How to Make Herbal-Infused Oils At Home

If you've been here before, I love using herbs in almost everything, and infused oils are one of my favourite ways to capture their goodness.

Whether making a healing salve, a bath oil, or even just massaging them into dry skin, infused oils are a beautiful way to use what you’ve grown or foraged.

What Is an Infused Oil?

An infused oil is a carrier oil (like olive or almond) steeped with dried herbs over time. The result is a shelf-stable, herb-rich oil that smells lovely and contains the healing properties of your chosen plants.

How to Make Herbal-Infused Oils At Home

Method 1: The Solar (Slow) Infusion

This is my favourite method. It's gentle, there's no risk of overheating, and it's a lovely excuse to fill your windowsill with apothecary jars.

You’ll need:

• A clean, dry glass jar with a lid

• Dried herbs (e.g. calendula, lavender, plantain, comfrey)

• A carrier oil (e.g. olive, almond, jojoba, sunflower)

• A label with the date

How to:

1. Fill your jar ½ to ¾ full with dried herbs.

2. Pour your oil over the herbs, covering them by at least an inch.

3. Stir gently to release air bubbles, then seal tightly.

4. Place in a warm, sunny windowsill for 3–6 weeks.

5. Shake gently every day or two.

6. Once done, strain through cheesecloth or a coffee filter, then bottle and label.

Shelf life: about 6–12 months, stored in a cool dark place.

Method 2: The Warm (Quick) Infusion

This is great if you don't have to hurry or want to make herbal salves the same day.

You’ll need:

• Dried herbs

• Oil of your choice

• A heatproof bowl or double boiler

• A sieve or muslin cloth

How to:

1. Combine herbs and oil in a glass bowl over a pan of simmering water (double boiler style).

2. Heat on very low for 1–3 hours. Never let it boil.

3. Strain and bottle once cooled.

Tip: Keep temps below 40–50°C to preserve the herb’s goodness.

Best Oils for Infusion

• Olive oil: Rich, nourishing, great for skin salves

• Almond oil: Light and easily absorbed

• Jojoba oil: Excellent shelf life and skin compatibility

• Coconut oil: Antimicrobial and solid at room temp (great in balms)

Favourite Herbs to Infuse

• Calendula: Soothes dry or inflamed skin

• Comfrey: Supports healing and cell regeneration

• Lavender: Calming, anti-inflammatory

• Plantain: Great for bug bites and stings

• Chamomile: Gentle and soothing, even for kids

How to Store and Preserve Your Herbal Oils

Once strained, store your infused oil in a clean, dry glass bottle or jar—preferably amber or dark-coloured to help protect it from light. Please keep it in a cool, dark place like a cupboard or pantry, away from heat and direct sunlight.

Most infused oils will last 6 to 12 months, depending on the type of oil used and how well it was stored. To help extend the shelf life, you can add a few drops of vitamin E oil as a natural preservative.

Always label your bottles with the date and herbs used. If the oil smells rancid or looks cloudy over time, it’s best to compost and start fresh.

FAQ: Herbal-Infused Oils

1. Can I use fresh herbs instead of dried? It’s best to use dried herbs. Fresh herbs contain water, which can cause mould or spoilage in your oil. If you must use fresh herbs, let them wilt for a day or two to reduce moisture.

2. How long do infused oils last? Most herbal-infused oils last 6 to 12 months if stored in a cool, dark place. Adding vitamin E oil can help extend shelf life.

3. What are the best oils to use for infusion? Popular choices include olive oil (rich and nourishing), almond oil (light and gentle), and jojoba oil (long shelf life and similar to skin’s natural oils).

4. Can I mix different herbs in one infusion? Absolutely. You can blend herbs with complementary properties—like calendula and chamomile for calming, or lavender and plantain for skin-soothing.

5. What’s the difference between infused and essential oils? An infused oil is made by steeping herbs in a carrier oil, while an essential oil is a highly concentrated extract. Infused oils are gentler and safer for direct skin use.