused Method, 2-Heat method, 3- Alcohol Intermediary Method. Personally I have mostly used the simple solar infused method, but I recently made comfrey oil using the alcohol intermediary method and I must say that I am very impressed. The oil is much more potent than any I have ever made, and it was ready within 24 hours! But each way has it's own strengths, so read on to learn about all three methods! First though, let's talk about choosing the herbs and the oil! Choosing your herbs and oil
Choosing an Oil Everyone has their favorite oil to use in herbal oil infusions. I keep it simple and most often use organic olive oil, it is affordable and readily available, and one of my favorite herbalists, Rosemary Gladstar recommends it! favorites are sweet almond oil, sunflower oil, grapeseed oil, coconut oil, and Herb to Oil Ideal Ratios Dried Herbs 1:5-1:8 Fresh Herbs 1:2-1:4 (Weight of herb/volume of oil) ...and there is always the folk method: fill a jar halfway with your herb of choice, and add enough oil to cover Solar Infused OilI have heard this method called the 'folk' method . . .and so it is. . .simple, straightforward, and easy! You can use either fresh or dried herbs for this method, but if using fresh herbs care needs to be taken to ensure that the oil doesn't go rancid due to moisture from the plant material. Let the fresh herbs wilt to ensure the moisture is gone, and always be sure the jar you are using is clean and completely dry. It's also incredibly important to make sure the herbs always remain submerged in the oil. The process is simple: chop your herbs, place them in a jar, and fill with oil. Place a lid on the jar, give it a good shake, and place it in a warm sunny location where you will see it often. Over the next 3-6 weeks, shake the jar and then be sure that after the herbs settle they are still submerged. Strain and keep in a cool, dark location. ReferencesOpening Our Wild Hearts to Healing Herbs Gail Faith Edwards
Materia Medica Monthly, Sajah Popham (online Program) www.evolutionaryherbalism.com Wild Remedies Rosalee De la Foret & Emily Han Rosemary Gladstar's Family Herbal Rosemary Gladstar Making Plant Medicine Richo Cech
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December 2020
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