HERB-INFUSED OIL

COLD-INFUSION/SOLAR METHOD Common measurements for creating herb-infused oils via the solar method include filling the jar ¼ to ½ full with herbs, then filling the jar with oil. If you would like a more precise measurement, use the common ratio of one ounce dried herb to 10 ounces of oil. Place herbs into a clean jar and add the carrier oil. Close jar and leave herbs to infuse for 4-6 weeks. Jar needs to be placed in a consistently warm area, but out of direct sunlight. Make sure your lid is secured tightly and your herbs are totally submerged into the carrier oil. As you think of it, stop by and give your jar a gentle shake every now and then. Once infused, strain out the herbs. HOT-INFUSION METHODS Hot-infusion methods allow you to create infused oils in a shorter time frame (one day instead of weeks!). I still prefer the col-infusion method as it keeps more of the herbs beneficial properties intact. However, the hot infusion method is perfectly acceptable and will allow you to create needed remedies and body products right when you need them. 2. STOVE-TOP METHOD Similar to the methods used to melt butters, oils and herbs can be warmed in the top of a double boiler, or placed in a jar that is then put in a pot with a few inches of water. Warm over a low to medium heat so the oil gets warm, but not hot (never boiling). Use a chopstick or spoon to gently stir the herbs every now and then. Warm oil for about 20 minutes then remove from the stove. Cover and let sit for at least 3 hours. Once oil is sufficiently infused, strain out the herbs. HOW TO STRAIN HERBS straining herbs Place a strainer over a bowl and lay a piece of cheesecloth or a coffee filter across it. Pour the herbs and oils into the bowl, through the cheesecloth. It may look like there are more herbs than oil! Report this ad Squeeze mixture inside the cheesecloth to help extract all of the oil. Once you have extracted as much oil as possible, discard the herbs. You now have an infused oil! IMPORTANT NOTES FOR BEST HERB-INFUSED OIL -always use good quality dried herbs (and make sure they are actually dry…damp herbs could lead to spoilage) -always use clean and sterilized jars and utensils -if using the cold infusion method, be sure to always use tight-fitting lids -make sure hands and working area are clean label jars with name of herb, oil used, and date infusion was started (or should end), so you know what is inside. Believe me, it’s easier to forget than you might think! herbs and oil infusion http://adelightfulhome.com/make-herb-infused-oil/