You've probably seen them in stores, or maybe you've even used them before. But what are herb-infused oils, and why would you want to make them yourself? In this article, we'll walk you through the steps involved in making herb-infused oils, from harvesting the herbs to straining the oil.

Herbs To Infuse In Oil 

When it comes to making your own herb-infused oils, there are a few things you need to know.  First, you need to choose the right herbs. There are literally hundreds of different herbs out there that can be used for this purpose, so it's important to take the time to research which ones will work best for your needs.

Some common herbs for infusing into oils include:

• Basil

• Chamomile

• Cinnamon

• Clove

• Dill

• Eucalyptus

• Fennel

• Ginger

• Lavender

• Lemon Balm

• Lemongrass

• Mint

• Rosemary

• Thyme

How To Choose Herbs To Make Herb-Infused Oils

When it comes to choosing herbs for your herb-infused oil, there are a few things you need to take into consideration. First, you need to decide which type of oil you want to use. There are a variety of oils to choose from, including olive oil, grapeseed oil, and almond oil.

Next, you need to think about the desired effect you want your oil to have. Are you looking for an oil that will help promote relaxation and stress relief? Or are you looking for an oil that will help boost your immune system? Once you know what you're looking for, you can start narrowing down your list of possible herbs.

Finally, it's important to consider any allergies or sensitivities that you may have. Some herbs can cause skin irritation or allergic reactions in some people, so it's important to be aware of this before choosing any particular herbs.

Supplies Needed To Make Herbal-Infused Oil

Oil of Your Choice 

There are a variety of oils that you can use when making herb-infused oils. Some of the most popular options include olive oil, grapeseed oil, and almond oil. However, there are many other types of oils that can be used, so you should choose the one that best suits your needs and preferences.

Olive oil is a popular choice for herb-infused oils because it has a relatively long shelf life and is relatively affordable. It also has a mild flavor that won't overpower the flavors of the herbs.

Grapeseed oil is another popular option, as it is light and absorbs quickly into the skin.

Almond oil is also a good choice, as it is high in Vitamin E and has a light, nutty flavor.

Avocado oil is a good choice for herb-infused oils because it is high in monounsaturated fats and has a mild flavor. It also has a long shelf life and is relatively affordable.

Coconut oil is a good choice for herb-infused oils because it is high in saturated fats and has a mild flavor.

Fresh or Dried Herbs of Your Choice

You can use either fresh or dried herbs for your herb-infused oil. If you choose to use fresh herbs, make sure they are clean and free of any dirt or debris. You should also make sure that the herbs are dry before adding them to the oil, as wet herbs can cause the oil to spoil more quickly.

Some of the best fresh herbs to use for herb-infused oils include:

• Rosemary

• Thyme

• Lavender

• Basil

• Mint

Some of the best dried herbs to use for herb-infused oils include:

• Rosemary

• Thyme

• Lavender

• Sage

Cheesecloth or Mesh Strainer

You will need a strainer or cheesecloth to strain the herbs out of the oil once it has finished infusing.

A Funnel (optional)

If you are using a Mason jar or other container that has a small opening, you may find it helpful to use a funnel to pour the oil into the container.

If you don't have a funnel, you can use a teaspoon to carefully pour the oil into the container.

Bowl With A Spout

If you are using a container that doesn't have a spout, you may find it helpful to transfer the oil to a bowl with a spout before straining it. This will make it easier to pour the oil into the strainer.

Mortar and Pestle

If you are using whole dried herbs, you may find it helpful to grind them into a powder using a mortar and pestle. This will help the herbs infuse into the oil more quickly.

If you don't have a mortar and pestle, you can use a blender or food processor to grind the herbs into a powder.

Storage Containers for Herbal-Infused Oils

There are a variety of storage containers that can be used for herb-infused oils. Some of the most popular options include Mason jars, glass jars with screw-on lids, plastic bottles with screw-on lids, ceramic jars, and metal tins.

Each type of storage container has its own set of pros and cons:

Dark-colored glass bottles with dropper tops are popular choices for storing oils because they protect the oil from light damage and have a built-in dropper for easy dispensing.

Mason jars are a popular option because they are affordable and have a wide mouth that makes it easy to add herbs to the oil. They also have a tight seal that helps keep the oil from spoiling.

Glass jars with screw-on lids are another popular option because they are airtight and can be sterilized. This makes them a good choice for storing oils that will be used for topical applications.

Plastic bottles with screw-on lids are a good option for storing herb-infused oils because they are lightweight and durable. They are also easy to clean and have a long shelf life.

Ceramic jars are a good choice for herb-infused oils because they are heatproof and nonporous. This makes them ideal for storing oils that will be used for cooking or aromatherapy purposes.

Metal tins are a good choice for storing herb-infused oils because they are airtight and durable. They also have a long shelf life.

How To Make Herbal-Infused Oils

Pro Tips For Making Herb-Infused Oils

Different plants require different levels of extraction to make a really great infused oil.

To understand what’s required to make a really wonderful oil, you have to dig into the constituents being extracted.

Volatile oils in plants like lavender need to be extracted slowly under low heat.

Super-resinous plants like calendula need help being extracted into oil by first spritzing them with alcohol and waiting a few minutes before starting the extraction. For instructions on to create this check out our article on how to make calendula oil on our blog.

Plants whose saponins you’re hoping to extract for healing purposes, need consistent moderate temperatures to make a beautiful green plant oil.

If you are working with freshly harvested plants, the best thing to do is leave them to wilt a bit overnight. This allows bugs to leave before the plant material goes under oil. Another thing to consider is that making an infused oil is messy! Make sure and wear an apron, or clothes you don’t care about getting stained.

The transfer of oil from one container to another in the process of straining is the messiest part. Using a mesh bag to contain the ‘mark’ or plant material left behind after extraction is a great way to get the most out of your oil while keeping all of the smallest plant particles out of the finished product.

How To Make Herbal-Infused Oils, Warm-Infusion Method

The warm-infusion method is the simplest way to infuse the oil with herbs. This method is best for herbs that release oils easily, such as lavender or chamomile.

What You’ll Need:

• 1/2 cup of your chosen dried herb (s)

• 1 cup of olive oil, sweet almond oil, or other carrier oil

• A wide-mouth canning jar with a lid

• Wax paper or coffee filter

• Rubber band or string

• Strainer

• Cheesecloth

Directions:

1. Start by sterilizing your canning jar and lid. You can do this by running them through the dishwasher, or boiling them in water for 10 minutes. Let them cool completely before proceeding.

2. Once your jar is sterilized, add the dried herb (s) of your choice.

3. Pour the carrier oil over the herbs, making sure they are completely covered.

4. Place a piece of wax paper or a coffee filter over the top of the jar, and secure it with a rubber band or string.

5. Place the jar in a sunny spot, and let it infuse for 4-6 weeks.

6. After 4-6 weeks, strain the oil through a strainer lined with cheesecloth into another sterilized jar or container.

7. Store your finished oil in a cool, dark place. It should last for up to 1 year.

How To Make Herbal-Infused Oils, Heat-infusion Method

The heat infusion method is often chosen when the recipe calls for a stronger flavor. The hot water bath extracts more flavor from the herbs and also helps to dissolve any compounds that might be soluble in oil, but not in alcohol. This makes for a more flavorful and potent oil.

What You’ll Need:

• 1/2 cup of your chosen dried herb (s)

• 1 cup of olive oil, sweet almond oil, or other carrier oil

• Double boiler or saucepan

• A wide-mouth canning jar with a lid

• Wax paper or coffee filter

• Rubber band or string

• Strainer

• Cheesecloth

Directions:

1. Start by sterilizing your canning jar and lid. You can do this by running them through the dishwasher, or boiling them in water for 10 minutes. Let them cool completely before proceeding.

2. Set up your double boiler, or fill a saucepan with a few inches of water and place it over low heat.

3. Add the dried herb (s) to the sterilized canning jar.

4. Pour the carrier oil over the herbs, making sure they are completely covered.

5. Place the jar in the double boiler or saucepan, making sure the water doesn’t come up too high in the jar.

6. Heat the water to a simmer, and let the oil infuse for 2-3 hours.

7. After 2-3 hours, remove the jar from the heat and let it cool.

8. Once the oil has cooled, strain it through a strainer lined with cheesecloth into another sterilized jar or container.

9. Store your finished oil in a cool, dark place. It should last for up to 1 year.

Best Oil for Herbal Infusions

The best oil for herbal infusions is olive oil. It has a high smoke point, which means it can be heated without losing its beneficial properties. It also has a neutral flavor, so it won’t alter the taste of your finished product.

Other good choices for herbal infusions include:

• sweet almond oil 

• avocado oil

• fractionated coconut oil

When choosing an oil for your infusions, make sure to avoid any oils with a strong flavor, such as sesame or peanut oil. These flavors will overwhelm the delicate flavor of the herbs.

What Are Common Herbal Oil Infusion Recipes?

Bread Dipping Oil Recipe

Ingredients:

• 1/2 cup olive oil

• 1/4 cup herbs (try a combination of basil, oregano, thyme, and rosemary)

• 1 clove garlic, minced

• 1/4 teaspoon salt

Instructions:

1. Combine all ingredients in a small bowl or jar.

2. Let the mixture sit for at least an hour so the flavors can meld together.

3. When you're ready to use it, strain out the herbs and garlic (if desired) and enjoy!

Herb-Infused Vinegar Recipe

Ingredients:

• 1 cup vinegar (white vinegar or apple cider vinegar work well)

• 1/4 cup herbs (again, feel free to mix and match different types)

Instructions:

1. Combine the vinegar and herbs in a small bowl or jar.

2. Let the mixture sit for at least a week so the flavors can really infuse into the vinegar.

3. Strain out the herbs and store the vinegar in a sealed container.

4. Use it in dressings, marinades, or wherever else you'd like!

Rosemary-Infused Olive Oil Recipe

Ingredients:

• 1 cup olive oil

• 1/4 cup rosemary leaves

Instructions:

1. Combine the olive oil and rosemary in a small saucepan over low heat.

2. Cook the mixture for about 10 minutes, just until the rosemary leaves start to release their flavor into the oil.

3. Remove from heat and let cool completely.

4. Strain out the rosemary leaves and store the oil in a sealed container.

5. Use it as you would any other olive oil!

Herbal Infused Oil with Hemp Seed Oil

There is a lot of buzz around hemp oil these days. This herbal infused oil with hemp seed oil is made with a combination of herbs and hemp seed oil, which are both known for their healing properties. The oil can be used to treat a variety of ailments, from muscle aches and pains to skin conditions.

How To Make Herbal Infused Oil with Hemp Seed Oil

You will need:

• 1/4 cup of hemp seed oil

• 1/4 cup of dried herbs (you can use a mixture of different herbs, such as lavender, chamomile, and rosemary)

• 1/2 cup of olive oil

• A glass jar with a lid

• A strainer

• A dark-colored glass bottle (for storing the oil)

To make the oil:

1. Combine the hemp seed oil and dried herbs in the glass jar.

2. Pour the olive oil over the mixture, making sure that all of the herbs are covered.

3. Seal the jar tightly with the lid and store it in a cool, dark place for 2-3 weeks.

4. After 2-3 weeks, strain the oil into the dark-colored glass bottle using the strainer.

5. Seal the bottle tightly and store it in a cool, dark place.

To use the oil:

1. Apply a small amount of oil to the affected area.

2. Massage the oil into the skin.

3. Repeat 2-3 times per day, or as needed.

The important thing to remember about hemp seed oil is that it does not contain any THC (the psychoactive component of cannabis). This means that you will not get high from using it. Hemp oil is legal in all 50 states, and you can find it at most health food stores.

Conclusion

Herb-infused oils are a great way to add flavor and nutrition to your cooking. By following the steps above, you can easily make your own herb-infused oil at home. Just choose your favorite herbs, add them to some oil, and let them infuse for a few hours. You'll then have a delicious and versatile cooking ingredient that you can use in all sorts of recipes. 

Why not try out Khela Herb's herbal-infused oils today? Our oils are made with only the highest quality ingredients, and they're perfect for adding flavor and nutrition to your cooking. Head to our shop to learn more about our products and place an order today!

Herbal Infused Oil Related Questions

What is herb-infused oil used for?

Herb-infused oils can be used in a variety of ways. They're great for cooking, as they can add flavor and nutrition to your dishes. They can also be used in salad dressings, marinades, or as a dipping sauce. 

What is the herb-to-oil ratio for infusion?

The herb-to-oil ratio for infusion is 1:1. This means that for every 1 cup of oil, you'll need 1 cup of herbs. Of course, you can always adjust this ratio to your liking. If you want a stronger flavor, use more herbs. If you want a milder flavor, use less.

How long do herbal infusions last?

Herbal infusions will last for about 2 weeks. After that, the flavors will start to dissipate and the oil will go bad. So be sure to use it up within 2 weeks for best results.

Herbal-infused oils can last up to a year if stored in a dark, cool place. However, the flavors will start to dissipate after a few months, so it's best to use them up within that time frame.

How do you make herbal-infused oil more potent?

If you want to make your herbal-infused oil more potent, try using a higher herb-to-oil ratio. For example, instead of using 1 cup of herbs for every 1 cup of oil, use 1.5 cups of herbs for every 1 cup of oil. This will give you a stronger flavor and more potent oil.