Three Methods for Making Oil Infusions

When herbs are infused in oil, we’re extracting the active constituents to use in salves and ointments.  Because fresh plants have a high water content, they are more likely to spoil in oil and thus are not recommended for most oil infusions.  Freshly dried herbs are a better way to go. 

The three most common methods for making oil infusions are essentially the same process; the only difference is how long it takes to produce the oil infusion. 

The Slow Method

The most traditional way of infusing oil, the way our grandparents did it, takes longer and requires more patience. 

1. Fill a half-pint canning jar halfway with freshly dried, crushed herb.

2. Then fill the jar nearly to the top with oil.  Olive is often a better choice than coconut for infusing the oil well.  Coconut oil solidifies at 76°F.

3. Put the lid on the jar, shaking the oil occasionally, and store it in a dark cabinet to let it infuse for 4-6 weeks. 

4.  Strain out the herbs and pour the infused oil into a clean jar.  Label and date.

The Faster Method

Repeat steps 1 and 2 from above. 

3.  Put the lid on the jar, shake the oil daily, and set it in a warm, sunny window to infuse for 2 weeks.  (If using this method, coconut oil may work quite well—assuming the window is warm enough to melt the oil.)  Then transfer it to a dark cabinet to infuse for another week or so.

4.  Strain out the herbs and pour the infused oil into a clean jar.  Label and date.

The Fastest Method

Oftentimes when we need an herbal remedy, we need it now.  Use this method if you don’t have time to wait.

Repeat steps 1 and 2 from above.

3.  Put a few inches of water in a saucepan and set the uncovered jar in it.

4.  Over low heat, infuse the oil for 2-3 hours. 

5.  Make sure the water doesn’t evaporate.  Add more water if necessary.

6.  Remove from heat.

7.  Strain out the herbs and pour the infused oil into a clean jar.  Label and date.

Regardless of preparation method, store all infused oils in a dark cabinet.  Shelf life is about one year, depending on the oil and herbs used.

Before infusing your oil, consider the intended use.  It may guide your decision in the method used to infuse and the oil you choose.  Coconut oil alone is used to treat ear infections, athlete’s foot, nosebleeds, skin irritations like chickenpox and shingles, eczema, bug bites, diaper rash, and wounds.  If you’re dealing with any of those conditions, coconut oil may be a better choice. 

Then I went looking for the situations where olive oil might be preferred.  And apparently I haven’t written on that topic.  So it’s an idea for the future.

Links to related posts:

Alternative Medicinal Uses of Coconut Oil  

The Health Uses of Coconut Oil  

Olive Oil in the Prepared Pantry