All About Crafting Medicinal Oils | Herbal Medicine Making Guide | How to

Summary

In this video, the host delves into crafting herbal oils, explaining their benefits for soothing skin issues like dryness, irritation, and inflammation. Two methods are detailed: long infusions, which take 4–6 weeks, and hot infusions, which can be completed in 1–2 days. Viewers learn how to select herbs (fresh or dried) and oils (olive, jojoba, or others), prepare the ingredients, and properly infuse, strain, and store the oils. The host also shares practical tips for maximizing potency and shelf life, while highlighting the versatility of oils for personal use, gifts, or as a base for salves and creams.

Takeaways

• 🌿 Oils are excellent for soothing skin issues such as irritation, dryness, and inflammation.
• 🧴 Oils help extract and preserve the medicinal compounds in herbs, similar to tinctures.
• ⏳ There are two main methods of crafting oils: long infusion (4–6 weeks) and hot infusion (4–6 hours).
• 🥗 Herbs used can be fresh or dried; fresh herbs yield more potent infusions but dried herbs last longer.
• 🍈 Extra virgin olive oil is the preferred base for general use, while jojoba oil is better for delicate skin areas.
• 🪴 For both infusion methods, the herb-to-oil ratio is generally 1:1, though exact measurements are flexible.
• 🔥 During hot infusion, use a double boiler or low heat and ensure the oil temperature stays under 110°F to preserve medicinal properties.
• 🧺 Strain the infused oil through a cloth, squeezing out all liquid for maximum potency.
• 🏷️ Proper storage extends shelf life: store in a dark place (1 year unrefrigerated, 2–3 years refrigerated).
• 🎁 Oils are versatile: they can be used topically, turned into salves or creams, and make excellent gifts.
• 💡 Combining multiple herbs in the same oil is acceptable and can enhance the final infusion.
• 🧑‍🍳 Oils are beginner-friendly, rewarding to craft, and a useful addition to any home herbal medicine practice.

Q & A

What are the primary benefits of using herbal oils according to the video?

Herbal oils are useful for soothing skin issues like irritation, dryness, and inflammation. They also help extract and preserve medicinal compounds from herbs and can be used as the base for salves, butters, and creams.

What are the two main methods for crafting herbal oils?

The two main methods are long infusion and hot infusion. Long infusion takes 4–6 weeks and is slower, while hot infusion is faster, taking 1–2 days and is better for resinous herbs.

Why might someone choose fresh herbs over dried herbs for oil infusions?

Fresh herbs generally produce a more potent infusion and a stronger medicinal effect, although they carry a slightly higher risk of spoilage.

When is it preferable to use dried herbs instead of fresh herbs?

Dried herbs are preferable for making oils for other people or for selling because they are more shelf-stable and have a more predictable lifespan.

What oils does the presenter recommend for general use and for delicate areas like the face?

Extra virgin olive oil is recommended as a baseline for general use due to its affordability and decent shelf life. Jojoba oil is recommended for delicate areas such as under the eyes because it absorbs better, though it is more expensive.

How should herbs be prepared before infusing them in oil?

Herbs should be chopped, torn, or bruised to increase surface area, which enhances the potency of the infusion.

What is the ideal herb-to-oil ratio for making herbal oils?

A 1:1 ratio is recommended, such as one cup of herbs to one cup of oil, though exact measurements are not critical for topical applications.

What are the key steps in making a hot infusion of herbal oil?

Place chopped herbs in a jar with oil, then use a double boiler with water around the jar, keeping the oil under 110°F while simmering for 4–6 hours. Stir occasionally and allow it to infuse overnight before straining.

How should herbal oils be strained and stored?

Strain the oil through a cloth into a clean jar, squeezing out as much oil as possible from the herbs. Label the jar and store in a dark place or the fridge. Oils last 1 year unrefrigerated and 2–3 years refrigerated.

What are some creative uses for homemade herbal oils?

Herbal oils can be used topically on the skin, crafted into salves, butters, or creams, and make thoughtful gifts due to their versatility and ease of use.

Why is it recommended to occasionally shake the jar during a long infusion?

Shaking the jar helps to distribute the herbs evenly in the oil, ensuring a more consistent infusion of medicinal properties.

What precautions should be taken when using coconut oil for infusions?

Coconut oil is solid at room temperature, so it may need to be combined with a liquid oil to maintain a workable consistency.