How to Make Herb-Infused Oils for Natural Remedies
I still remember the first time I strained a jar of golden calendula oil I had been steeping. The scent was earthy and comforting, and as I rubbed a few drops into my hands, I felt instantly connected to the generations of people who had relied on simple plant preparations for healing. Creating herb-infused oils for natural remedies has since become one of my favorite rituals—a way to slow down, honor the plants I grow and gather, and craft something both beautiful and useful. Each jar feels like a little bottle of self-care, whether I’m blending lavender for relaxation, peppermint for sore muscles, or rosemary for clarity and focus. These infusions aren’t just oils; they’re small, tangible reminders that nature offers us everything we need to nourish and support our bodies.
Simple All-Purpose Herbal Infused Oil Recipe
Creating herbal-infused oils for culinary or cosmetic purposes is creative and enjoyable process! This is a go-to folk recipe that yields a potent and deeply infused oil, ready to be used in a variety of home care products and recipes. You choose the herbs and the oil to create your custom blend.
Ingredients
- 1 cup of dried herbs like: lavender, rosemary, thyme, sage, calendula, etc.
- 2 cups of chosen carrier oil like: olive oil, sunflower oil, almond oil, castor oil, etc.
Instructions
Prepare The Herbs For Oil
- Measure one cup of dried herbs or flowers and use a mortar and pestle, or coffee grinder to reduce the herb to a fine powder. The grinding will release the plant oils for better absorption during infusion.
- Pour the crushed herb into a dry jar that is glass and heat-safe. No liquid can be introduced to the oil during the infusion process to avoid contamination. Always work with clean, dry hands and tools.
- Pour the oil over the plant material, completely submerging the herb powder in the oil.
- Fill the jar until the oil rests 1 inch above the submerged plant material. With a spoon, mix the herbs and the oil. Release any air bubbles and press the plant matter down into the oil so all parts remain covered.
- Let the herbs settle for 5-10 minutes, and add more oil if needed. Some lighter herbs will float at first; the additional 1/4 inch of oil will ensure the herbs remain covered.
Infuse the Oil for 7-10 Days
- Cap the jar tightly.
- Place the jar in a thick paper bag or box to keep the light out, and place it in direct sunlight for seven to ten days (a warm to hot infusion, depending on the weather).
- Shake and stir the mixture every 4 to 6 hours, or at least several times daily.
Strain the Oil
- When the infusion is complete, strain the oil from the herb.
- Place a mesh strainer or sieve lined with the cheesecloth over a clean, sanitized, airtight jar.
- Pour the infused oil through the mesh strainer, separating the herbs from the oil.
- Press the remaining pulp with your fingertips to release any remaining oils.
- Allow the fresh infusion to sit indoors for two to three days, then decant and filter out any remaining sediment.
- Bottle the infusion in airtight glass bottles or jars, label them, and store in a cool, dry, and dark place.
Notes
Many dried herbs will absorb the extra 1/4 inch of oil. Check your mixture 24 hours after making it; if absorption has occurred, add enough oil to reestablish the extra measure of oil.
Add a few small rocks to the paper bag for extra weight to steady the jar of oil.
Nutrition Information:
Yield:
32Serving Size:
1Amount Per Serving: Calories: 145Total Fat: 16gSaturated Fat: 1gTrans Fat: 0gUnsaturated Fat: 14gCholesterol: 0mgSodium: 1mgCarbohydrates: 1gFiber: 1gSugar: 0gProtein: 0g
What Are the Benefits of Making Herb-Infused Oils?
Herbs are rich in vitamins, minerals, and therapeutic compounds, and making herb-infused oils for natural remedies is one of the simplest ways to capture and apply those benefits in your daily life. By steeping dried herbs in a carrier oil, you create a blend that is not only nourishing for the skin but also deeply supportive for overall wellness.
These oils can be used as soothing moisturizers, gentle massage oils, or as a base for homemade salves, creams, and balms. Depending on the herbs you choose, they can calm irritation, reduce inflammation, help heal minor cuts, scrapes, and burns, or provide relief from sore muscles and stiff joints. They can even be incorporated into bath blends or aromatherapy rituals to ease stress and promote relaxation.
Another beautiful benefit of making your own infusions is the ability to avoid commercial skincare products that often contain synthetic fragrances, preservatives, or chemicals that can be harsh on sensitive skin. With homemade herb-infused oils, you know exactly what’s in the jar—just plants and pure oil, crafted by your own hands. Plus, the process itself becomes a ritual of mindfulness, offering a moment of connection to the plants and their healing gifts.
The Best Places to Purchase Herbs
If you’re looking to purchase your herbs online, a few of my favorite sources include Frontier Co-Op, Mountain Rose Herbs, Banyan Botanicals, and Elk Mountain Herb Shop.
The Best Herbs to Use for Infused Oils for Natural Remedies
Next, let’s examine some of the best herbs to use in your oils. Please note that it’s essential to dry your herbs before making your oils to reduce moisture and bacteria in your infusion.
- Arnica flowers
- Thyme
- Lavender flowers
- Calendula
- St. John’s Wort flowers
- Basil
- Yarrow flowers and leaves
- Rosemary leaves
If you want to know more about what herbs best help specific ailments, check out the best herbs to plant in a medicinal herb garden.
The Best Oils to Use for Infused Oils
In addition to your herbs, you’ll need an oil of your choice. There’s no wrong choice when it comes to choosing your oil – it’s mostly a matter of personal preference. However, olive oil and fractionated coconut oil are popular due to their versatility, ease of purchase, and long shelf life.
Additionally, here are some more options for oils.
- Olive oil
- Coconut oil
- Argan oil
- Castor oil
- Grapeseed oil
- Jojoba oil
How to Use Your Herb-Infused Oils for Natural Remedies
Infusions are easy to use as body oils or in salves. Here are a few situations in which your infused oils can be beneficial:
- After showering or in the winter as a skin moisturizer
- At the ends of hair, in order to promote growth and health, you might like our Rose Petal Infused Oil for Hair and Body
- As a relaxing massage oil
- Rubbed on hands and feet, which can both improve circulation and moisturize
- As a lip balm or lip oil
- As a support for skin conditions, such as eczema
How to Store Your Herb-Infused Oils & Shelf Life
Once your infusion is ready, proper storage is key to keeping it fresh and effective. After straining out the herbs, pour the oil into clean, sterilized glass jars or dark glass bottles. Darker bottles are especially helpful because they protect the oils from light, which can cause them to spoil more quickly. Always label your jars with the type of herb and the date you made the infusion—it’s easy to forget what’s inside a golden amber bottle a few months later.
Herb-infused oils typically last anywhere from 6 months to a year, depending on the type of oil and storage conditions. Olive and jojoba oil have longer shelf lives, while oils like almond or grapeseed may go rancid more quickly. To extend the life of your oils, store them in a cool, dark place away from direct sunlight or heat sources. Some people even keep smaller jars in the refrigerator, pulling them out as needed.
Safety Considerations
When it comes to making herb-infused oils for natural remedies, safety and care matter just as much as creativity. A few simple steps can make all the difference in ensuring your oils are safe, effective, and a joy to use.
Using dried vs. fresh herbs to prevent spoilage: Always start with dried herbs instead of fresh ones. Fresh herbs carry moisture, which can introduce mold or bacteria into your infusion. Dried herbs eliminate this risk while still infusing plenty of beneficial compounds.
Patch-testing for sensitive skin: Even though herbs are natural, they can still cause reactions for some people. Before using a new oil blend widely, apply a small amount to the inside of your wrist or elbow and wait 24 hours. This quick test ensures that your skin welcomes the infusion without irritation.
Oils and herbs to avoid during pregnancy or for children: Some herbs, while healing, aren’t recommended for everyone. For example, sage, wormwood, or certain strong essential oils are not suitable during pregnancy. Similarly, peppermint and eucalyptus can be too strong for young children. Always do a little research—or consult a trusted herbal guide—before gifting or sharing your oils with others.
How to Make Herb-Infused Oils for Natural Remedies: The Folk Method
Finally, let’s dive into how to make your oil infusion.
Prepare The Herbs For Oil
- Measure one cup of dried herbs or flowers and use a mortar and pestle, or coffee grinder to reduce the herb to a fine powder. The grinding will release the plant oils for better absorption during infusion.
- Pour the crushed herb into a dry jar that is glass and heat-safe. No liquid can be introduced to the oil during the infusion process to avoid contamination. Always work with clean, dry hands and tools.
- Pour the oil over the plant material, completely submerging the herb powder in the oil.
- Fill the jar until the oil rests 1 inch above the submerged plant material. With a spoon, mix the herbs and the oil. Release any air bubbles and press the plant matter down into the oil so all parts remain covered.
- Let the herbs settle for 5-10 minutes, and add more oil if needed. Some lighter herbs will float at first; the additional 1/4 inch of oil will ensure the herbs remain covered.
Infuse the Oil for 7-10 Days
- Cap the jar tightly.
- Place the jar in a thick paper bag or box to keep the light out, and place it in direct sunlight for seven to ten days (a warm to hot infusion, depending on the weather).
- Shake and stir the mixture every four to six hours or at least several times daily.
Strain the Oil
- When the infusion is complete, strain the oil from the herb.
- Place a mesh strainer or sieve lined with the cheesecloth over a clean, sanitized, airtight jar.
- Pour the infused oil through the mesh strainer, separating the herbs from the oil.
- Press the remaining pulp with your fingertips to release any remaining oils.
- Allow the fresh infusion to sit indoors for two to three days, then decant and filter out any remaining sediment.
- Bottle the infusion in glass airtight bottles or jars, label, and store in a cool, dry, and dark place.
Infusing Ritual: Bringing Mindfulness into the Process
Beyond the practical benefits, there’s something deeply restorative about the act of creating your own herb-infused oils. The process itself can be a ritual—one that invites you to slow down and connect with the plants. From gently crumbling dried lavender into a jar to watching the sunlight slowly turn oil golden, each step can feel meditative. Instead of rushing, try approaching your infusion as an opportunity for mindfulness. Notice the textures and aromas of the herbs, give thanks for their gifts, and let the waiting period become part of the experience. Over time, you may find that making these oils is not only about crafting a natural remedy but also about cultivating a practice of intention and presence in your daily life. The finished oil becomes more than just a skin treatment—it becomes a reminder of the calm and care you poured into it.
Pin For Later
