How to Make Herbal Oil Infusions and Salves

Oil infusions are used to extract the medicinal constituents of an herb into a form can be applied to the skin. Infusions are often made with herbs that have soothing or healing properties, and are useful for skin irritations, sunburn, bruises, sore muscles or painful joints.

Different types of oil can be used to make oil infusions. Olive oil is always a good choice and readily available; sesame or almond oil are also suitable. The herbs can be either fresh or dry. If using fresh herbs, it is recommended to let them wilt overnight to remove some of the water that is contained in the plant. There are many different variations in the methods to make oil infusions, but they fall into two general categories: heating the oil or infusing the herbs in room temperature oil.

Making a Heated Herbal Oil Infusion

1. Start with 1-2 ounces of the desired herb. If the herb is dried, crush it into small pieces. If it is fresh, chop and bruise the leaves and/or flowers.
2. Place the herb in the top of a non-aluminum double boiler and add about one cup of oil. The herb should be thoroughly saturated, but the mixture can be quite thick. If you are using dried herb, it will absorb oil and you may need to add more oil.
3. Heat to just below boiling for one hour, stirring occasionally.
4. Strain out the solid herb through cheesecloth, pressing out the oil.
5. Pour into a clean glass jar.
6. Allow to sit for several days so that impurities may settle out.
7. Decant the clear oil into another jar. The contents of a vitamin E capsule or a few drops of essential oil such as lavender or benzoin can be added as a preservative.
6. Store in the refrigerator.

Making a Cold Herbal Oil Infusion

This method does not require heating the oil, but it does take longer.
1. Place 1-2 ounces of herb in a clean glass jar.
2. Add enough oil to cover the herb. If using dried herb, wait for an hour or two for the oil to be absorbed, and add more as needed until the herb is completely covered.
3. Tightly cap and shake.
4. Place the jar in a paper bag to protect from light, and place in a sunny window. Allow to infuse for four days, shaking frequently.
5. Strain out the herb and continue as with the heat method.

Making an Herbal Salve from an Oil Infusion

Sometimes a salve is preferable to an infused oil, because it has a more solid consistency. To make a salve, follow the instructions for making a hot oil infusion and strain out the herbs. Then,
1. Measure the volume and return the infused oil to the double boiler.
2. Add approximately one ounce of beeswax (grated or in pellets) for each cup of infused oil.
3. Stir until the beeswax is melted.
4. Take out a small sample and cool it to test for consistency. If it is too runny, add more beeswax.
5. Pour into small containers and allow it to harden.

Some herbs that work well in oil infusions are arnica, calendula, chickweed, plantain, comfrey and burdock. Mullein flower and garlic oil has been traditionally used for earaches.

Source:
Green, James. The Herbal Medicine-Maker's Handbook. Crossing Press, 2000.