Infusing Herbal Oils

So, just what are infused oils anyways..

This is a process of extracting the medicinal properties of an herb/herbs. 

We do this first by chopping and or crushing the fresh or dried herb then adding it to a carrier oil and then allowing it to soak in the oil over a slow period of time. The finished oil contains the healing benefits of the herbs used and also the healing benefits of the oil. You can then use this oil for making herbal salves, massage oils, bath oils, body oils, body butters (which are amazing by the way. If you have never used body butters you gotta try it!) shampoos, homemade soaps and so much more!

There are several different methods of infusing. I'm going to share my favorite method. Solar infusing. 🌞 For me, there is just something special about the oils when they have been infused by the warmth of the sun. They smell different to me. They have more of an earthy... a richer, fuller, sweeter smell. Especially dandelion infused oil. It's like capturing summer in a jar. Or perhaps it's the smell that reminds me of summer - it has a light, airy, (reminiscent of a warm summer breeze) slightly sweet fragrance. And chamomile oil, that has such a sweet, warming fragrance. Perfect for using as a body oil. Okay, so lets get into this now...

Fresh or Dried Herbs

You can use fresh or dried herbs. If you choose to use fresh, make sure they are free from any dirt when you're picking them. Do not wash them as you don't want any extra moisture to contend with. Lay them on a screen or a cookie sheet for 24 hours before adding to your oil. This will allow for the moisture in the fresh plant to evaporate. If any moisture or water gets into your oil you stand the chance of it spoiling and you will have to throw it out and start over. And believe me, that is not fun.

Choosing what herbs to use depends on what you're wanting to use your oil for. Once you have that decided, then you can do research on what herbs will give you the particular medicinal benefits you're searching for. 

What oils to use?

Grapeseed Oil - cold-pressed or expeller-pressed - is a lighter, thinner oil. I like how it absorbs into the skin without feeling greasy. Contains your omega fatty acids for hydrating and moisturizing your skin cells. Rich in Beta- Carotene and vitamins C, D and E. Also has astringent properties that work to tighten skin and improve elasticity. Works well with most all skin types. Especially helpful for eczema and minor wound healing and sunburns.  

Extra Virgin Olive Oil - is another good one to use. This is a thicker oil than the grapeseed. It also contains your omega fatty acids that the skin cells need, making it rich, moisturizing and hydrating for the skin. Especially dry skin, eczema and psoriasis. Contains antioxidants and squalane - anti-aging and hydrating properties. It helps to stimulate cell repair giving you soft, clear smooth skin. Also has healing properties for minor burns and wounds, which makes it a good oil for making herbal salves. Also for making soaps, bath oils or body oils.    

Solar Infusing 

uses the heat of the sun over a period of time to infuse the medicinal properties of an herb with the oil. There are several different thoughts as to how long one should let the oil infuse. You can go anywhere from 1 to 3 months. The longer you infuse, the stronger your oil will be with the herbs medicinal properties. This could come in handy if you're wanting to make an extra strong massage oil for sore muscles. 

Supplies Needed:  

Sterilized mason jar; mason jar ring
cheesecloth
labels or masking tape
fresh or dried herbs
utensil for stirring 
mesh strainer
carrier oil


I'll mention some important tips before you get started. Regardless of what infusing method you use, always, always, sterilize your jars and any utensils you're using in boiling water before beginning.


Be careful to not let any water come in contact with your oil. If this happens you stand the chance of your oil spoiling. So make sure your jars, utensils and hands are dry before beginning.

Okay, just one more before we go on. When I first started learning how to make infused oils 17 years ago, I quickly discovered that the teaching methods varied, which was really confusing. What it came down to was that every herbalist has their own way of infusing, based on their own experience with trial and error and how they had been taught. That is what I have put together for you here, from my experiences. And it will no doubt be different from someone else's writings on infusing oils. So, take what feels right to you from here and continue learning from other herbal loving people along the way.     

Place your herbs in your jar, about 2/3 of the way full. 

Spearmint infused extra virgin olive oil

Slowly pour your oil over the herbs about 1 inch from the top. Take your utensil and poke the herbs into the oil while gently stirring. Now take a piece of the cheesecloth and place that over the top of the jar, then screw the mason jar ring into that. I have learned from trial and error that using the cheesecloth instead of a lid allows the oil the breathe, therefor preventing any condensation building up inside the jar which will cause spoiling. 

* If you are using dried herbs you can use a metal lid as there will be no moisture issues with your dried herbs.

Okay, now take your label or masking tape and write the date, the name of the herb used and the oil you used and place that on your jar. That's it! Now you're ready to set your jar out in the sunshine.

Be sure to bring the jar in every evening, take the lid off and give your oil a stir. This is to allow any air bubbles to escape. Then place your lid back on. This is what I do everyday for as long as I'm infusing the oil. If I want to infuse longer than 30 days, at each 30 day mark I will strain the used herbs from my oil then replace with more fresh of dried herb. Be sure to use a clean, sterilized jar, just like you did in the beginning.

* When using dried herbs you do not have to stir everyday. There will be no issues with moisture and or air bubbles.  

When your oil is finished, strain and pour in a clean, sterilized jar. Be sure to label with the herb used, oil used and the date. Store the oil in a cool dark place. If you keep it in the refrigerator it will last longer. 

Your oil is ready to use for a massage oil, bath oil, use in place of body lotions or for making herbal salves, body butters, soaps... so many possibilities for you to explore.   

Dandelion infused grapeseed oil

    



   

Dandelion - Taraxacum officinale

I often wonder at what point in time this plant with it's bright beautiful happy yellow flowers became such an eyesore. I mean.. to the point where once that pretty little flower shows it's face in the vast sea of green grass, all hell breaks loose as the pursuit of killing it off with poisons begins. 

It really is harmless. And dandelion infused oil, to me, if you could capture sunshine and summertime, put them in a jar and solar infuse them together, that is what it would smell like. 👌

Parts used: root, leaves, flowers, milky sap 

Medicinal properties:  

Root 
Diuretic - causing increased passing of urine.
Nutritive  - providing nourishment, nutritious.
Choleretic - increases the volume of secretion of bile from the liver as well as the amount of solids secreted.
Cholagogue - promotes the discharge of bile from the system, purging it downward.
Alterative -  gradually restores the proper function of the body and increase health and vitality.

Flowers, leaves 
Diuretic - causing increased passing of urine.
Nutritive  - providing nourishment, nutritious.  
Alterative -  gradually restores the proper function of the body and increase health and vitalitity.   
                          
Medical studies have shown that some doctors have their breast cancer patients use dandelion infused oil as a breast massage oil in conjunction with their other treatments. The oil, when massaged into the breast and under arm areas promotes softening of the fibrous breast tissue and also aides in breaking up and releasing toxins from the lymph nodes. This is something that everyone could benefit from. 

Massaging the oil into your temples, neck and shoulders helps with tension and sinus headaches. Also for soothing sore muscles, diaper rash, dry hands and dry cracked lips. The milky substance found in the stem helps as a wort remover. Just break open the stem and rub the inside liquid on your wort. This has to be reapplied several times before any improvement.

dandelion flowers infusing in extra virgin olive oil

The oil can be soothing for eczema, psoriasis, minor burns, minor wounds and rashes. Dandelion root and or the flowers can be helpful for acne. Simmer the flowers or the roots in water for about an hour then strain. Use that liquid to wash your face. You can also squeeze the milky liquid from the stems of the plant and dab that on the areas of your body that has the acne.

The roots - it's best to harvest in the fall, particularly after a good rain as this helps to pull the roots up and out of the ground easier. Also, those medicinal properties from the above the ground parts of the plant are being sent to the roots. 👍 The roots can be used fresh or dried for making teas, tinctures, decoctions and dandelion root vinegar. These herbals can be used for digestive issues, gull bladder issues, a detox for the liver, bacterial infections in your digestive tract, reproductive organs and also cancers. 

The fresh flowers and leaves are not only delicious tossed in with other salad greens but are a powerhouse of nutrients. One cup of chopped dandelion greens (55 grams) contains approximately:

24.7 calories
5.1 grams carbohydrates
1.5 grams protein
0.4 gram fat
1.9 grams fiber
428 micrograms vitamin K (535 percent DV)
5,588 international units vitamin A (112 percent DV)
19.3 milligrams vitamin C (32 percent DV)
103 milligrams calcium (10 percent DV)
1.7 milligrams iron (9 percent DV)
1.9 milligrams vitamin E (9 percent DV)
0.2 milligram manganese (9 percent DV)

Dandelion greens also contain a small amount of thiamine, riboflavin, niacin, vitamin B6, folate, magnesium, phosphorus, potassium, zinc and copper. Resource - Dr. Axe

This link here; https://www.cancertutor.com/dandelionroot/  will take you to another site that has valuable information on the treatment of cancer using dandelion.  

For more information on dandelion root, click here.
For information on preparing dandelion root tincture, click here 
 
***  I just recently discovered that there is a correlation with dandelion and latex allergy. 

Dandelion contains latex. If you are allergic to latex be sure to do your research before using any products containing dandelion. That's any and all parts of the dandelion.

I can say from experience that this is definitely something to take serious. I'm allergic to latex. I've been using dandelion medicine for years, both internally and topically, with no problems at all. Several months ago I began experiencing allergy related symptoms. After learning about the correlation between dandelion and latex it now makes sense as to what has been going on with my body. 

So for me, I'm sad that I will not be able to use dandelion medicine anymore. At least for now. However, I am very thankful to have received this knowledge.

One more thing to add in regards to latex allergy. There is also a correlation between latex and certain fruits, vegetables and other medicinal plants. Be sure to check that out. Two of the food biggies are bananas and avocados. Medicinal plant - wild lettuce; Lactuca virosa    
  

Black Pepper ~ Piper nigrum

Did you know that this popular spice is also used for medicine? 

Black pepper contains the bioactive compound piperine, which is an alkaloid like capsaicin, the active component found in chili powder and cayenne pepper. - Health Line

Medicinal properties: anti-inflammatory, 
analgesic, expectorant, stimulant, carminative, antioxidant, antimicrobial, antibacterial 

As an anti-inflammatory, black pepper reduces chronic inflammation within the body.
  
Some causes of chronic inflammation include; food allergies, consuming foods with white sugar, unhealthy fats, processed foods, smoking and stress all contribute to creating chronic inflammation in the body. If left untreated chronic inflammation can lead to  - diabetes, heart disease, kidney disease, cancers, stroke, autoimmune disease, arthritis, fibromyalgia
  
Analgesic/Anti-inflammatory, have you ever used a black pepper herbal salve or oil for sore muscles? Works wonders. You can make a massage oil by infusing fresh ground black pepper, ground ginger and ground cayenne. It really works on relieving sore muscles and arthritic joints.     

As an expectorant, black pepper loosens the mucus in the lungs, making coughs more productive. 

1/8 teaspoon of fresh ground black pepper mixed with 2 teaspoons of honey can be taken for coughs. A tea can be made by adding 1 teaspoon of freshly ground pepper to a cup of hot boiling water. Let steep for 10-15 minutes, strain, add 1-2 tablespoons of honey, stir and sip. Again, this is for coughs with mucus in the lungs. Not a dry hacking cough.

Antioxidant properties work by protecting and repairing our cells 
from cellular damage. What causes this type of damage? Diets that lack fruits and vegetables, consuming too many unhealthy fats, processed foods, white sugar, the artificial colors and flavorings in our food, chemicals in our bath and beauty products. All these factors are what contribute to the weakening of, and damage to, our inner cellular structure. Over time this leads to an imbalance in our bodies, which can then lead to the manifestation of illnesses and diseases, like heart disease, cancers, diabetes, high blood pressure, auto-immune disease and skin issues.  


Bioavailability - the proportion of the nutrient that is digested, absorbed and metabolized through normal pathways. - The Journal of Nutrition

Science has shown that the vitamins and nutrients in our foods are not always easily absorbed by the body. Remember piperine, that bioactive compound in black pepper, it is known to enhance absorption and improve bioavailability of those necessary vitamins and nutrients. If you have ever heard of adding black pepper to your turmeric preparations before taking, this is why. 

It's easy to incorporate black pepper in your daily diet. Just reach for that pepper grinder before you enjoy your meal. 👌

This is just a small introduction to the healing benefits of black pepper. Be sure to keep learning more about what this amazing spice has to offer! 
 

Black Pepper Fruits - photo credit: Wikipedia

Ginger - Zingiber officinale

Ginger glycerite

I love the warm spicy nature of fresh ginger. 
If I have the chills from either having a cold or from it being a cold winters day, I'll sip a cup of warm tea made with either fresh root or a ginger herbal. 
Those warming properties open up the blood vessels allowing for better blood circulation, which warms a body up in no time. 😊  

This herb has quite an extensive list of medicinal properties. Be sure to read up on all it has to offer. In brief, ginger works on the gastrointestinal system to relieve gas, bloating, colic, nausea, morning sickness, diarrhea, motion sickness and stomach flu. You can utilize the benefits of ginger from teas, essential oils, herbals, and by incorporating in your everyday cooking.      

Diluting a few drops of ginger essential oil in a carrier oil can be used to massage into the back of the neck for tension headaches. Also works as a massage oil for backaches and muscle pain. Applying the oil or a poultice made from fresh ginger over the lower abdomen can also be helpful in relieving menstrual cramps. 

One of the chemical compounds in ginger is an oily resin called gingerol. Gingerol is a potent anti-inflammatory. It works by reducing chronic inflammation in the body, which leads to reduced pain and swelling associated with illnesses such as; colitis and inflammatory bowel disease. Also improves mobility by decreasing inflammation and pain in arthritic joints. If left unchecked chronic inflammation can cause other illnesses too -  

diabetes

heart disease 
kidney disease 
cancers
stroke
autoimmune disease

I encourage you to reflect on your current health. Do some research on the benefits of ginger and chronic inflammation. Also, check out turmeric as it also has potent anti-inflammatory properties. If you find that you have an illness caused by inflammation be sure to talk with your health care provider about incorporating ginger in your daily diet. Also, as you are doing your research, be sure to take note on the types of  foods that cause chronic inflammation. As if one does not change their diet by eliminating the root causes the body will have a difficult time healing.   💗