DIY Herbal Oil Infusions
This post contains affiliate links from my favorite brand Mountain Rose Herbs. I love their high quality organic/fair trade products, and am blown away by their commitment to zero waste.
I realized the other day that I tend to use oils for literally everything... a nourishing facial moisturizer, body lotion, muscle soreness, fragrance, and as a hair conditioner. I guess I'm not into creams and lotions as much as I thought. I seldom use them.
After becoming aware of that, I figured it's time to take it to the next level. Infusing my already wonderful carrier oils with herbs will do just that. The first oil that I ever infused was a hair oil to promote healthy hair, strength and growth. It turned out amazing! Here are some awesome herbal infused oil recipes I know you'll love for all things health and beauty.
FOR HAIR
Strengthening/Softening Hair
Almond or Olive Oil with Amla, Hibiscus Flowers, and Cassia
Note... Amla is known for darkening hair.
Hair Growth
Almond, Jojoba, or Olive Oil with Rosemary Leaf, Lemongrass, and Horsetail
FOR SKIN
Calming
Almond Oil with Lavender Flowers, Chamomile Flowers, and Passionflower
Note... Use high linoleic Safflower Oil or another high linoleic oil of your choice if you are acne prone. Read more on oils specifically for acne prone skin here.
Aches, Pains, Bruises and Sprains
Almond Oil with Arnica Flowers and Comfrey Root
Eczema
Avocado Oil or Shea Nut Oil with Chickweed*, Calendula Flowers*, or Blackberry Leaf*
Psoriasis/Diaper Rash
Pomegranate Seed Oil with Chamomile Flowers
Acne
Safflower Oil (only high in linoleic acid) with Neem Leaf, Comfrey Root*, Lavender Flowers**, Red Clover**, Sage Leaf**, Lemon Balm**, Tansy**, Clary Sage**, or Strawberry Leaf**
Read more on oils specifically for acne prone skin here.
Cellulite
Almond Oil with Juniper Berry*
Mature Aging Skin
Kukui Nut or Rosehip Seed Oil with Rose**, Red Clover**, Lady’s Mantle** and Fennel Seed**
Scars
Macadamia Nut or Sea Buckthorn Oil with Basil Leaf***
FRAGRANT HERBAL OIL COMBINATIONS
Lemongrass and Rosemary
Honeysuckle and Jasmine
Learning how to infuse oils is actually much simpler than you can actually imagine. The most challenging thing about it is having patience for a potent infusion. Simply add the herbs that you desire to infuse into a jar, fill the remainder of the jar with oil, and leave by a window which gets lots of sunlight. This is called solar infusion.
I find it best to solar infuse your oil for at least four weeks. The longer you leave it, the more potent the infusion. You can speed up this process by using heat, but then it is very important to use a high-heat oil which will not oxidize which can limit your options.
Oh and one more thing! A herbal infused oil would also make nice gift for any occasion. Once you prepare it, you will have to wait a good amount of time for it to be ready. It is 100% worth the wait!
Important Note... Please research new herbs to ensure there is no conflict with pregnancy or medical conditions before using.
Sources...
*The Illustrated Encyclopedia of Healing Remedies by C. Norman Shealy MD, PhD
**Herbs for Healthy Skin by Cindy L. A. Jones PhD
***www.herbsncures.com
You can find more DIY recipes and tutorials here. Which herbal infused oil do you want to try?
Image by Mountain Rose Herbs