There are a few ways to infuse oil with medicinal and nutritional herbs and we will go through them here. If you have never made an herbal infused oil you are in for a wonderful treat! You may use infused oils in cooking or in bath and skin products. There are so many herbs to choose from depending on the intended use.
As an example of the many uses of herb infused oil let’s take a look at rosemary. Rosemary can be used as vibrantly flavored oil for roasting potatoes or stirring into your favorite pasta sauce. For medicinal use, rosemary can be used in a number of bath products. Rosemary helps relieve an itchy scalp and dandruff. It is also thought to promote hair growth. This is stimulating and invigorating herb.
CULINARY INFUSED OILS
Use tasty infused oils for a delicious addition to salad dressings or any number of healthy, delicious meal preparations using garlic, ginger, peppers and herbs. We recommend using dried herbs to prevent bacterial growth and mold. Fresh herbal infused oils can be used, but to be safe, should only be used the day-of.
For culinary infused oils using dried herbs, I suggest starting with a sterilized, completely dry jar. Place herbs in the jar and cover with olive oil. Place this jar in a sauce pan that has been filled about ¼ full with water. Simmer this mixture for about 4-6 hours. After the jar has been removed from the bath cool and label with date and ingredients and keep refrigerated. Discard after a month.
HERB INFUSED OILS FOR HEALING AND BEAUTY
- For best results use good quality dried herbs as they will not contribute to spoilage and you will have a longer lasting product.
- Always use clean and sterilized jars with tight fitting lids.
- Colored glass bottles will add to the shelf life. Also adding a few drops of vitamin E oil may help preserve the oil.
- Olive oil is commonly used as it offers some resistance to oxidation and rancidity.
- Some other oils used are coconut, grape seed, almond, and apricot along with many others.
- Label jars and bottles during the infusion time and after bottling for storage with dates and ingredients.
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