To be honest, oil is not<\/em> a great solvent for extracting herbs (alcohol, water, and vinegar \u2013 in that order \u2013 tend to work better). It also has a greater potential to go bad via rancidity, mold, or bacteria, including botulism. Yet, we often use herb-infused oils for topical remedies because oil feels much nicer on the skin, for glide and moisture, and can be used as a base oil ingredient in skincare recipes. Infused oils can also be used \u201cas is\u201d for many health concerns \u2013 warmed mullein oil dropped in the ear for earaches, St. John\u2019s wort oil applied along nerve pain or for bedsores, calendula oil on sore mama nipples, eczema, and rashes. Or, you can use your herbal oil in skincare recipes \u2013 salves, lip balms, massage oils, creams, etc.<\/p>\n

Note<\/strong>: Herbal oils (herb-infused oils) are NOT the same as essential oils (EOs). An EO is highly concentrated via distillation and requires an expensive still. Due to their potency, an EO\u2019s value is often increased or changed compared to home herbalist preparations of the same plant. They\u2019re more apt to pose health risks. EOs are potentially extremely toxic when taken internally, particularly in doses more than a drop or two. Even topically, most EOs need to be diluted to about 2%. In contrast, herbal oils (herb-infused oils) are much milder, gentler, bring out different constituents, and have a less fragrance. You can certainly dilute an EO in<\/em> an herbal oil to combine their healing effects.<\/p>\n

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The Technique<\/h2>\n

There are MANY methods for making an herbal oil. Some of it is personal preference. Also, some herbs extract better through different methods.<\/p>\n

Alcohol Intermediary Oil<\/h3>\n

1 day with alcohol & a blender (courtesy of Michael Moore)<\/p>\n

This technique is unusual in that it involves alcohol and can only be done with dry plant material. However, the little bit of alcohol does an excellent job enhancing the extraction of constituents, and it also is far less likely to go bad (because you\u2019re using dry rather than fresh herb, and because the alcohol helps disinfect and preserve the plant). Bonus: It\u2019s ready within one day!<\/em><\/p>\n

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1. 1 oz of dried herb, ground coarsely in the blender or food processor<\/li>\n
2. 1\/2 oz whole grain alcohol (vodka can be substituted, but it will add water to the mix)<\/li>\n
3. 7 to 8 oz olive or other carrier oil<\/li>\n<\/ol>\n

   In a glass container with a tight lid, mix dried herb with alcohol. It will be the consistency of slightly damp soil. Let sit, covered, for about one day.<\/p>\n

   Place the herb-alcohol mix into a blender, add oil, and slowly blend the mixture. Increase the speed. Let blend until the blender gets warm, about 5 minutes.<\/p>\n

   Strain through cheesecloth or a cloth to desired clarity. If desired, filter again through a coffee filter, changing as needed.<\/p>\n

   Store in glass in a cool, dark place. Should keep for 6-12 months, sometimes longer.<\/p>\n

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   Enjoy this video I did with Mountain Rose Herbs that shows you how to do an alcohol-intermediary oil ~<\/strong><\/p>\n