Herbal Infused Oils: Uses & Benefits

What is an herbal infused oil?

An herbal oil is a carrier oil that is infused with plant material such as leaves, flowers, stems or roots. It can be made by allowing the plant material to infuse in the oil for 4-6 weeks in the sun or a few hours over low-heat in a crockpot. By combining a carrier oil with herbs, the infused oil has double dose of benefits of the oil and herbs infused. 

Infused Herbal Oils

 

Herbal oil infusions are a great alternative to essential oils because it requires much less plant material than essential oils. Herbs such as lavender, chamomile and plantain leaves are potent enough for the scent to be extracted via an herbal infusion. 

Popular Carrier Oils

Carrier oils are base vegetable oils used to dilute stronger plant material such as essential oils before they are applied to the skin. Plant constituents such as essential oils and absolutes are too strong to be applied directly to the skin and need a base for dilution. 

  • Olive Oil
  • Coconut Oil
  • Jojoba Oil
  • Apricot Oil
  • Hemp Oil
  • Argan Oil
  • Primrose Oil
  • Grapeseed Oil
  • Sunflower Oil
  • Sesame Oil
  • Sweet Almond Oil

My favorite carrier oils for herbal infusions are grapeseed, coconut, olive, sweet almond and jojoba oils. 

Top Herbs for Infusions

Dried plant material are best suited for herbal infusions because all of the water content is removed. Fresh plant material have high contents of water and elements that can make the oil rancid. 

Herbal infused oils can be used for many different reasons. For the budding herbalist, herbal oils can be used as the foundation of herbal preparations such as salves, lotions, creams, balms, body butters, soaps, shampoos, conditioners and lotion bars. In addition, herbal infused oils can be use for the following:

Skincare - the use and benefits of the oils are endless depending on the type of herb infused. Infused herbal oils are great to use after and before the shower as a moisturizer. 

Deep Moisturizer - herbal oils are a great solution for solving skin issues such as eczema, dry skin, dandruff and psoriasis. Our calendula and chamomile body oils deliver both the benefits of the oils and herbs. 

Face Care - all of the oils are gentle enough to be added to most face care routine. Herbal oils can be used as the base for the oil cleansing methods. 

Hair Growth - herbal oils can be used to stimulate hair growth, moisturize dry scalp, seal moisture to reduce hair breakage and split ends. 

Self or Couple Massage - our rose vanilla herbal oil is great for couple massages as it opens the body to receiving, recognizing and giving love and sensuality. Our lavender body oil is great for a calming massage to relax the body and mind. Lastly, calendula and chamomile body oils can be used to heal the feet. 

Breasts - We are taught to touch our breasts out of fear or to reserve the act for our lovers. Using an herbal infused oil is a great way to reconnect with your breasts by practicing gentle massages. 

Feet & Hands - Both the hands and feet have a lot of sensory areas. By implementing self massages, we can increase blood circulation and remove stagnant energies. 

Check out our infused herbal oil collection 

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