Best For

• Infusing herbs into a skin-friendly oil for external use
• Applying herbal support to the skin, scalp, and body
• Massage, body care, and hair care
• Serving as the base for salves, balms, creams, and lotions
• Preserving herbs in an oil-based form for later use

Shelf Life

Herbal oils usually keep for about 6–12 months, depending on the oil used, how dry the herbs were, and how well the finished oil is stored. Oils made with fully dried herbs and kept in a cool, dark place generally last longer than oils made with fresh herbs.

Basic Herbal Oils

• Choose your herb or herbal blend. Use about ½–1 cup dried herb for 1–2 cups oil in a small batch.
• Place the herb into a clean, dry jar.
• Pour the oil over the herb until it is fully covered by at least 1–2 inches of oil.
• Stir gently to release air bubbles and make sure all plant material is coated.
• Seal the jar and keep it in a warm place out of direct heat for a slow infusion, or use gentle heat for a faster method.
• Let it infuse for the desired amount of time. Slow infusions are often left for 2–4 weeks, while gentle warm infusions may be done over several hours.
• Strain out all plant material using cheesecloth, a fine strainer, or a sieve.
• Let the oil settle if needed, then strain again if any fine particles remain.
• Pour the finished oil into a clean, dry bottle or jar.
• Label with the herb used, oil used, and date made.

What You Need

• Base Ingredients
  • Dried herb or herbal blend: usually about ½–1 cup for a small batch
  • Oil: usually about 1–2 cups, enough to fully cover the herbs by 1–2 inches
  • Optional supporting ingredients: vitamin E or other recipe add-ins in small amounts

• Tools & Equipment
  • Clean, dry glass jar
  • Measuring cups or spoons
  • Spoon or stirring utensil
  • Double boiler or warm infusion setup, if using heat
  • Strainer, cheesecloth, or fine mesh sieve
  • Bowl or measuring cup for straining
  • Funnel

• For Finishing & Storage
  • Clean, dry bottle or jar
  • Tight-fitting lid or cap
  • Labels or marker
  • Dark cabinet or cool storage area

Storage + Labeling:

Store herbal oil in a clean, dry, sealed bottle or jar. Label it with the herb used, the oil used, and the date made. Keep it in a cool, dark place away from heat, sunlight, and moisture.