I would recommend using the crock pot method for coconut oil (also called the warm, hot, or quick infusion method) and perhaps lavender or rosemary which are classic hair herbs. It really depends on your personal hair needs. You can find instructions for making infused oils using the quick method on the Mountain Rose Blog. Hope this helps! ~Erin
Hi there! I'd suggest using fractionated coconut oil (the liquid version) so that when you go to use the oil, it won't be solid. However, both would work. Just keep in mind regular (semi solid) coconut oil will solidify under 70 degrees F. I hope that helps! - Gracie
That's a great question. We always suggest making your oil infusions with dried herbs to lessen the chances of any sort of bacterial or mold growth. Ingredients that do not contain water will be safer to work with. While I'm not positive of the likelihood of botulism in oil infusions, it's always best to use best practices when it comes to sanitization and proper storage. I hope that helps to answer your question a little bit! - Gracie
Place a square piece of natural waxed paper on top of the jar, then seal jar with a lid (this protects the infusion from an chemical coating that may be on the lid.)
Hi Sarah! Dried lavender is a perfect choice, but a quart is a big quantity of oil to make at one time, so it will likely take longer and more herbs to make a stronger infusion. You'll notice that in the video the jars were pints of half-pints? I would suggest using a smaller jar and filling it 2/3 full of dried lavender flowers and then filling the jar with oil. You can also gently heat to boost the start of the infusion. Good Luck ~Kori
Hi there~thank you for your question. You can use a powder for your infused oil, you will just want to be sure to strain it well before storing and using. The bits of herbal powder can shorten the life of the oil if left in there, but if you strain it well, it should work just fine. Good luck! ~Kori
@NaturallyGoodSoaps The "cooked method" is another technique for oil infusions that is quicker, but still effective. One concern is that heating sensitive oils can sometimes cause an unpleasant odor or rancidity if the heat is too high. I like the slower, solar infused method, but usually add Vit E oil to help against rancidity and to increase shelf life. If stored away from heat and light, your oil should last a year or 2 if not longer. You can also smell before use. Hope this helps! ~Erin
I think I did that, scorched the olive oil/herbs, there's a little taste..but it still works good for it's purpose. It was a small batch and my very first use of a magical butter machine which I lost the directions too so I set the machine to go 8 hours, lost half the oil.
Hi there~Thank you for your question. Yes, you can accelerate the process by gently heating the oils. Some folks prefer to use a slow cooker for this while others will heat the jars in water over a low heat (placing the jar in water helps it heat evenly without getting too hot.) Good luck! ~Kori
Great question! You can speed up the process by gently heating the oil on the stove to get it started and then letting it rest. I've never used a pressure canner, but I would worry that the herbal properties might be destroyed instead of being gently infused into the oil. I have used a slow cooker (crock pot) to make infused oils and that has worked well too. I would suggest doing a little research as it will depend on whether you are infusing leaves, roots, etc. and your use ~Kori
Hi Gilbert, that is a great question. The process for working with glycerine is quite similar to making other extracts. Different books and recipes will give you slightly different instructions and recipes. Basically, you'll want to simmer your herbs in the glycerine for several hours. You could also use a crock pot and keep it at a low heat for a few days. We have some great books available on our web site! ~Kori
HI Sylvia! Our suggestion is that you infuse the herbs and oils separately. Roots, leaves, and different herbs behave differently and, on order to extract the most of the healing properties, it is best to let them each infuse without having to compete with each other! You can then use the different oils in your recipe :) I know it sounds like it would be easier to do it altogether, but it just doesn't work as well. Good luck! ~Kori
Hi Lind~Thank you for stopping by~I suppose it is a matter of preference whether to shake your mixtures up periodically. I like to make sure that the plant materials are completely covered and well incorporated so I do give them a good shake. I would suggest using wood or plastic utensils and avoiding the metal ones. I hope this answers your questions and good luck! ~Kori
1 -You can add some Vitamin E oil as a natural preservative, just be sure to store it in a dark dry, cool place away from the bathroom or kitchen. 2- Powdered herbs are difficult to strain. I use whole, dried herbs that have been cut but not powdered. 3 - Yes, add more oil to keep the herb totally covered. 4 - We carry high quality organic extra virgin oilive oil that you can eat or use in bodycare. Hope this helps!
Mountain Rose Herbs are my go to natural herb company of all times. I just placed my order and it was sent quickly. Yay! I've heard so many great things from all of my natural hair sisters about the various butters (shea,illipe, mango) on the site. Now I'm sharing this website with my other natural hair sisters. Please continue to provide quality products. I'm going to place another order very very very soon. Thank you for excellence.
Hi! With powders or whole/chopped loose herbs, you'll want to add enough oil to completely cover the amount of herbs you choose. The more herbs, the stronger your infusion will be and the more herbal properties that will be extracted. You can use the same measurements you use for whole dried herbs and your oils will turn out fine. Just be sure to strain it well for storage. Thanks for the question! ~Kori
Yes, Lavonna! You can use them just as you would other oils (for example, substituting 1 cup of your calendula oil for 1 cup of plain olive oil). Thanks for the question ~Kori
What a great question! This is how I understand it: an extract is usually made by extracting some of the raw material of an herb or botanical, often by using a solvent like water or ethanol. With an infused oil, you have a mixture of the herb or herbs with another oil base. I hope this helps! ~Kori
Hi Luc! Thanks for the question. Aloe vera is not a great plant for infusing~especially fresh. It will get super goopey and it is not oil soluble. I have been told that even dried aloe vera will get gelatinous and goopey when it is rehydrated. Since it is the gel part of the plant that is most used in cosmetic and skin preparations, most folk simply put that on their skin. I hope this helps! ~Kori
Hi Lisabeth~I am so sorry your project turned out poorly! Coconut oil is not really the best oil for doing infusions. I generally use olive oil or almond oil~as suggested in the video. Additionally, I have never actually tried heating the oils in a crock pot, but I let the oils infuse at room temperature for several weeks. If I was going to heat them, I'd probably gently warm the olive oil and herb mix and then turn it off and let it infuse at room temperature for a few weeks. You'll also want to make sure your herbs are completely covered with oil. I hope this helps and good luck on the next project ~Kori
Hi there~Coconut oil turns solid at any temperature lower than 70 degrees. Additionally, it has such strong properties of its own, that it is not as receptive to extracting the properties of the herbs. Thanks so much for your question! ~Kori
I've heard others recommend placing the oils in a sunny window sill or placing the jar in a water filled crock pot on low for two hours. Why would you NOT use these methods.
Hi Belinda~It is really personal preference as to which method you'd like to use for herbal infused oils. I might NOT use the solar infusion method if I was in a hurry and needed the gentle heating method; and I might NOT use the crock pot method if I didn't have time to stay home and keep an eye on the infusion. Thanks for sharing your questions and good luck! ~Kori
Hi Sarah~Thank you for the question. You can definitely use powdered herbs in your oil infusions, you will just want to be careful to strain them well. You are much more likely to end up with little particles in your oils which may shorten their shelf life. Good luck! ~Kori
Hi Caroline~Great question! You can absolutely use your infused oils in salad dressings, recipes, body care products, etc. You'll just want to make sure you are infusing high quality botanicals that can be taken internally. Good luck! ~Kori
Hi manju agadi Thank you for sharing your question. You can certainly include coconut oil in your hair oils. The challenge with infusing herbs in coconut oil is that it remains solid at any temperatures below 76 degrees. Additionally, it has a strong scent and properties of its own. I like to create infused oils using olive oil or another lighter oil and then combine with coconut oil in the recipe. I do hope this helps and answers your question. Cheers! ~Kori
Hi Martina~Thanks for checking in with us. There are actually two different "camps" on this question. There are those who like to infuse their oils in the sun and those who advise keeping them in a cool, dark location~thinking they will keep longer. I tend to keep mine out of the sun, but you are welcome to do it in whichever way you like. If you keep them in the sunlight, they probably won't keep as long, but you can use them quickly and make more! Good luck~Kori
Hi Lark~You can use flowers and herbs fresh, but they can be a little temperamental. Fresh herbs have a higher moisture content and you'll need to watch out for spoilage while they are infusing. Fresh calendula does work pretty well, however, so it might be worth a try. As for harvesting lemon balm, I've been told it is best right before the blossoms appear. It's leaves can be harvested at any time, however, and, like many herbs, it is best harvested in the morning. I hope this helps! ~Kori
Hi Sarah~You can infuse two herbs in one oil, although we generally suggest infusing each herb individually and then combining the oils after they have been infused since different herbs will behave differently. But you can experiment with herbs you'd like to try and see what you like. Good luck! ~Kori
Hi Ais, This is a great question :) We recommend you make your oil infusions separately and then add them to whatever recipe you might be making. You will get a better quality oil infusion this way. I hope this answers your question~ Good Luck! ~Kori
I LOOOVE ordering my herbs from this place! The packaging is very neat, clean, and organized. Really good customer service. Just an amazing, quality place overall. Question, if I was to infuse water with oils, and then boil the herbal infused water to create something else (specifically, I'm going to boil flax seeds with the herbal infusion). Will boiling the herbal infusion make the water lose it's benefits that the herbs provided, or will it be ok?
We do sell both red clover and dandelion as bulk herbs! Using the techniques in this video, you could easily make your own infused oils with these herbs, or even use the oils you create to make your own salves for massage. The great thing about making your own is that you can customize the oils to suit your needs. Good luck! ~Kori
Hi Pamela~Thanks for your questions! Yes, you should completely cover the herbs with oil to reduce oxygen exposure. If you don't the herbs might get moldy and slimy and contaminate your whole project. You will know the oils has gone rancid if it has an "off" color and taste. My best suggestion is to use your best judgement. If you know what it smells and tastes like when it is fresh and good, you'll likely know when it ceases to be so. Good luck! ~Kori
Thank you for your question. You can use coconut oil. It does not work as well for oil infusions because it is such a strong oil on its own, but it can be a wonderful ingredient to add to skin and body preparations. Good luck! ~Kori
@mukwah1111 Yes, Olive Oil is a wonderful choice for infusing and for salve making. You should feel free to experiment with adding other herbs and a drop or two of essential oil to create custom salves. Vit E is a very good choice for preserving your oils. I hope this is helpful!
Good Morning~You might want to check out some of our other videos: "How to Make Herbal Salve" and "How to Make Herbal Liniments" as well as our blog at mountain rose blog (dot) com for recipes and suggestions for making balms, salves and lotions. If you want to speed up your infused oil, you might consider warming it slowly in a hot water bath on your stove top or using a slow cooker. The time will depend on how much you are making and how strong you want it. Good luck! ~Kori
Hi Jessica~The more an herb is processed (chopped, minced, etc.) the more properties start to break down. You can definitely use a powdered herb for an infused oil, but you will likely want to strain it well prior to using. Particles left in the oil will cause a shorter shelf life. Thanks for the question and good luck! ~Kori
Hi Heidy, Almond oil is made by pressing thousands of almonds using fancy extraction equipment, not through the infusion process. Unfortunately, it isn't really something that you can make at home unless you want to invest quite a bit of money in the technology. We do sell it on our website at a great price though! I hope this is helpful. Cheers, Erin
Hi there~Thank you for your questions. Hemp seed oil does degrade when exposed to bright light and heat. It likes to be refrigerated and kept cool. So, it is not the best oil for infusions. We sell several kinds of bottles and jars on our website at mountain rose herbs (dot) com. You can also use a simple Mason or canning jar. I hope this helps a bit ~Kori
What a great question Elsabe! I have not tried this with bulbinella, but have made an infused oil with aloe and I think it might be similar. The texture of the oil is more gelatinous (if you've ever purchased aloe oil, you are purchasing an infusion), but it is the same process. You'll probably want to strain it to make it as user-friendly as possible. I hope this helps a bit! ~Kori
Hi Julie~ When making infused oils, it is really a matter of taste, what you have available and what you will be using the oils for. It is my understanding that there are more bitter almond oils out there, and sweet almond oil is made from the dried kernel of sweet almonds. Sometimes, you do find sweet almond oil labeled as simple "almond oil." You might just give it a taste and a try and see if it suits your needs. Good Luck! ~Kori
Hi there~You can certainly experiment with different oils for infusions. I know that there are people who do infuse coconut oil. As you may know, coconut oil is a liquid at 76 degrees (F) but it solidifies at cooler temperatures. I imagine this may affect how well infusions work, but if you are keeping the temperature even while infusing, it might not be an issue. I wish I had some first-hand experience to share, but I have never tried it. Good luck! ~Kori
Hi there~Thank you for your question! We generally suggest infusing one herb at a time and then combining the oils in your recipes, but you are welcome to try a combination and see how it works for you. Good luck~Kori
Sounds like a great recipe! If you are making your own calendula oil, I would suggest making this first and separately, and then combining it with the other oils.Good luck! ~Kori
Yes, you can use a crock pot on the lowest heat setting for 4-6 hours. You don't want to burn the herbs, but slowly extract the properties. Allow it to cool, strain, and you're ready to go. You can learn more by visiting our blog.
Hi! Thanks for the question. The longer you let your oil steep, the stronger the infusion will be. Most herbs take a while (weeks) to become extracted into oil (you may notice that it is much quicker to make a strong tea, for example, as the herbs water will work quicker). There are those who love the sun infusions and others who prefer a longer "steep" in a cool, dark place. It depends, somewhat, on the herbs too! Hope it went well for you :) ~Kori
Yes, you can make rose infused oil this same way, but you would need to use petals from roses that were bred for fragrance. Many roses are bred for appearance and have little scent, so get some roses that were bred for fragrance and use the same process shown here. If you want the scent to be very strong you may need to repeat the process a few times by straining the petals out of the oil and then placing fresh petals in the jar and covering it with the same oil. Hope that helps.
Coconut oil would be great! You can definitely make infused oils with the oils you like to use. Coconut oil has a long shelf life and beneficial properties, and can make a very effective infused oil. ~Kori
I infuse oil to make soap. I'm going to grind up the herbs I used and add the herbs in the soap as an exfoliator. I don't see much info regarding this, but I'm going to give it a try. :)
We usually use Olive Oil when making infused oils and salves, but you could certainly make an herbal infused oil with Coconut Oil too. Olive oil is the standard oil used in infused oils and salves because it works so well, is nourishing, there are generally no allergies to it, and it also has a long shelf life. However, you can definitely experiment with other oils! Coconut oil has a long shelf life and beneficial properties, and can make a very effective infused oil. ~Kori
Hi there! You can use powdered herb for infused oil, but it may be challenging to strain all the bits of herb out of your oil. You will want to get it all out so that there isn't anything left in the oil as this will affect the shelf-life. The smaller the particles, the more challenging to strain :) But you can give it a try. Good luck! ~Kori
Hi! You can definitely make sun infused oils and you'll want to keep an eye on them since they will getting warm :) and may infuse faster than those kept in a dark place. Once you strain the herbs from the oils, it is best to store in a cool dark place, however, for the best quality. Good luck! ~Kori
Always use dried herbs. Any little bit of moisture will turn your oil rancid. You can harvest, bundle, and hang your herbs to dry or lay them out on newspaper inside for a few days. You can also purchase dried herbs on our website. Hope this helps!
That is a good question, Kiara--since it is still an olive oil base, it is really still olive oil--it just has extra goodness with the herbal infusion. You won't be actually changing the chemical make-up of the oil, just adding to it! ~Kori
Hi there, great question! It sounds like you may want to make a mint extract. I'd recommend checking out the Mountain Rose video on how to make herbal extracts. This may be the answer to your question. I hope that helps out a bit! Thanks for the question, -Mason
Hi Alexander, I always recommend using dried herbs. Any little bit of moisture in your plant material will turn your oil rancid very quickly. You can harvest, bundle, and hang your herbs to dry or lay them out on newspaper inside for a few days. You can also purchase dried herbs on our website. When using the crock, be sure it's set on the lowest temp possible to avoid scorching. Please visit our blog for more info. Hope this helps! ~Erin
Wonderful questions! The longer you let your oil infuse, the stronger your oil will be. The herbs need time to release their properties into the carrier (oil.) There will likely be some properties after a couple days, but not much. You can use powdered herbs as well. Depending on the texture, you might want to strain the oil before using it. Enjoy! ~Kori
Hi Sarah~There are so many wonderful books, but one of our favorites is "Breverton's Complete Herbal." You can find many books on our website under "Products: Home, Garden & Gifts: Books & DVDs" A trip to your local library might yield some good books and information too. Good luck! ~Kori
@krinklesable You want to be sure that your herbs are completely dry! Wet or even moist herbs can make your oil go rancid quickly. You'll want all of your supplies to be dry - your jar, herbs, straining supplies, etc. - even 1 drop of water can spoil your infusion. You can use any oil you like, but almond oil, kukui, macadamia, or olive will work nicely. Thanks for the great question! ~Erin
Hi~Some herbs (such as calendula) really work better when dried while there are some others (comfrey) that work very well fresh. You might want to do some research to decide if you'd like to simply pour room temperature oil over the herbs or heat them gently to start the infusion. The challenge with fresh herbs is that there is moisture in them and this can turn the oil rancid or shorten the shelf life. You can harvest herbs, bundle, and air dry prior to use. Good luck! ~Kori
Hi there, you know, I don't have any experience with coffee infused oils. But I'd probably go with grinding the beans first as you mentioned. I'd imagine the constituents would be absorbed more easily with ground beans. However, I'd also recommend doing some Google searches on this first, someone out there probably has some great advice on this subject. Sorry I couldn't have been more help. Warm regards, -Mason
While you can certainly make an infused oil with dried St. John's wort, it will likely not be as colorful or as potent. My understanding is that in order to get the deep red, one needs to harvest the tops of St. John's Wort plants--the flowers, buds, seed heads, leaves, stems, etc.(the top 1/4 of the plant) and infuse them fresh. Two cups would probably be plenty. You could definitely make an infusion with the dried herb, and it will be completely useful and beneficial too!~Kori
Hi Andrea~Rubbing alcohol is typically used to make liniments because it extracts the therapeutic herbal constituents, rapidly penetrates and evaporates from the skin, and is an all-purpose antiseptic and disinfectant. You could also use Vodka, Witch Hazel Extract, or Vinegar as a solvent. With an herbal oil, you'll have the added skin-softening benefit of the oil. We have a blog post on "Herbal Liniments" over at Mountainroseblog (dot) com. I hope this helps! ~Kori
I ordered both the infused comfrey oil and some seeds from your company. I actually sowed them recently, which is not the best time for growing herbs in my area. So far so good with the germination rate on everything (despite my rebellious sowing, lol!) Thanks!
Want to learn how to make my own oils, for lip balms and creams! Thanks for sharing this video of how to use Comfrey leaf and Calendula flowers, to make oils! Using sweet Almond oil, and extra Virgin Olive Oil!!😁💜🙏🇺🇸
Hi! You could definitely try grapeseed oil and it should be just fine. Personally, I have never used grapeseed oil for an infusion, but have used sweet almond, sunflower, olive and others. Different oils have different properties, scents, etc. but that is part of the fun and adventure of making our own infusions! ~Kori
Hi~This video doesn't actually explain how to make essential oils. That is a much more complicated process and one needs some special distilling equipment in order to create essential oils. This video does explain how to make herbal infused oils, however. Thank you for your interest! ~Kori
Love your videos, and how you teach. I just went to herb mentor and joined. I've done an aromatherapy course a couple years ago and loved it. Herb mentor site looks amazing. I'm so glad I stumbled upon your video tonight. :)
Hi Robin! You absolutely can :) Depending on what you're planning to do with it, you might want to chop or crush your rose hips first to release all their rose-hippy goodness into your infusion. Enjoy! ~Kori
Hi there, you are going to want to use dry herbs, or at the very least, wilted herbs, if you are going to be making an herbal oil. The reason is because fresh herbs contain moisture, and this moisture could cause the oil to go rancid. I hope that this helps, and thanks for the question! -Mason
I am looking to make face/body oil with coconut oil .. how long do I need to infuse the herbs in coconut oil ? do I need to put them on stove with double boiler or just soak the herbs in coconut oil for dew days ? thanks you .. great video .. love your content .. love from London
Hi Michael! We have an informative article called "Guide to Making Tinctures" over on the Mountain Rose Herbs blog. You are right in assuming that the amount of tincture used will depend on the herb, the size and age of the person taking it, and other variables. Some recipes will have a recommended dosage, but for others, a little research may be in order. I hope this helps! ~Kori
@@marymarysmarket3508 Hi there! If you go to the end of the video around 07:20 John mentions storing your finished product in a cool dry place after labeling your jar! I hope that helps!
@@mountainroseherbs ✅Thank you for a reply...this is from 10 years ago! Lol! I guess I'm confused about the "steeping" of the herb/ oil. Is this done in bright sunlight/ outdoors in the heat OR put into in-direct light WHILE "brewing"? Well, I certainly appreciate that you answered. Best wishes in your current endeavors. 💥Mary
Thank you so much for the question, LadySilverWolfe. Because we are an herbal supplier, we are unfortunately unable to provide medical advice or recommendations by law. My best suggestion would be to seek the guidance of a licensed health practitioner who will be able to point you in the right direction. We also have a wonderful collection of herbal books on our website, if you’d like to do some additional research. Wishing you the best! ~Kori
If I want to infuse frankincense and camphor in oil, do I use the extra virgin olive oil or almond oil? Is it better to powder these herbs or just put them whole in the oil, without powdering them? Can I mix both herbs in the oil, or is it more useful to do each herb separately? I want to use these oils for massage for my back pain. Thank you for this beautiful video.
@thedarkmoonmidnight I think this is a wonderful idea, I recently bought a crockpot to make hot process soap but soon discovered that it was not the right quartz size for what I needed, so I think I will be using this to add my lavender buds and french lavender essential oil for a great smell throughout my home...thank you so much for the insight.
I like your video as they are very informative and offer easy to follow guidelines on preparing your own herbs. Herbs that you prepare at home are fresh and more effective than the factory processed ones that have to meet various legal requirements that end up making them not very effective.
This is a great great video! I am so glad to have found your site. I definitely plan to order herbs from you website. Local herbs are so expensive so I don't buy as many as I would like. Wish I had found your site long ago. Thanks for having so much information on the herbs as well!!
Spoilage could be getting moldy or slimy or having an "off" smell--this would mean bacteria is developing. Some herbalists will dry the herbs first prior to making an infused oil. You can do some research as there are herbs that are best in fresh tinctures and infusions and others that are better in dried--or you can experiment :) Good luck! ~Kori
hi ,im a new subscriber living in the caribbean ,i love your channel can you please give me some ideas on how to prepare hair growth oils,will be much appreciated.
![АЛАУДИНОВ у Скабеевой: эти их ВСУ нас НЕ ДОГОНЯТ 😁 [Пародия]](http://i.ytimg.com/vi/an0anqU4WGQ/mqdefault.jpg)
I would recommend using the crock pot method for coconut oil (also called the warm, hot, or quick infusion method) and perhaps lavender or rosemary which are classic hair herbs. It really depends on your personal hair needs. You can find instructions for making infused oils using the quick method on the Mountain Rose Blog. Hope this helps! ~Erin
If you warm the oil a bit can you cut the steep time in half?
Do you want liquid coconut oil or the kind that is semi solid, or does it matter?
Hi there! I'd suggest using fractionated coconut oil (the liquid version) so that when you go to use the oil, it won't be solid. However, both would work. Just keep in mind regular (semi solid) coconut oil will solidify under 70 degrees F. I hope that helps! - Gracie
Do herbalists need to worry about botulism with infused oils? I can’t find much on this. Thank you!
That's a great question. We always suggest making your oil infusions with dried herbs to lessen the chances of any sort of bacterial or mold growth. Ingredients that do not contain water will be safer to work with. While I'm not positive of the likelihood of botulism in oil infusions, it's always best to use best practices when it comes to sanitization and proper storage. I hope that helps to answer your question a little bit! - Gracie
This man's voice is very soothing and informative, thanks.
Place a square piece of natural waxed paper on top of the jar, then seal jar with a lid (this protects the infusion from an chemical coating that may be on the lid.)
Hi Sarah! Dried lavender is a perfect choice, but a quart is a big quantity of oil to make at one time, so it will likely take longer and more herbs to make a stronger infusion. You'll notice that in the video the jars were pints of half-pints? I would suggest using a smaller jar and filling it 2/3 full of dried lavender flowers and then filling the jar with oil. You can also gently heat to boost the start of the infusion. Good Luck ~Kori
Hi there~thank you for your question. You can use a powder for your infused oil, you will just want to be sure to strain it well before storing and using. The bits of herbal powder can shorten the life of the oil if left in there, but if you strain it well, it should work just fine. Good luck! ~Kori
@NaturallyGoodSoaps The "cooked method" is another technique for oil infusions that is quicker, but still effective. One concern is that heating sensitive oils can sometimes cause an unpleasant odor or rancidity if the heat is too high. I like the slower, solar infused method, but usually add Vit E oil to help against rancidity and to increase shelf life. If stored away from heat and light, your oil should last a year or 2 if not longer. You can also smell before use. Hope this helps! ~Erin
Can we use these infused oil in steam inhaler?
BHARUCHA
I think I did that, scorched the olive oil/herbs, there's a little taste..but it still works good for it's purpose. It was a small batch and my very first use of a magical butter machine which I lost the directions too so I set the machine to go 8 hours, lost half the oil.
I was just about to ask about this as I wanted to make a quick infusion with stinging nettle and lavender for bug bites.
Hi there~Thank you for your question. Yes, you can accelerate the process by gently heating the oils. Some folks prefer to use a slow cooker for this while others will heat the jars in water over a low heat (placing the jar in water helps it heat evenly without getting too hot.) Good luck! ~Kori
Late response… but thank you.
Great question! You can speed up the process by gently heating the oil on the stove to get it started and then letting it rest. I've never used a pressure canner, but I would worry that the herbal properties might be destroyed instead of being gently infused into the oil. I have used a slow cooker (crock pot) to make infused oils and that has worked well too. I would suggest doing a little research as it will depend on whether you are infusing leaves, roots, etc. and your use ~Kori
Hi Gilbert, that is a great question. The process for working with glycerine is quite similar to making other extracts. Different books and recipes will give you slightly different instructions and recipes. Basically, you'll want to simmer your herbs in the glycerine for several hours. You could also use a crock pot and keep it at a low heat for a few days. We have some great books available on our web site! ~Kori
HI Sylvia! Our suggestion is that you infuse the herbs and oils separately. Roots, leaves, and different herbs behave differently and, on order to extract the most of the healing properties, it is best to let them each infuse without having to compete with each other! You can then use the different oils in your recipe :) I know it sounds like it would be easier to do it altogether, but it just doesn't work as well. Good luck! ~Kori
Painter's tape on tops works really well
Casey O'Neill good idea it doesn’t leave a residue...
Hi Lind~Thank you for stopping by~I suppose it is a matter of preference whether to shake your mixtures up periodically. I like to make sure that the plant materials are completely covered and well incorporated so I do give them a good shake. I would suggest using wood or plastic utensils and avoiding the metal ones. I hope this answers your questions and good luck! ~Kori
1 -You can add some Vitamin E oil as a natural preservative, just be sure to store it in a dark dry, cool place away from the bathroom or kitchen.
2- Powdered herbs are difficult to strain. I use whole, dried herbs that have been cut but not powdered.
3 - Yes, add more oil to keep the herb totally covered.
4 - We carry high quality organic extra virgin oilive oil that you can eat or use in bodycare.
Hope this helps!
Mountain Rose Herbs are my go to natural herb company of all times. I just placed my order and it was sent quickly. Yay! I've heard so many great things from all of my natural hair sisters about the various butters (shea,illipe, mango) on the site. Now I'm sharing this website with my other natural hair sisters. Please continue to provide quality products. I'm going to place another order very very very soon. Thank you for excellence.
Hi! With powders or whole/chopped loose herbs, you'll want to add enough oil to completely cover the amount of herbs you choose. The more herbs, the stronger your infusion will be and the more herbal properties that will be extracted. You can use the same measurements you use for whole dried herbs and your oils will turn out fine. Just be sure to strain it well for storage. Thanks for the question! ~Kori
Yes, Lavonna! You can use them just as you would other oils (for example, substituting 1 cup of your calendula oil for 1 cup of plain olive oil). Thanks for the question ~Kori
What a great question! This is how I understand it: an extract is usually made by extracting some of the raw material of an herb or botanical, often by using a solvent like water or ethanol. With an infused oil, you have a mixture of the herb or herbs with another oil base. I hope this helps! ~Kori
Hi Luc! Thanks for the question. Aloe vera is not a great plant for infusing~especially fresh. It will get super goopey and it is not oil soluble. I have been told that even dried aloe vera will get gelatinous and goopey when it is rehydrated. Since it is the gel part of the plant that is most used in cosmetic and skin preparations, most folk simply put that on their skin. I hope this helps! ~Kori
Hi Lisabeth~I am so sorry your project turned out poorly! Coconut oil is not really the best oil for doing infusions. I generally use olive oil or almond oil~as suggested in the video. Additionally, I have never actually tried heating the oils in a crock pot, but I let the oils infuse at room temperature for several weeks. If I was going to heat them, I'd probably gently warm the olive oil and herb mix and then turn it off and let it infuse at room temperature for a few weeks. You'll also want to make sure your herbs are completely covered with oil. I hope this helps and good luck on the next project ~Kori
What is it about coconut oil that doesn't make it good for infusions?
Hi there~Coconut oil turns solid at any temperature lower than 70 degrees. Additionally, it has such strong properties of its own, that it is not as receptive to extracting the properties of the herbs. Thanks so much for your question! ~Kori
Thank you!
I've heard others recommend placing the oils in a sunny window sill or placing the jar in a water filled crock pot on low for two hours. Why would you NOT use these methods.
Hi Belinda~It is really personal preference as to which method you'd like to use for herbal infused oils. I might NOT use the solar infusion method if I was in a hurry and needed the gentle heating method; and I might NOT use the crock pot method if I didn't have time to stay home and keep an eye on the infusion. Thanks for sharing your questions and good luck! ~Kori
Hi Sarah~Thank you for the question. You can definitely use powdered herbs in your oil infusions, you will just want to be careful to strain them well. You are much more likely to end up with little particles in your oils which may shorten their shelf life. Good luck! ~Kori
Hi Caroline~Great question! You can absolutely use your infused oils in salad dressings, recipes, body care products, etc. You'll just want to make sure you are infusing high quality botanicals that can be taken internally. Good luck! ~Kori
Proud mountain rose herb customer here ❤ i love your channel!
Hi manju agadi Thank you for sharing your question. You can certainly include coconut oil in your hair oils. The challenge with infusing herbs in coconut oil is that it remains solid at any temperatures below 76 degrees. Additionally, it has a strong scent and properties of its own. I like to create infused oils using olive oil or another lighter oil and then combine with coconut oil in the recipe. I do hope this helps and answers your question. Cheers! ~Kori
can I use EVOO
Thank you - I will go and do this now :) I have dried lavender and dried calendula, and I now plan to extend my herbal garden.
Hi Martina~Thanks for checking in with us. There are actually two different "camps" on this question. There are those who like to infuse their oils in the sun and those who advise keeping them in a cool, dark location~thinking they will keep longer. I tend to keep mine out of the sun, but you are welcome to do it in whichever way you like. If you keep them in the sunlight, they probably won't keep as long, but you can use them quickly and make more! Good luck~Kori
Hi Lark~You can use flowers and herbs fresh, but they can be a little temperamental. Fresh herbs have a higher moisture content and you'll need to watch out for spoilage while they are infusing. Fresh calendula does work pretty well, however, so it might be worth a try. As for harvesting lemon balm, I've been told it is best right before the blossoms appear. It's leaves can be harvested at any time, however, and, like many herbs, it is best harvested in the morning. I hope this helps! ~Kori
thanks for this post. This man's intelligence is soothing and informative.
Hi Sarah~You can infuse two herbs in one oil, although we generally suggest infusing each herb individually and then combining the oils after they have been infused since different herbs will behave differently. But you can experiment with herbs you'd like to try and see what you like. Good luck! ~Kori
Hi Ais, This is a great question :) We recommend you make your oil infusions separately and then add them to whatever recipe you might be making. You will get a better quality oil infusion this way. I hope this answers your question~ Good Luck! ~Kori
I LOOOVE ordering my herbs from this place! The packaging is very neat, clean, and organized. Really good customer service. Just an amazing, quality place overall.
Question, if I was to infuse water with oils, and then boil the herbal infused water to create something else (specifically, I'm going to boil flax seeds with the herbal infusion). Will boiling the herbal infusion make the water lose it's benefits that the herbs provided, or will it be ok?
Hey quick question so what does infusing the herbs in oil do specifically for when you cook? Does it give the food more flavor
We do sell both red clover and dandelion as bulk herbs! Using the techniques in this video, you could easily make your own infused oils with these herbs, or even use the oils you create to make your own salves for massage. The great thing about making your own is that you can customize the oils to suit your needs. Good luck! ~Kori
Thank you! And, we are so glad you are finding the videos useful. Wishing you the best ~Kori
Hi Pamela~Thanks for your questions! Yes, you should completely cover the herbs with oil to reduce oxygen exposure. If you don't the herbs might get moldy and slimy and contaminate your whole project. You will know the oils has gone rancid if it has an "off" color and taste. My best suggestion is to use your best judgement. If you know what it smells and tastes like when it is fresh and good, you'll likely know when it ceases to be so. Good luck! ~Kori
Thank you for your question. You can use coconut oil. It does not work as well for oil infusions because it is such a strong oil on its own, but it can be a wonderful ingredient to add to skin and body preparations. Good luck! ~Kori
@mukwah1111 Yes, Olive Oil is a wonderful choice for infusing and for salve making. You should feel free to experiment with adding other herbs and a drop or two of essential oil to create custom salves. Vit E is a very good choice for preserving your oils. I hope this is helpful!
Good Morning~You might want to check out some of our other videos: "How to Make Herbal Salve" and "How to Make Herbal Liniments" as well as our blog at mountain rose blog (dot) com for recipes and suggestions for making balms, salves and lotions. If you want to speed up your infused oil, you might consider warming it slowly in a hot water bath on your stove top or using a slow cooker. The time will depend on how much you are making and how strong you want it. Good luck! ~Kori
Hi Deepa~Thank you for your question. Yes, you can try other oils (like Grapeseed) for your infusions! Good luck ~Kori
This was wonderful and simple and short but with all the important details! This will be my first time -here I go!
Wishing you the best of luck, we'd love to know how your herbal infused oil turns out! 🥰
Hi Jessica~The more an herb is processed (chopped, minced, etc.) the more properties start to break down. You can definitely use a powdered herb for an infused oil, but you will likely want to strain it well prior to using. Particles left in the oil will cause a shorter shelf life. Thanks for the question and good luck! ~Kori
Hi Heidy,
Almond oil is made by pressing thousands of almonds using fancy extraction equipment, not through the infusion process. Unfortunately, it isn't really something that you can make at home unless you want to invest quite a bit of money in the technology. We do sell it on our website at a great price though! I hope this is helpful. Cheers, Erin
Hi Denise~It is a very good idea to make sure your jars and bottles are washed and sterilized. Thanks for checking in with us and good luck! ~Kori
Hi there~Thank you for your questions. Hemp seed oil does degrade when exposed to bright light and heat. It likes to be refrigerated and kept cool. So, it is not the best oil for infusions. We sell several kinds of bottles and jars on our website at mountain rose herbs (dot) com. You can also use a simple Mason or canning jar. I hope this helps a bit ~Kori
What a great question Elsabe! I have not tried this with bulbinella, but have made an infused oil with aloe and I think it might be similar. The texture of the oil is more gelatinous (if you've ever purchased aloe oil, you are purchasing an infusion), but it is the same process. You'll probably want to strain it to make it as user-friendly as possible. I hope this helps a bit! ~Kori
Hi Julie~ When making infused oils, it is really a matter of taste, what you have available and what you will be using the oils for. It is my understanding that there are more bitter almond oils out there, and sweet almond oil is made from the dried kernel of sweet almonds. Sometimes, you do find sweet almond oil labeled as simple "almond oil." You might just give it a taste and a try and see if it suits your needs. Good Luck! ~Kori
Really well done video. Well presented and i learned a lot. Thank you
Hi there~You can certainly experiment with different oils for infusions. I know that there are people who do infuse coconut oil. As you may know, coconut oil is a liquid at 76 degrees (F) but it solidifies at cooler temperatures. I imagine this may affect how well infusions work, but if you are keeping the temperature even while infusing, it might not be an issue. I wish I had some first-hand experience to share, but I have never tried it. Good luck! ~Kori
Any thoughts on possible advantages of grinding the herbs/plant material down first before infusing?
Hi there~Thank you for your question! We generally suggest infusing one herb at a time and then combining the oils in your recipes, but you are welcome to try a combination and see how it works for you. Good luck~Kori
Sounds like a great recipe! If you are making your own calendula oil, I would suggest making this first and separately, and then combining it with the other oils.Good luck! ~Kori
Yes, you can use a crock pot on the lowest heat setting for 4-6 hours. You don't want to burn the herbs, but slowly extract the properties. Allow it to cool, strain, and you're ready to go. You can learn more by visiting our blog.
I just love these videos and hope Mountain Rose Herbs continues to make them available. Thank you!!
Hi! Thanks for the question. The longer you let your oil steep, the stronger the infusion will be. Most herbs take a while (weeks) to become extracted into oil (you may notice that it is much quicker to make a strong tea, for example, as the herbs water will work quicker). There are those who love the sun infusions and others who prefer a longer "steep" in a cool, dark place. It depends, somewhat, on the herbs too! Hope it went well for you :) ~Kori
Yes, you can make rose infused oil this same way, but you would need to use petals from roses that were bred for fragrance. Many roses are bred for appearance and have little scent, so get some roses that were bred for fragrance and use the same process shown here. If you want the scent to be very strong you may need to repeat the process a few times by straining the petals out of the oil and then placing fresh petals in the jar and covering it with the same oil. Hope that helps.
Coconut oil would be great! You can definitely make infused oils with the oils you like to use. Coconut oil has a long shelf life and beneficial properties, and can make a very effective infused oil. ~Kori
I infuse oil to make soap.
I'm going to grind up the herbs I used and add the herbs in the soap as an exfoliator. I don't see much info regarding this, but I'm going to give it a try. :)
That's what brought me here too, is learning to infuse the herbs with the oils for use in soap! :) I hope it all goes well for you!
Can you make a video showing us how the experiment did?
Should work I think 🤔
We usually use Olive Oil when making infused oils and salves, but you could certainly make an herbal infused oil with Coconut Oil too. Olive oil is the standard oil used in infused oils and salves because it works so well, is nourishing, there are generally no allergies to it, and it also has a long shelf life. However, you can definitely experiment with other oils! Coconut oil has a long shelf life and beneficial properties, and can make a very effective infused oil. ~Kori
This video saved me! I just started my studies as an apprentice witch and I really needed help with my infused oils. Thank you so much!
Excellent for our Northern climate here on the prairies of Canada. TY so much for this excellent presentation.
Hi there! You can use powdered herb for infused oil, but it may be challenging to strain all the bits of herb out of your oil. You will want to get it all out so that there isn't anything left in the oil as this will affect the shelf-life. The smaller the particles, the more challenging to strain :) But you can give it a try. Good luck! ~Kori
Hi! You can definitely make sun infused oils and you'll want to keep an eye on them since they will getting warm :) and may infuse faster than those kept in a dark place. Once you strain the herbs from the oils, it is best to store in a cool dark place, however, for the best quality. Good luck! ~Kori
Hi there~you could use the oils in cooking, cosmetics and skin care recipes--just to name a few uses. Good luck! ~Kori
Always use dried herbs. Any little bit of moisture will turn your oil rancid. You can harvest, bundle, and hang your herbs to dry or lay them out on newspaper inside for a few days. You can also purchase dried herbs on our website. Hope this helps!
That is a good question, Kiara--since it is still an olive oil base, it is really still olive oil--it just has extra goodness with the herbal infusion. You won't be actually changing the chemical make-up of the oil, just adding to it! ~Kori
Another man with a lovely skin.
Hi there, great question! It sounds like you may want to make a mint extract. I'd recommend checking out the Mountain Rose video on how to make herbal extracts. This may be the answer to your question. I hope that helps out a bit!
Thanks for the question,
-Mason
Hi Alexander, I always recommend using dried herbs. Any little bit of moisture in your plant material will turn your oil rancid very quickly. You can harvest, bundle, and hang your herbs to dry or lay them out on newspaper inside for a few days. You can also purchase dried herbs on our website. When using the crock, be sure it's set on the lowest temp possible to avoid scorching. Please visit our blog for more info. Hope this helps! ~Erin
Wonderful questions! The longer you let your oil infuse, the stronger your oil will be. The herbs need time to release their properties into the carrier (oil.) There will likely be some properties after a couple days, but not much. You can use powdered herbs as well. Depending on the texture, you might want to strain the oil before using it. Enjoy! ~Kori
You are welcome! ~Kori
Hi Sarah~There are so many wonderful books, but one of our favorites is "Breverton's Complete Herbal." You can find many books on our website under "Products: Home, Garden & Gifts: Books & DVDs" A trip to your local library might yield some good books and information too. Good luck! ~Kori
@krinklesable You want to be sure that your herbs are completely dry! Wet or even moist herbs can make your oil go rancid quickly. You'll want all of your supplies to be dry - your jar, herbs, straining supplies, etc. - even 1 drop of water can spoil your infusion. You can use any oil you like, but almond oil, kukui, macadamia, or olive will work nicely. Thanks for the great question! ~Erin
Hi~Some herbs (such as calendula) really work better when dried while there are some others (comfrey) that work very well fresh. You might want to do some research to decide if you'd like to simply pour room temperature oil over the herbs or heat them gently to start the infusion. The challenge with fresh herbs is that there is moisture in them and this can turn the oil rancid or shorten the shelf life. You can harvest herbs, bundle, and air dry prior to use. Good luck! ~Kori
Hi there, you know, I don't have any experience with coffee infused oils. But I'd probably go with grinding the beans first as you mentioned. I'd imagine the constituents would be absorbed more easily with ground beans. However, I'd also recommend doing some Google searches on this first, someone out there probably has some great advice on this subject. Sorry I couldn't have been more help.
Warm regards,
-Mason
Thank you, just lovely teaching. God bless.
While you can certainly make an infused oil with dried St. John's wort, it will likely not be as colorful or as potent. My understanding is that in order to get the deep red, one needs to harvest the tops of St. John's Wort plants--the flowers, buds, seed heads, leaves, stems, etc.(the top 1/4 of the plant) and infuse them fresh. Two cups would probably be plenty.
You could definitely make an infusion with the dried herb, and it will be completely useful and beneficial too!~Kori
Hi Andrea~Rubbing alcohol is typically used to make liniments because it extracts the therapeutic herbal constituents, rapidly penetrates and evaporates from the skin, and is an all-purpose antiseptic and disinfectant. You could also use Vodka, Witch Hazel Extract, or Vinegar as a solvent. With an herbal oil, you'll have the added skin-softening benefit of the oil. We have a blog post on "Herbal Liniments" over at Mountainroseblog (dot) com. I hope this helps! ~Kori
I ordered both the infused comfrey oil and some seeds from your company. I actually sowed them recently, which is not the best time for growing herbs in my area. So far so good with the germination rate on everything (despite my rebellious sowing, lol!) Thanks!
We hope you have a prosperous garden with your new seeds :) - Gracie
Want to learn how to make my own oils, for lip balms and creams! Thanks for sharing this video of how to use Comfrey leaf and Calendula flowers, to make oils! Using sweet Almond oil, and extra Virgin Olive Oil!!😁💜🙏🇺🇸
Hi! You could definitely try grapeseed oil and it should be just fine. Personally, I have never used grapeseed oil for an infusion, but have used sweet almond, sunflower, olive and others. Different oils have different properties, scents, etc. but that is part of the fun and adventure of making our own infusions! ~Kori
Hi~This video doesn't actually explain how to make essential oils. That is a much more complicated process and one needs some special distilling equipment in order to create essential oils. This video does explain how to make herbal infused oils, however. Thank you for your interest! ~Kori
Love your videos, and how you teach. I just went to herb mentor and joined. I've done an aromatherapy course a couple years ago and loved it. Herb mentor site looks amazing. I'm so glad I stumbled upon your video tonight. :)
Hi Robin! You absolutely can :) Depending on what you're planning to do with it, you might want to chop or crush your rose hips first to release all their rose-hippy goodness into your infusion. Enjoy! ~Kori
Hi there, you are going to want to use dry herbs, or at the very least, wilted herbs, if you are going to be making an herbal oil. The reason is because fresh herbs contain moisture, and this moisture could cause the oil to go rancid. I hope that this helps, and thanks for the question!
-Mason
Thanks for the great informative video!! I'm on it as we speak!
I am looking to make face/body oil with coconut oil .. how long do I need to infuse the herbs in coconut oil ? do I need to put them on stove with double boiler or just soak the herbs in coconut oil for dew days ? thanks you .. great video .. love your content .. love from London
Thanks for sharing yr video n recipe of how to make herbal infused oils.
Hi Michael! We have an informative article called "Guide to Making Tinctures" over on the Mountain Rose Herbs blog. You are right in assuming that the amount of tincture used will depend on the herb, the size and age of the person taking it, and other variables. Some recipes will have a recommended dosage, but for others, a little research may be in order. I hope this helps! ~Kori
You don’t mention WHERE/ how to store...in direct light? In a dark cool place?
@@marymarysmarket3508 Hi there! If you go to the end of the video around 07:20 John mentions storing your finished product in a cool dry place after labeling your jar! I hope that helps!
@@mountainroseherbs ✅Thank you for a reply...this is from 10 years ago! Lol!
I guess I'm confused about the "steeping" of the herb/ oil. Is this done in bright sunlight/ outdoors in the heat OR
put into in-direct light WHILE "brewing"? Well, I certainly appreciate that you answered. Best wishes in your current endeavors.
💥Mary
Great tutorial. Thanks!
Hi Michelle! You can definitely make an infused oil with peppermint leaves and it would be the same process. Good luck! ~Kori
Thank you so much for the question, LadySilverWolfe. Because we are an herbal supplier, we are unfortunately unable to provide medical advice or recommendations by law. My best suggestion would be to seek the guidance of a licensed health practitioner who will be able to point you in the right direction. We also have a wonderful collection of herbal books on our website, if you’d like to do some additional research. Wishing you the best! ~Kori
This video was so helpful!! Thank you!!
Am enjoying these beginner videos. Thank you!
If I want to infuse frankincense and camphor in oil, do I use the extra virgin olive oil or almond oil? Is it better to powder these herbs or just put them whole in the oil, without powdering them?
Can I mix both herbs in the oil, or is it more useful to do each herb separately?
I want to use these oils for massage for my back pain.
Thank you for this beautiful video.
Hi~Yes, you can make an infused oil using fresh comfrey. Good luck! ~Kori
@thedarkmoonmidnight I think this is a wonderful idea, I recently bought a crockpot to make hot process soap but soon discovered that it was not the right quartz size for what I needed, so I think I will be using this to add my lavender buds and french lavender essential oil for a great smell throughout my home...thank you so much for the insight.
Avocado oil works best for me. She is of the woods has AMAZING info
I like your video as they are very informative and offer easy to follow guidelines on preparing your own herbs. Herbs that you prepare at home are fresh and more effective than the factory processed ones that have to meet various legal requirements that end up making them not very effective.
This is a great great video! I am so glad to have found your site. I definitely plan to order herbs from you website. Local herbs are so expensive so I don't buy as many as I would like. Wish I had found your site long ago. Thanks for having so much information on the herbs as well!!
Spoilage could be getting moldy or slimy or having an "off" smell--this would mean bacteria is developing. Some herbalists will dry the herbs first prior to making an infused oil. You can do some research as there are herbs that are best in fresh tinctures and infusions and others that are better in dried--or you can experiment :) Good luck! ~Kori
hi ,im a new subscriber living in the caribbean ,i love your channel can you please give me some ideas on how to prepare hair growth oils,will be much appreciated.
Thank you