How to Make an Infusion

An Infusion is a herbal preparation made by steeping plant material in a liquid or other base to draw out its beneficial properties, flavor, aroma, and color. Infusions can be made with water, oil, vinegar, alcohol, honey, and other mediums depending on the intended use.

Best For

  • Extracting the properties of herbs into a usable base
  • Making teas, oils, vinegars, tinctures, syrups, and other preparations
  • Preserving herbal flavor, aroma, and beneficial compounds
  • Creating herbal preparations for internal or external use
  • Building the foundation for many apothecary recipes

Shelf Life

Shelf life depends on the infusion medium used. Water-based infusions spoil quickly and are best used the same day or refrigerated and used within 24–48 hours. Oil, vinegar, alcohol, and honey infusions last much longer when properly made and stored.

Basic Salve Method

  1. Choose your herb and your infusion medium.
  2. Prepare the herb by cleaning, drying, chopping, or crushing as needed.
  3. Place the herb into a clean jar, pot, cup, or other suitable container.
  4. Pour the chosen medium over the herb until fully covered.
  5. Cover the container to protect the preparation while it infuses.
  6. Let it steep, soak, or sit for the amount of time needed for that type of infusion. This could be hours or months.
  7. Strain out the plant material when the infusion is complete.
  8. Use the finished infusion right away or move it to a clean storage container.
  9. Label with the herb, medium, and date made.
  10. Store according to the type of infusion and its expected shelf life.

What You Need

  • Base Ingredients
  • Herb or herbs
  • Infusion medium of choice
  • Optional supporting ingredients, depending on the preparation
  • Tools & Equipment
  • Clean jar, cup, bowl, or pot
  • Lid, cover, or cloth
  • Measuring spoons or cups
  • Spoon or stirring utensil
  • For Finishing & Storage
  • Strainer, cheesecloth, or fine mesh sieve
  • Clean bottle, jar, or other storage container
  • Lid or cap that fits tightly
  • Funnel
  • Labels or marker
  • Dark cabinet, pantry, or refrigerator space, depending on the infusion type

Storage & Labeling


Store the finished infusion in a clean, properly sealed container suited to the infusion medium.

Label it with the herb used, the infusion medium, and the date made.

Keep it in the proper storage location for that type of infusion, such as the refrigerator for short-lived water infusions or a cool, dark place for longer-lasting preparations.