DIY Infused Carrier Oils for Health

Turning herbs into oils is a fun way to make natural remedies for all sorts of things. I love growing my own herbs, drying them out, and soaking them in oil for a few weeks to create a natural health remedy. Once I strain out the herbs, I've got a strong, natural oil packed with the herb's medicinal benefits.

I grow my own calendula (Calendula officianalis) flowers.  In fact, I found seeds from a supplier that produce a high resin content.  Calendula is known for its skin healing properties.  It is antimicrobial, wound healing, anti-inflammatory, and can be used for gastrointestinal problems.  When they start to bloom, I harvest the blossoms, dry them for several days (they must be dry since even a small amount of water can cause mold to grow in the oil) then put them in a jar with oil (usually jojoba or a blend of carrier oils suited for skin problems).  I use 50% blossoms to 50% oil.  Then I put it on a shelf for 6 weeks, shaking it every day.  Though some herbalists suggest leaving it in the sun during this time, I prefer a dark place to protect its nutrients and medicinal qualities. 

Also, I grow comfrey (leaves), self-heal (leaves and blossoms) and St. John’s Wort.  I use the same method with these herbs except with St. John’s Wort.  With this, I need to get the beautiful, tiny, yellow blossoms early before they open and infuse them fresh, not dried.  This produces a beautiful red colored oil that can be used for nerve damage, neuropathy and depression. 

In the early spring, I forage near my home for cottonwood buds. When these buds are infused in oil for several months, then strained, the resulting oil has strong medicinal properties for pain, infection, eczema, psoriasis, and inflammation. The oil can be made into a salve commonly known as Balm of Gilead.

In late autumn, after the first frost, again I forage near my home, but this time it's for wild rosehips. After a deep freeze, the rose plants send their last bits of nutrients into their rosehips to encourage stronger seeds for the coming year. These I also infuse in oil to make a wonderful skin healing substance for skin problems and mature skin.

If I combine my infused oils with essential oils, I have an even stronger remedy.  I have gathered information about infusing oils from many herbalists which, admittedly, is not my expertise, but I’m learning.  You can find many helpful herbalist tips online from qualified herbalists. I can suggest specific essential oils to add to your infused oils to address multiple health concerns.

Contact me with any questions.