Herbs - Preparations, Methods, and Techniques - Infused Oils |
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Infused Oils Infused oils are those that have been infused with herbs and they are commonly used for external applications. Infused oils may be used alone or blended with other ingredients in ointments, lotions, and creams. NOTE: Take care not to confuse infused oils with essential oils, which are volatile oils derived from plants through steam distillation. Essential oils are very potent and most should never be used directly on the skin. To prepare appropriate herbal oils for culinary uses, select herbs from the section Getting Started - Culinary Herbs.
- Method 1 -Measure out 50g chopped fresh herb or 25g coarsely cut dried herbs. Pour 500mL cold-pressed, unrefined, preferably organic oil (olive, sunflower, almond) over herbs and allow to steep in a warm location for 2 to 3 weeks. Strain and press out as much liquid as possible from the steeped herbs. If using fresh herbs, it will be necessary to allow the mixture to settle in order to separate off the oil from the water. Bottle and store in a cool, dark place. If the infused oil is to be stored for an extended period of time, add tincture of benzoin or Vitamin E (5mL for every 250mL of infused oil) as a natural preservative. Both are available at the drug store. Vitamin E may also be purchased at health food stores.
- Method 2 -This alternative method works very well and considerably reduces steeping time. Add the same proportions of herbs and oil as in Method 1 to a suitable sauce pan. Cover and heat until warm but do not allow herbs to become crispy or the oil to boil. Remove from heat and allow to cool. Repeat the above process 3 times, being sure to completely cool each time. Strain, separate the oil and water, and bottle as above. NOTE: If you are using fresh plant material and are having difficulty removing all the water from the oil, gently heat the oil again. Any remaining water will rise to the surface and burst into a small spray. When the droplets have stopped bursting, the oil is free of water content. This process can take 1 to 2 hours.
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