How to Make Herb-Infused Oil in a Crock-pot (the quick and easy way!)
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- Опубліковано 15 лип 2024
- If you’re short on time, or impatient like me, it’s easy and quick to use the gentle warmth of your crock-pot to make herb-infused oils.
Folks have been infusing oils with medicinal and culinary flowers, leaves, and roots for thousands of years, and for good reason. Soaking these natural treasures in carrier oil draws out many beneficial properties from the plant parts into a versatile ingredient for slaves, balms and lotions as well as for cooking!
My favorite DIY beauty recipes for using your infused oil:
Homemade Whipped Body Butter (non-greasy): • Homemade Whipped Body ...
Lotion Bars: • How to Make Calming Lo...
Lip Balm: • Natural Nourishing DIY...
Sleep Balm: • Lavender Sleep Balm Fo...
For more info about this project, check out the blog post thecrunchyginger.com/how-to-m...
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Awesome!
Thank you
this is great, thank you so much!
You’re so welcome! Thanks for checking it out.
Awesome lesson. Thank you.
You’re welcome! Hope it helps!
Thank you for explaining this process so fully.
You’re welcome! I hope you make something wonderful!
awesome!!!!!! thanks soo much.. great video!!
You’re so welcome! Have fun with your infusions! (It’s addictive! I’ve been making all kinds of stuff lately with my dandelion oils 🤗)
Nicely explained. So Useful thanks
Thank you!
THankyou so much for this video. It has helped me feel more confident in playing around with herb infused oils.
I’m so glad to hear that! 👏🏻👏🏻👏🏻
This was extremely helpful; every tip you gave came in handy. Also, your attitude really brightened my day. Thanks so much!
And your comment really brightened MY day! 😊 I’m so glad you found it useful. Thanks for letting me know!
@@TheCrunchyGinger hi! I love this method. Do think if I let the infused oil sit in Sunlight after I removed it from Rheumatoid CrockPot for a stronger oil?
Maybe? But I think I would just leave it in the warm water bath for a bit longer instead. 🤷🏼♀️
Girl thank you 😊 I’m in my own journey doing my own oils to
To make my body scrubs/face cream/ conditioner/ body lotion etc
You’re welcome! That’s awesome! 😍
Great video! You are clear, concise, to the point and lovely. I usually do the windowsill method but am definitely trying the crockpot method. Thanks for sharing!
Thanks! It’s great to have options!
Great video, very helpful!
I was wondering how i might alter the herb measurements if I were to grind my herbs first.
Hey there! You could certainly grind your herbs first. I would actually do it the same way, filling the jar about 1/2-3/4 full with dried herbs and leaving an inch or so headspace. I would think your infusion might end up a little more potent than with whole leaves or flowers. Also, just be aware you may end up with more sediment after straining and you may want to run it through your strainer a second time!
@@TheCrunchyGinger thank you so much for your reply! I can feel some kitchen alchemy brewing for this weekend 💜
🙌🏻👩🔬🌱
This video was AMAZING! I have made so many great oils using your video. Jalapeno is my fav so far. But...i have also used your direction exactly the same with vinegar with deyhdrated strawberries and it is AMAZING. Thank you for making this video. As I type, I am infusing dried oranges in a simple syrup to see what that does.
You are so welcome! That sounds wonderful. Great idea for the vinegar and syrup; I’ll have to try that!
how did your dried oranges in syrup turn out?
@@DebbieCWellness turned out very well. I did A strawberry one that I've made a few times.
This is definitely a game changer. I would also add a little Vitamin E oil as a natural preservative to slow down the oil going rancid. Thanks for this nugget of knowledge!!! ☺
You’re welcome! Yes, Vitamin E is a great idea (as long as you aren’t planning on eating the oil.) Have fun!!
@@TheCrunchyGinger LOL... Vitamin in the caplets are edible but for my purpose I like infusing my oil-herb blends in the butters (ie: Mango, Shea, etc).
Lol you’re absolutely right! The capsules would be edible 😂. I was thinking about the liquid in a bottle I usually use. Thanks for the good point!
@@TheCrunchyGinger You're welcome... ☺
Vitamin e oil is not a preservative.
I want to do the same thing except I'm going to use my sous vide immersion cooker so I can keep temperatures consistent.
That sounds like a great idea!
Can you put this in a diffuser? What makes this different from essential oil? This video is super helpful!
Never mind about the essential oil question
Hi Emily and thanks! This is a great question. It seems like you already found the answer, but I wanted to explain it anyway for anyone else who might be wondering the same thing!
Essential oils are the highly concentrated volatile oils from plant materials, which are extracted through a distillation process. Infused oils, like the ones we are making here, are made by steeping plant material in a carrier oil. This releases some of those volatile oils from the plants into the carrier oil. Infused oil is much more mild and safe to use directly on the skin.
Infused oils are also much heavier/thicker than essential oils and are not suitable for using in a diffuser.
This was extremely informative! Thank you for sharing!
By the way, once you do what you stated above, do you just put it in a tincture bottle to use? (New to this)
Thank you!
Yup, then they are ready to be used in salves, soaps or what ever you need them for
Gracias❤
@@julisamedina5565 of course I’ve been on a journey for the past two almost three years just reading stuff up and doing the thing :) it’s so much fun
Thanks a lot
Do we have to cover the crockpot with its lid???
No, I would leave the lid OFF! This helps keep the temperature from getting too hot.
Awesome! I wonder if this could be done in an instant pot too?
Hmmm 🤔 interesting thought. I really can’t say because I don’t have one and I am not very familiar with the way they work. Do you know how low the temperature can get in an Instant Pot? I try to keep the oil at about 100* F so it doesn’t fry the herbs. If you test it out, let us know! I bet other people would be curious to know, too!
@@TheCrunchyGinger I have read that if you have it, use the Yogurt setting on an instapot. I will add that I have NOT tried this method myself
Oh interesting! Thanks for sharing this. Anyone else ever tried this??
Do you think you could infuse mango butter? I wondered if the long heat time would ruin the butter? Thank you!
Hmmm 🤔. I wish I could say for sure. I would also be concerned that the long heat time would damage some of the beneficial properties of the mango butter. Or at the very least might significantly shorten the shelf life. But again, I don’t know that for a fact. I’d love to know how it goes if you try it!
Use 4 oz jars, closer to what you are looking for.
What does "crunchy" in "The Crunchy Ginger" mean?
can you use this same technique using fresh flower petals?
I know that some people do use fresh herbs/flowers although I have never done it. Fresh herbs will introduce water into your oil which can lead to quick spoilage. If you decide to give it a try, make sure the flowers are as dry as possible going into the oil. And plan on keeping your infused oil in the fridge and using soon! Keep an eye out for signs of mold or changes in color, cloudiness, or smell. Hope that helps!
How do you store it? Do you place it in the fridge?
I keep mine in a cool-ish dark pantry and tend to use within 6 months or so. But you could certainly keep it in the fridge for a very long life or if your home is very warm.
Does the same method apply to infusing resin like frankincense & myrrh
I haven’t ever worked with these resins, but I can’t see any reason why you couldn’t use this method to infuse it into your oil!
Do you have to put the jars in dark place. Or can you used them now
They are ready to use now! Infusing them in the warm crock pot replaces the need to soak them for several weeks at room temperature (ie the simpler’s method). I like to store the infused oils in jars in a cool dark cabinet though for long term storage.
I have fresh mint. Can I use that not dried
I know that some people do use fresh herbs although I have never done it. Fresh herbs will introduce water into your oil which can lead to quick spoilage. If you decide to give it a try, make sure the mint is as dry as possible going into the oil. And plan on keeping your infused oil in the fridge and using soon! Keep an eye out for signs of mold or changes in color, cloudiness, or smell. Hope that helps!
Can I cover the crockpot on warm serting?
I like to leave the lid off so it doesn’t get to hot.
Not sure why would you put lids on to the jars? Isn't it a little bit dangerous?
I put the lid on the prevent any water from getting into the jars. The temperature of the oil in the jar should never get above about 100F, so there is no danger of them boiling or exploding. They are just warm.
@@TheCrunchyGinger I do long term infusions on sunny window but wanted to learn how to do crockpot method for infusions of roots since they need more heat to realese all the goodness. I put on low for 10 hours and temp was higher than 100F. Nothing I could do about it, I added more water in crockpot and left bigger jar to finish but had to take small jar out since it was cooking.
Have you every tried infusing pumpkin skin & spices into oil to get a pumpkin spice oil? I’m thinking to use in body butters.
I have not! But I would be curious to know how it works if you try it.
@@TheCrunchyGinger I know the concerns about using fresh, should I dehydrate it first? Or since I’m using the crock pot method and as long as it is covered well, do you think it will be okay?
I think I would personally still dry it a bit first
Can I infuse just using sunflower oil ?
Yep!
Can you do this with Orange's?
I think it would be wonderful with dried orange peels! (I would shy away from fresh oranges or peels since they contain so much water.)
How do you know if you have fried your herbs?
I think you will be able to smell it! If it burned or fried it would smell like cooking or burning herbs.
One more question, do you think dried herbs would be okay to place in your container for presentation? I’m using roll-on tunes and I thought about placing small lavender cuttings in the tube. Just to make it look nice.
I have never done this, so I can’t say from personal experience. But I have read it can shorten the shelf life, since the herbs will eventually start to break down.
The Crunchy Ginger good point. Thank you!
You’re welcome! I hope you make some wonderful things ❤️💐
Can you re use herbs?
Not that I’m aware of. But I’m open to ideas if anyone else has found a secondary use for them!
Use 95% vodka and let it set for at least 12 hours before adding your carrier oil. The alcohol extract more from the herb. You will be amazed at the difference in your oil.
1/2 oz by volume alcohol to 1 oz by weight of dried herb
@@madamsavant6296 Hey there Love... do you strain the liquid after the infusion and evaporate the alcohol then add the resin that's left to your oil or do you then add your oil after the 12-hour alcohol infusion and let it Infuse in the Crock-Pot together... ?
@@trinaayliffe6604Right! Cus an oil alcohol mix does not sound appealing 💀
How long do these oils last?
Go by the expiration or “best by” date on the oil you use. Store in a cool dark place. For extra long shelf life, you can store in the fridge.
What is the shelf life in the infused oil?
Great question! It depends a bit on a few factors, mainly the shelf life of the oil itself and how fresh it is when you infuse it. Storing it in a cool dark place is also a good idea. To be conservative, I think at least 6 months, but it could be good much longer. If you notice a change in color or smell or cloudiness, it’s time to ditch it and make a new batch!
The Crunchy Ginger thank you! I’ve been learning to make roll on aromatherapy oils and I’ve been really trying to find the technique with the maximum shelf life.
How lovely! Adding a little vitamin E oil can also help boost shelf life a bit. (You can buy it in liquid form or squeeze it from a capsule.)
Any one use flaxseed oil in this method? As the coconut oil doesn't help with my skin
I haven’t tried it. But I understand that flaxseed oil goes rancid more quickly than other carrier oils. So if you try it, I would stick to a smaller quantity that you will use quickly and store it in the fridge!
@@TheCrunchyGinger thanks
Can the jars explode?
Gosh I sure hope not! The water temperature should never get above 100F or the oil will cook/fry the herbs. Certainly a jar can withstand that.
@@TheCrunchyGinger mine got to about 120 but seemed okay. I made sure to screw the lid lightly like you would when canning. Thanks for the video!
It’s best to leave the lids off the jars
Should be on heat for a week, not a day. Read Making Plant Medicine by Richo Cech.
I do the same thing so to speak, but your conserving too much oil. Your recipe is never going to turn out good it will be too strong. I use a miniture crock pot and I do not fill the herbs with a glass jar. I just go on warm and have they herbs sit inside a full crock pot that is miniture. This gives me more oil and I don't have to squeeze of of cheese cloth and can reuse the herbs left over for incense.
Thanks for sharing your method!