DIY: cold oil herbal infusions

Preparing your own oil infusions to use in home made balms and creams will save you money, and the added bonus is you know what you are putting in them!

This method will take some time from start to when you can use it, but it is the method I prefer unless I am in a hurry!

Chop up your chosen herbs (they need to be dried) *
pack them into a sterilised clear jar
cover with carrier oil (virgin olive oil is cheap and works well)
seal jar tightly and shake lightly
place in a warm sunny spot (window seals are ideal)
every day give the jar a shake
leave them in this spot for 2-3 weeks at least
Then strain the infused oil into a dark glass bottle
if stored in a cool dark place it will last for up to a year
LABEL IT!

* The reason I suggest that the herbs used to create an infusion are dried is that any moisture added into the infusion via fresh (damp) vegetation can introduce moulds or bacteria into the infusion. For safety reasons i prefer to use dried herbs.

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 NOTE: The information in this blog does not constitute the practice of medicine, and does not replace the advice of your health care provider.