HOW TO MAKE INFUSED OILS

Happy Sunday!

Ever wondered how to make your own infusions or infused oils?  Today, I'm going to show you a couple of ways to do so.  For this example, I'll be discussing how to make lavender-infused oil.  Please keep in mind that this is an infusion and NOT an essential oil.  You'll need: 

• lavender buds, fresh or dried
• jar w/lid, plus another jar or container
• cheesecloth & rubber band, or a sieve
• your choice of oil such as olive oil or jojoba

Method #1:

Fill your jar almost completely full (to the shoulder) with the lavender buds. (Hint: If you are using fresh, you will need to press them between some papertowels to get out the excess oil; there's a reason for this, I promise.  Also if you're using fresh, crush them up abit. This will help them release their oils into your carrier oil.)  Top the buds with your oil, filling the jar almost completely full; this limits the amount of air that can get in the jar and will prevent spoilage, etc.  Put the lid on tightly, and store in a warm, dark place for at least a week for maximum scent.  After the appropriate waiting period, remove the lid from the jar.  Either place the cheesecloth taut over the top of the jar, securing with the rubber band, or pour the contents of the jar into the sieve.  Allow the oil to drain into another jar or container; if you use the sieve, press down on the botanicals remaining in the sieve to extract the maximum oil (why waste, right?).   The oil should keep for several months. 

Method #2:

Add your lavender buds and oils to a crockpot.  Here you want to use 1/2 cup of lavender to 1 cup of oil (or close; you can eyeball if you want).  Put it on the absolute lowest setting (you don't want it to get above 100 degrees here), and let it infuse for 2-3 hours.  Remove from heat and let the oil cool completely.  Repeat as above with a sieve, etc.  

You can then use your infusion as a bath oil, moisturizer, in your hair, etc.

You can create an infusion from many flowers and herbs, including:

• rose
• mint
• rosemary
• sage
• calendula

Keep in mind that if you are using fresh herbs, it helps to "bruise" them before adding to the infusion, as this will help them to release their natural oils.  Bruising is basically crushing, squeezing, etc the botanical abit (you want to bruise, not kill :).  

Also, it isn't always cheaper for a DIY infusion, depending on your location and what you have access to.  Rose infused oil, for example, can be very expensive, as you always want to be sure to use ORGANIC ONLY.  You don't want pesticides in your infusion. 

I have just launched Lavender Infused Oil in my Etsy shop now, for a limited time only. 

Natural Blessings - 

Candace

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