Herb-Infused Oils

Herbs have many wonderful benefits. The ones that are edible can be used on the skin as well as for cooking. You can make cooking oils, lip balms, lotions, and so much more for presents or even to sell.

Infusing oils with an herb's beneficial compounds, flavor, and aroma, can make the herb more versatile. These oils can be used for cooking, marinades, salads, etc. They can also be used in shampoo, body wash, lip balm, body butter, etc.

As these are applied to the skin, they are absorbed and sent to the liver. There they become bioavailable for absorption and use by the body. Anything that is not edible, should not be used on the skin.

When using products with junky ingredients, the toxic ingredients are also absorbed and sent to the liver. This can cause the liver to become congested and unable to work efficiently. Learning how to make your own products can be a game-changer for your health.

Herb-infused oils are super easy!

1. Choose whatever size mason jar you want. I recommend starting small, maybe pint-size (8oz), to see if you'll like what you will produce.

2. Choose your herb and add it to your jar. Some beneficial herbs to consider are lavender, for sleep; sweet orange, to lift your mood; passionflower, to help with stress; basil, oregano, thyme, to add to your meal.

3. Choose your carrier oil, fill your jar, and put the lid on. Oils like jojoba oil, olive oil, avocado oil, and coconut oil are options that are beneficial for skin.

4. There are two ways to infuse your oil:

   1. Fast Method - Place the jar in a sunny window for two weeks, shaking the jar once a day. The heat of the sun will cause the herbal's benefits to be released. After two weeks, you can use the oil or move it to a dark, cool place for a few weeks to make the infusion more potent.

   2. Traditional Method - Place the jar in a dark, cool place to sit for at least six weeks. Shake the jar once a day or every other day.

5. When the time is up, strain the oil. It is ready for use.