There are two ways to infuse oils: cold extraction or heat extraction in a carrier oil of your choice.
Carrier Oils: There are many carrier oils available. Popular choices include jojoba, hemp seed, grapeseed, coconut, and olive oil. If possible, always choose organic oils. Use plant-based oils for herbal infusions. Rendered fat or tallow can also be used.
Cold Oil Infusions:
- Tear or crush dried herbs and lightly pack them into a sterile jar, filling it to a minimum of 1/3 full or a maximum of one inch from the top.
- Cover dried herbs completely using the carrier oil of your choice. Leave at least 1/2 inch of space from the oil to the top of the jar. Mix well, making sure to remove all air bubbles.
- Cap and label with the herb, oil choice, and date.
- Place jar in a cabinet for 6 to eight weeks but not more than 8 to 10 weeks. Store jar at room temperature.
- After 6 to 8 weeks, strain the oil into a clean, sterile jar using cheesecloth or a tincture press. Squeeze the cheesecloth to remove all of the infused oil. Infused oils can last 1 to 2 years.
- Cap and label with the herb, oil used, and date.
Hot Oil Infusions:
- Tear or crush dried herbs and lightly pack them into a sterile glass jar, filling it to a minimum of 1/3 full or a maximum of one inch from the top.
- Cover dried herbs completely using the carrier oil of your choice. Leave at least 1/2 inch of space from the oil to the top of the jar. Mix well, making sure to remove all air bubbles.
- Cap and label with the herb, oil choice, and date.
- Fill a crockpot with water at least halfway full, making sure the water level does not cover the herb jar. Turn the crockpot to the warm setting.
- Place herb jar in crockpot and allow to infuse for 4-7 days, making sure the water in the crockpot does not evaporate out.
- After 4 to 7 days, strain the oil into a clean, sterile jar using cheesecloth or a tincture press. Squeeze the cheesecloth to remove all of the infused oil. Infused oils can last 1 to 2 years.
- Cap and label with the herb, oil used, and date.