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Infused Oil

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Infused Oil

An herbal infused oil is made by macerating plant material in a carrier oil over time, drawing out fat-soluble compounds for topical use. Used for skin care, muscle care, scalp health, and ear conditions, infused oils have a long tradition in herbal practice. Two methods are described below: the slow sun infusion and the faster double boiler method.

Tools and Materials Needed

  • Carrier oil: olive oil, MCT oil, coconut oil, sunflower oil, or almond oil
  • Fresh herb, finely chopped, or dried herb, finely chopped
  • Cheesecloth or muslin
  • Two clean glass jars with tight-fitting lids (such as mason jars)
  • Double boiler (optional, for alternate method)

Instructions

Standard Method: Sun Infusion

  1. Place finely chopped herb into glass container.
  2. Pour enough oil in the jar to cover the herb.
  3. Place in the sun or in a warm location.
  4. Shake the jar daily.
  5. After 2 to 3 weeks, strain through cheesecloth or muslin; wring out oil thoroughly.
  6. Pour strained oil into clean glass jar; store in a cool, dark location.
  7. For a stronger oil, add more plant material to the strained oil and repeat steps 3 through 6.

Alternate Method: Double Boiler

  1. Place finely chopped herbs and oil in a double boiler.
  2. Bring to a slow simmer; heat 30 to 60 minutes, checking frequently.
  3. Strain through cheesecloth or muslin; wring thoroughly.
  4. Pour into clean glass jar; store in a cool, dark location.
Shelf life: Herb infused oils can keep for 6 months to 3 years, depending on the herb and oil used. Store away from heat and light.

Herbs Commonly Used in Infused Oils

These herbs extract well into oil and have a long tradition of topical and therapeutic use:

  • Lavender: Soothing and antimicrobial; one of the most versatile herbs for infused oil
  • Chamomile: Anti-inflammatory and gentle; excellent for sensitive or dry skin
  • Mullein: Flower-infused oil is a traditional ear oil for earaches and infections
  • Rosemary: Stimulating and antioxidant-rich; popular for scalp and hair care
  • Thyme: Antimicrobial; traditionally used in infused oils for skin and respiratory care
  • Calendula: One of the most widely used herbs for skin-healing infused oils
  • Yarrow: Wound-healing and anti-inflammatory; traditional choice for bruise and sprain oils
  • Frankincense: Resin-infused oil with a long tradition in skin care

Try a Related Product

If you like herb-infused preparations, explore these handcrafted infused honeys. Like infused oils, they extract plant properties into a carrier base for a concentrated, ready-to-use preparation:

Zoom Honey Ashwagandha, ginseng, and maca infused into raw honey for energy and adaptogenic support
Shroom Honey Medicinal mushroom infused raw honey for immune and vitality support
Cinnamon & Clove Infused Honey Warming, circulatory, and antimicrobial herbs in raw honey
Hibiscus Infused Honey Antioxidant-rich hibiscus in raw honey

Learn More

  • Herbal Wellness Basics: An introduction to the many ways you can prepare and use herbs at home
  • Key Constituents: Why fat-soluble compounds extract into oil and what that means for each herb

The herbal preparation methods on this page are for educational purposes only. This information has not been evaluated by the FDA and is not intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any disease. Consult with a healthcare provider before using herbs medicinally, especially if you are pregnant, nursing, taking medication, or have a health condition.

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