Oils infused with herbs are a great way to utilize the healing properties of plants which contain volatile oils and fats.
Plants containing volatile oils are generally those commonly used in aromatherapy but they can be used as a salad oil too. Aromatic plants such as lavender, rosemary, thyme, sage, peppermint, chamomile, rose, yarrow, juniper and pine all make great oils.
You can use a variety of different oils as the base for the infusion. Olive oil is classic for the leafy herbs, sunflower, sweet almond, jojoba, or apricot oil all make a great base for creams and salves.
How to Infuse
You can use dried or fresh plant material, although fresh is generally best (except calendula-dry).
If using fresh herbs, pick them on a dry day after the sun has dried the morning dew.
Make sure you pick clean plant matter; this is particularly important as you are not going to wash the plants. It must be as dry as possible to prevent spoilage, if there is any dirt brush it off with a soft-bristle brush or simply shake.
If using leaves such as comfrey or plantain, it’s good to let them wilt overnight to reduce some of the water content but flowers are best used fresh.
Chop fresh leafy herbs finely and lightly fill a sterilized, dry jar with the material. It’s important to cut the herb first as it exposes more of the plant to the oil, making for a better infusion. Flowers can be put in whole and dried herbs will most likely come already cut.
Fill the jar almost to the brim with oil because an air gap will promote oxidation and spoilage.
Stir the contents with a wooden chopstick until all air bubbles have dispersed then place lid on.
You can leave it to infuse on a sunny windowsill or in indirect light.
Stir every day for the first two weeks then leave to infuse for another two to four, that’s four to six weeks in total. Calendula and some other oils are nice to double infuse- leave for 3 weeks, strain, then fill the jar with fresh flowers and pour the partially infused oil back on top and repeat the process.
Don’t forget to label your jars so you remember when to strain them. Strain through a sieve covered in cheesecloth or a jelly bag. If you used fresh material it is wise to let it stand for a week and check if any water has settled in the bottom of the jar. If so pour off the oil and discard the water.
Bottle the infused oil and be sure to label it including the best before date of the oil from the original bottle.
How to Make Herbal Vinegars
You can infuse any plant matter into vinegar to create your own funky blends! Although the preferred vinegar to use is organic apple cider you can use white or red wine vinegar too. A tip for jars is to check out second hand shops; there are some really nice bottles to be had out there!
Place several plants of your choice into the bottle. Fresh (clean and free from moisture) plant matter is best to use. You can even make an onion and garlic vinegar! Seal the bottle or jar you are using. Word of caution: if you use a mason jar do not use the metal lid plate, use plastic because the acids can corrode the lid. Let sit in a cool area (does not have to be dark) for 5 weeks; and after 2 weeks there will be flavour and you can test it. If you want it stronger let it sit longer. (I let my onion and garlic vinegar sit for 3 months before using it - wow!!)
Be sure to label your vinegar with what it is and the date you made it.