Making infused oils is a process of transferring flavour and scent into a carrier oil. It can be used to add flavour to cooking oils. As well as making scent oils for use in aromatherapy, massage oils and making beauty products like soaps and lotions.
It is a simple process of infusing flowers, herbs or spices into an oil by heating or letting it sit in a sunny spot so that the volatile oils can transfer into the carrier oil. I will show you how I make them in this instructable.
It is a simple process of infusing flowers, herbs or spices into an oil by heating or letting it sit in a sunny spot so that the volatile oils can transfer into the carrier oil. I will show you how I make them in this instructable.
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Signing UpStep 1: Materials:
- Oil (I will discuss the different types to use in Steps 2 and 5)
- Herbs, spices, flowers
- Clean, dry glass jars
- Clean decorative glass containers
- Coffee filters, cheesecloth, sieve
- Funnel
- Spoon
- Hot plate/double boiler or pan/skillet
- Mortar and pestle
- Sunny windowsill
As you will see in the following steps a wide assortment of flowers, herbs and spices can be used in making infused oils. Since you will ingesting or putting these oils on your body I would recommend using organic material if you can. Better still if you can grow them in your garden, you can control what goes on the plants as well as save yourself a lot of money too. Even a little potted herb plant on your windowsill will do.
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From left to right: Green Peppercorns, Chilipepper, Rosemary, Cinnamon, Garlic.
pls help.,....thanks!
is it possible to mix dry herbs since i originally processed fresh herbs (i saw dried sage and bay leaves in the supermarket) ?
or should i drain the leaves (oregano and basil) before mixing the dried ones?
i also found methyl salicylate in a drugstore (with labels like: 65ml methyl salicilate, 35ml mineral oil) and it smells good (minty smell), is it safe to add this? ( its even indicated in the bottle that its oil of wintergreen -antirheumatic)
i am also bothered whats the best thing to do, if to store it in a dry cool dark place or to place it where it can really be spotted by the sun...what i do is put it in direct sunlight for 20-30 minutes in the morning, is this ok? by the way, my bottle is clear so i wrapped it with a dark colored plastic bag.
i tried putting the oregano-basil infused oil in my skin and it feels really good, but im just bothered with the smell... i hope you could help me with this questions before i share it with mom and dad ;)
Thank you in advance....
2) methyl salicylate smells nice and is used in sore muscle creams but it is also toxic so only use small amounts (see the wiki article).
3)Only leave in a sunny spot while the herbs are steeping, once you drain off the herbs you should store in a dry cool place.
3)If you don't like the smell try adding something with a smell that you like.
ok then, il try to put some drops of methyl on it. :)
and try to look for fragrance oils that's good for the skin... :)
one last (i hope so) is it also save to mix ethyl alcohol? just wonderin ;)
ill take your advise on putting dried bay and sage, il let you know how the smell would turn out in a couple of days ;)
thanks again ;)
I also love that you've included the massage oil/botanical oils. Now I can smell good and cook with delicious oils! Have you tried lavender? I have not but am curious to see what it smells like in an oil base...
Other sites I have seen also say to store it cold. So if you boil it first, let it cool then into the fridge, you should be safe
This way you can take advantage of the heat of the sun but not the light.
Very nice instructable.
I'm sure it depends on what they are infused with, but how long will these keep for?