Guest guest Posted August 28, 2001 Report Share Posted August 28, 2001 Greetings, Greetings to all, It seems that many of you enjoyed the Ointment Making that I posted so here are the instructions for making the infused oils. Blessings, Ravenna Herb_Power The price of knowledge is the responsibility to share it. ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ INFUSED OILS Infused oils are produced by soaking the plant material in warm oil over a period of time. It is probably the oldest method of extraction and was used thousands of years before distillation and other methods were devised. Infused oils have many of the properties of essential oils but also have the benefits of other plant substances not present in essential oils. The resulting oil isn't as strong as essential oil and can usually be used without further dilution. One of the main advantages of this method is that it makes it possible to utilise many plants that yield either very little or no essential oil but which are immensely useful. Well dried or thoroughly wilted herbs are the best to use to make infused oils as the water content in fresh herbs could cause bacteria to grow and spoil the oil. Examples of useful infused oils are as follows: Arnica The pure essential oil contains a high percentage of toxic constituents. However, the infused oil or homeopathic tincture or ointment is a most valuable addition to any home first aid box. When applied externally, the oil stimulates the peripheral blood supply making it one of the best remedies for sprains, strains, bruises, RSI and similar problems. It may also be used in blends to relieve rheumatism and other inflammatory conditions. Caution. This oil must never be used on broken skin. Calendula Be sure that you are using true calendula (Calendula officinalis) as there is often confusion with African and French marigolds. These plants don't have the same properties and aren't suitable for medicinal use. Calendula infused oil has powerful skin healing properties. This makes it useful as the main oil in creams and ointment for cracked skin, burns, eczem a, inflammations, rashes, work-rough hands, nappy rash, grazes and wounds. An excellent treatment for sore nipples - use the oil alone rather than a cream. It also helps to fade old scars and can be used in the treatment of ulcers and varicose veins. Comfrey Known variously as Knitbone, Boneset, Bruisewort and other descriptive names. Comfrey oil is impressive in its healing powers for wounds, ulcers, strains, sprains, muscular injuries and fractures. May also be used to good effect on dry eczema, itchy skin and rough skin. Devil's Claw A valuable anti-inflammatory and analgesic herb. Tablets are available from health food stores and could be taken in conjunction with the massage oil. Use the oil to treat rheumatic and other joint diseases, muscular strain, inflammation of connective tissue, fibrositis, RSI, tendonitis. Echinacea Already very well known as an internal treatment echinacea also makes a valuable oil for healing skin conditions of all types and cosmetically softening wrinkles, stretchmarks and scars. Elderflower The flowers are the parts to use and I make and keep a good supply of this oil for blending with calendula oil to make moisture lotions and creams. The resultant oil is softening, anti-inflammatory, healing and good for all skins. Mullein The yellow flowers and olive oil make a very valuable infused oil for the treatment of simple earache. Prolonged or severe earache needs urgent professional treatment. Use also for painful and inflamed conditions such as wounds and haemorrhoids. Plantain I use a double quantity of this herb when making healing creams. It has strongly astringent and soothing properties, helps to reduce the pain of wounds, stings and insect bites, reduces the itching of haemorrhoids and also helps to stop bleeding. St 's Wort Also known as Hypericum oil. When steeped in warm oil the yellow flowers release a rich, ruby-red oil with analgesic, astringent and antiseptic properties. The oil is excellent for easing the pain of minor burns, muscle and joint inflammation, nerve related pain such as neuralgia, fibrositis and wounds. The infused oil is available in most good health food stores but if you can find the plant in flower it's really exciting to make this oil yourself. Orange Blossom (Neroli), Rose, Chamomile, Jasmine, (Lemon balm) are all very expensive oils. Beautiful, effective and inexpensive massage oils can be made from these plants using the infusion method. If you want your finished oils to have a stronger aroma and action you can add a few drops of essential oil. Store the oils (carefully labelled) in a cool, dark place. Refrigeration of the oils will ensure a much longer life as oxidation and rancidity will be retarded. Other Herbs to Use in Infused Oils Skin oil: chamomile, calendula, elderflower, lavender, rosemary, rose, jasmine. Massage oil: chamomile, geranium, jasmine, lavender, marjoram, rosemary, rose. Healing ointments: calendula, comfrey, lavender, mallow, plantain, rosemary, sage, thyme, valerian, violet, wormwood, yarrow. I make very small amounts of triple strength oils ready to blend into specific massage oils or ointments and make a large quantity of triple strength calendula oil that I add to most of my blends. Hot Method of Making Infused Oils 1. Half fill a jar with dried, crumbled (not powdered) plant material or three quarters fill with wilted plant material. 2. Add 1 tablespoon cider vinegar to the herbs (1 tablespoon for each 2 cups of oil that you will use), stir well, place a lid on and shake vigorously. 3. Leave for a few hours without heating, shaking often. The vinegar releases properties that aren't released into oil. 4. Fill the jar with good quality oil--a blend of olive and grape seed would be excellent, that has been warmed to blood heat. Fasten the top down firmly and put the jar in a warm place; hot sun, a pan of hot water, a crock-pot containing water, a radiator or the top of the refrigerator at the back for 24 hours. Shake the jar occasionally. 5. Heat should be no more than 45C-48C; if the oil overheats you will lose some of the important volatile properties of the herbs. 6. Strain the oil first through a sieve and then through coarse muslin or a coarse weave tea towel and squeeze to get as much oil as possible out of the plant material, if you want a single strength oil you can go to stage 8. 7. Pour the strained oil back into the jar, add more plant material and if necessary, top up with a little fresh oil to keep the quantity the same. Fasten down the top firmly again and repeat the procedure. You can continue to repeat the process several times (omitting stage 2 after the first extraction) until you are satisfied with the strength. 8. Strain the oil through a kitchen sieve to remove most of the plant material and then through the finest cloth you have. Pour the finished oil into a jar. After a few days you will see sediment at the bottom of the jar. Carefully decant the oil into a clean jar, leaving the sediment behind. Refrigerate the oil until needed, if you have used olive oil it will thicken in the refrigerator but that's alright, it will soon regain it's normal appearance. I refrigerate or even freeze the sediment and use it in packs, compresses and masks. Cold Method of Making Infused Oils The following is a method that has been employed by herbalists for centuries and is called the 'Simplers' method, it feels very 'alchemic' and earthy but works best if you live in a country where there are long, hot sunny days. The above Hot Method tends to lose a lot of the natural perfume of the plant material while the Cold Method retains more of the scent. 1. Put the lightly bruised flowers or leaves in a jar and cover to about 5cm (2 " ) above the plant material with a slightly warmed, delicate, scentless oil such as grapeseed or almond. Unless the herbs are completely submerged they will go mouldy. 2. Cover closely with a well fitting lid. 3. Have as little air space as possible in the jar or mould may be encouraged to grow in the condensation that will form on the glass and the inside of the lid. 4. Put in a sunny spot for one week. Bring the jar in at night (if you remember!). 5. Repeat as for stage 6 of the Hot Method until the oil smells as strongly as you desire. Strain well through a sieve and then through double cheesecloth and follow stage 7 of the Hot Method. Use the finished infused oil to incorporate into massage oils, ointments, bath oils, skin care preparations, insect repellents or to use alone This article contains information on a range of herbs or essential oils. It is intended as a source of information, not as a medical reference book. Remember that some herbs and essential oils that are beneficial for short term use can be harmful if used for long periods. The reader is also advised not to attempt self-treatment for serious or long-term problems without consulting a health professional. The author cannot be held responsible for any adverse reactions to the recipes, recommendations and instructions contained in the article and the use of any ingredient is entirely at the readers own risk. Copyright Ó Nerys Purchon (AKA Ravenna ). Permission is granted to share this article with others, provided you do so in it's entirety and include this copyright statement. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted August 29, 2001 Report Share Posted August 29, 2001 Ravenna, Thank you so much for the very useful information on infused oils - for me as a newbie this is excellent. I was wondering just the other day how to make infused oils the proper way. Have a lovely day Christa Ravenna wrote: Greetings to all, It seems that many of you enjoyed the Ointment Making that I posted so here are the instructions for making the infused oils. Blessings, Ravenna Herb_Power The price of knowledge is the responsibility to share it. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted August 30, 2001 Report Share Posted August 30, 2001 I missed the ointment posting, could you email me at thefarm@... or tell me how to find it. THnks Infused Oils > Greetings, > > Greetings to all, > > It seems that many of you enjoyed the Ointment Making that I posted so here are the instructions for making the infused oils. > > Blessings, > > Ravenna > Herb_Power > The price of knowledge is > the responsibility to share it. > ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ > INFUSED OILS > Infused oils are produced by soaking the plant material in warm oil over a > period of time. It is probably the oldest method of extraction and was used > thousands of years before distillation and other methods were devised. > Infused oils have many of the properties of essential oils but also have the > benefits of other plant substances not present in essential oils. The > resulting oil isn't as strong as essential oil and can usually be used > without further dilution. One of the main advantages of this method is that > it makes it possible to utilise many plants that yield either very little or > no essential oil but which are immensely useful. > Well dried or thoroughly wilted herbs are the best to use to make infused > oils as the water content in fresh herbs could cause bacteria to grow and > spoil the oil. > > Examples of useful infused oils are as follows: > Arnica > The pure essential oil contains a high percentage of toxic constituents. > However, the infused oil or homeopathic tincture or ointment is a most > valuable addition to any home first aid box. > When applied externally, the oil stimulates the peripheral blood supply > making it one of the best remedies for sprains, strains, bruises, RSI and > similar problems. It may also be used in blends to relieve rheumatism and > other inflammatory conditions. > Caution. This oil must never be used on broken skin. > > Calendula > Be sure that you are using true calendula (Calendula officinalis) as there > is often confusion with African and French marigolds. These plants don't > have the same properties and aren't suitable for medicinal use. > > Calendula infused oil has powerful skin healing properties. This makes it > useful as the main oil in creams and ointment for cracked skin, burns, eczem > a, inflammations, rashes, work-rough hands, nappy rash, grazes and wounds. > An excellent treatment for sore nipples - use the oil alone rather than a > cream. It also helps to fade old scars and can be used in the treatment of > ulcers and varicose veins. > > Comfrey > Known variously as Knitbone, Boneset, Bruisewort and other descriptive > names. Comfrey oil is impressive in its healing powers for wounds, ulcers, > strains, sprains, muscular injuries and fractures. May also be used to good > effect on dry eczema, itchy skin and rough skin. > > Devil's Claw > A valuable anti-inflammatory and analgesic herb. Tablets are available from > health food stores and could be taken in conjunction with the massage oil. > Use the oil to treat rheumatic and other joint diseases, muscular strain, > inflammation of connective tissue, fibrositis, RSI, tendonitis. > > Echinacea > Already very well known as an internal treatment echinacea also makes a > valuable oil for healing skin conditions of all types and cosmetically > softening wrinkles, stretchmarks and scars. > > Elderflower > The flowers are the parts to use and I make and keep a good supply of this > oil for blending with calendula oil to make moisture lotions and creams. The > resultant oil is softening, anti-inflammatory, healing and good for all > skins. > > Mullein > The yellow flowers and olive oil make a very valuable infused oil for the > treatment of simple earache. Prolonged or severe earache needs urgent > professional treatment. Use also for painful and inflamed conditions such as > wounds and haemorrhoids. > > Plantain > I use a double quantity of this herb when making healing creams. It has > strongly astringent and soothing properties, helps to reduce the pain of > wounds, stings and insect bites, reduces the itching of haemorrhoids and > also helps to stop bleeding. > > St 's Wort > Also known as Hypericum oil. When steeped in warm oil the yellow flowers > release a rich, ruby-red oil with analgesic, astringent and antiseptic > properties. The oil is excellent for easing the pain of minor burns, muscle > and joint inflammation, nerve related pain such as neuralgia, fibrositis and > wounds. The infused oil is available in most good health food stores but if > you can find the plant in flower it's really exciting to make this oil > yourself. > > Orange Blossom (Neroli), Rose, Chamomile, Jasmine, (Lemon balm) are > all very expensive oils. Beautiful, effective and inexpensive massage oils > can be made from these plants using the infusion method. > > If you want your finished oils to have a stronger aroma and action you can > add a few drops of essential oil. Store the oils (carefully labelled) in a > cool, dark place. > Refrigeration of the oils will ensure a much longer life as oxidation and > rancidity will be retarded. > > Other Herbs to Use in Infused Oils > Skin oil: chamomile, calendula, elderflower, lavender, rosemary, rose, > jasmine. > Massage oil: chamomile, geranium, jasmine, lavender, marjoram, rosemary, > rose. > Healing ointments: calendula, comfrey, lavender, mallow, plantain, rosemary, > sage, thyme, valerian, violet, wormwood, yarrow. > I make very small amounts of triple strength oils ready to blend into > specific massage oils or ointments and make a large quantity of triple > strength calendula oil that I add to most of my blends. > > Hot Method of Making Infused Oils > 1. Half fill a jar with dried, crumbled (not powdered) plant material or > three quarters fill with wilted plant material. > 2. Add 1 tablespoon cider vinegar to the herbs (1 tablespoon for each 2 cups > of oil that you will use), stir well, place a lid on and shake vigorously. > 3. Leave for a few hours without heating, shaking often. The vinegar > releases properties that aren't released into oil. > 4. Fill the jar with good quality oil--a blend of olive and grape seed would > be excellent, that has been warmed to blood heat. Fasten the top down firmly > and put the jar in a warm place; hot sun, a pan of hot water, a crock-pot > containing water, a radiator or the top of the refrigerator at the back for > 24 hours. Shake the jar occasionally. > 5. Heat should be no more than 45C-48C; if the oil overheats you will lose > some of the important volatile properties of the herbs. > 6. Strain the oil first through a sieve and then through coarse muslin or a > coarse weave tea towel and squeeze to get as much oil as possible out of the > plant material, if you want a single strength oil you can go to stage 8. > 7. Pour the strained oil back into the jar, add more plant material and if > necessary, top up with a little fresh oil to keep the quantity the same. > Fasten down the top firmly again and repeat the procedure. You can continue > to repeat the process several times (omitting stage 2 after the first > extraction) until you are satisfied with the strength. > 8. Strain the oil through a kitchen sieve to remove most of the plant > material and then through the finest cloth you have. Pour the finished oil > into a jar. After a few days you will see sediment at the bottom of the jar. > Carefully decant the oil into a clean jar, leaving the sediment behind. > Refrigerate the oil until needed, if you have used olive oil it will thicken > in the refrigerator but that's alright, it will soon regain it's normal > appearance. I refrigerate or even freeze the sediment and use it in packs, > compresses and masks. > > Cold Method of Making Infused Oils > The following is a method that has been employed by herbalists for centuries > and is called the 'Simplers' method, it feels very 'alchemic' and earthy but > works best if you live in a country where there are long, hot sunny days. > The above Hot Method tends to lose a lot of the natural perfume of the plant > material while the Cold Method retains more of the scent. > 1. Put the lightly bruised flowers or leaves in a jar and cover to about 5cm > (2 " ) above the plant material with a slightly warmed, delicate, scentless > oil such as grapeseed or almond. Unless the herbs are completely submerged > they will go mouldy. > 2. Cover closely with a well fitting lid. > 3. Have as little air space as possible in the jar or mould may be > encouraged to grow in the condensation that will form on the glass and the > inside of the lid. > 4. Put in a sunny spot for one week. Bring the jar in at night (if you > remember!). > 5. Repeat as for stage 6 of the Hot Method until the oil smells as strongly > as you desire. Strain well through a sieve and then through double > cheesecloth and follow stage 7 of the Hot Method. > Use the finished infused oil to incorporate into massage oils, ointments, > bath oils, skin care preparations, insect repellents or to use alone > > This article contains information on a range of herbs or essential oils. It > is intended as a source of information, not as a medical reference book. > Remember that some herbs and essential oils that are beneficial for short > term use can be harmful if used for long periods. The reader is also advised > not to attempt self-treatment for serious or long-term problems without > consulting a health professional. > The author cannot be held responsible for any adverse reactions to the > recipes, recommendations and instructions contained in the article and the > use of any ingredient is entirely at the readers own risk. > > Copyright Ó Nerys Purchon (AKA Ravenna ). Permission is granted to > share this article with others, provided you do so in it's entirety and > include this copyright statement. > > > > > > > > > > > Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted January 13, 2003 Report Share Posted January 13, 2003 Hello list buds. Can other oils other than olive oil be used for infusing? And why is olive oil the most popular for this purpose? Thanks. Leanna in Alberta. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted January 13, 2003 Report Share Posted January 13, 2003 Hi Leanna, You can use any oil for infusing, and Sweet Almond Oil is commonly used. However, Olive Oil is very stable, and has healing properties of its own Well, Naturally http://www.wellnaturally.ca At 01:10 PM 1/13/2003 -0700, you wrote: >Hello list buds. Can other oils other than olive oil be used for >infusing? And why is olive oil the most popular for this purpose? Thanks. > >Leanna in Alberta. > > > Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted January 13, 2003 Report Share Posted January 13, 2003 Leanna, I have used Safflower oil and it works fine. I don't know why any oil with a decent shelf life can't be used. I guess it would also depend on what you are going to use the oil for. I thinking of infusing Rice Bran Oil with either Chamomile or Calendula for a light face and eye cream. It is one of the lightest oils and absorbs into the skin rapidly. I hope this helps. MAKE A HAPPY MEMORY EVERY DAY: Alternasense Skin Design Products edandevMil@... Re: infused oils Hello list buds. Can other oils other than olive oil be used for infusing? And why is olive oil the most popular for this purpose? Thanks. Leanna in Alberta. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted January 13, 2003 Report Share Posted January 13, 2003 Olive oil is the most popular because it doesn't change it's basic properties when it is heated. It also has a long shelf life. Plus it's good for your skin! I know some people use Sweet Almond or jojoba. But personally I stick with the olive. Heidi http://www.heidisherbals.com Re: infused oils > Hello list buds. Can other oils other than olive oil be used for infusing? And why is olive oil the most popular for this purpose? Thanks. > > Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted January 13, 2003 Report Share Posted January 13, 2003 Thanks Heidi, and ! I am really interested in infusing some oils with chamomile and calendula...I'd like to experiment and use them in some lotion recipes. Have a great day. Leanna in Alberta. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted January 13, 2003 Report Share Posted January 13, 2003 Forgot to ask, is there any particular type of olive oil that is best for infusing? Do the grades of the oil come into play here? Thanks again. Leanna in Alberta. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted January 13, 2003 Report Share Posted January 13, 2003 Hi Leanna, I use extra virgin olive oil if I infuse in olive oil, I want the maximum benefit from the oil itself. But, I do infuse in other oils, it depends on what I intend to do with the oil, Well, Naturally http://www.wellnaturally.ca At 05:35 PM 1/13/2003 -0700, you wrote: >Forgot to ask, is there any particular type of olive oil that is best for >infusing? Do the grades of the oil come into play here? Thanks again. > >Leanna in Alberta. > > > Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted January 13, 2003 Report Share Posted January 13, 2003 Your welcome, anytime. MAKE A HAPPY MEMORY EVERY DAY: Alternasense Skin Design Products edandevMil@... Re: infused oils Thanks Heidi, and ! I am really interested in infusing some oils with chamomile and calendula...I'd like to experiment and use them in some lotion recipes. Have a great day. Leanna in Alberta. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted January 13, 2003 Report Share Posted January 13, 2003 I used the extra virgin. Just my choice. MAKE A HAPPY MEMORY EVERY DAY: Alternasense Skin Design Products edandevMil@... Re: infused oils Forgot to ask, is there any particular type of olive oil that is best for infusing? Do the grades of the oil come into play here? Thanks again. Leanna in Alberta. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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